Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracey.
Hi Tracey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
2009 was a crazy year for me. I broke up with my son’s father in April, which made things tight financially, but then I got laid off in July. My son was 2, and I knew I would not get good quality time with him if I took a full-time job. I only had six months’ worth of expenses in savings, but I decided to start my own company so I could have a good work/life balance while my child was young.
I had zero entrepreneurial experience and I did not have a business network in Houston at all. However, I put the pedal to the metal and I made more in my second year on my own than I had made working for anybody else. I ran that company successfully for 15 years.
I returned to the corporate world for a year, and it wasn’t a good fit for a free spirit like me. When I got laid off last year (because that’s what they do), I decided to go out on my own again. I’m a professional organizer now and I LOVE it.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been smooth at all lol. There are always boom or bust cycles when you’re an entrepreneur, and the slow times are hard to bear. That voice that says you’re going to be living under a bridge can be very loud. The best way to address is to be gentle and say, “Yes. I hear and understand your concerns. But I am very resourceful and I will be successful.” You have to stay positive and trust the process.
You’re also out of your comfort zone a lot. You have to learn things you don’t want to learn, and perform tasks in areas that aren’t your strong suit. It’s challenging, but also very good for you.
As you know, we’re big fans of Zen Organizing. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a professional organizer, so I help my clients purge and declutter their homes. We then organize the remaining items in a way that makes the most sense for the family and create a system that can be maintained over time.
I specialize in reducing stress for busy women, especially mothers. Being a mom is a full-time job, and it just is exceptionally difficult to maintain a pristine home while running a household and managing multiple children.
I am different from other organizers because I have 35 years of communications experience as both a journalist and in the corporate world. I have spent my entire career working with people from all walks of life. I know how to build trust and tailor my work to each client to get the best results.
Can I say I love my personality lol? I’m a Labrador Retriever in human form, so I have an abundance of kindness and good energy.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am an award-winning songwriter and I also love to write poetry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zenorganizingkaty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zenorganizingkaty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenorganizing
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traceytimpanaro
Image Credits
Photos to my Children
