Today we’d like to introduce you to Melony Davis.
Melony, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2001, I wrote out a business plan for an organizing company I was going to call “Mess Menders.” Sadly, at that time, I didn’t know of anyone else offering home organizing services, I didn’t really understand the ins and outs of running a business, and I wasn’t aware of any support organization for people in this industry. Slightly discouraged, I filed it all away and continued working in The United Methodist Church in Christian Education and Children’s Ministry until 2009.
About that time, the television show “Hoarders” became very popular on TV. As I watched the organizers work with their clients, in the most difficult of situations, I knew that it was something I could do. It was if all of my organizing skills and ministry experiences were culminating into this one profession. Motivated by all of this, I did some research on the internet. I found out about the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and learned there was a Chapter in the Houston area. I went to my first meeting in January 2012 and the rest is history.
In January 2017, All About Space Organizing celebrated its 5th year in business. Throughout the years, I have worked with clients from all ages and stages of life, as well as a variety of organizing situations. From those just wanting to organize their pantry or master closet, to a level 4 hoarding situation.
I love working with my clients. Knowing I have made an impact, not only in their home, but by creating calm where there was chaos, is the best feeling ever.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge with running my business, is running my business. Because I am a one person company, I wear all of the hats: Organizer, Accountant, Marketing Director, etc. Effectively scheduling my time has been key in making everything work.
I also had to learn to set boundaries with my clients. Because I am working in their homes as they sort through their most personal items and paperwork, I hear their life stories. Some of them have been heartbreaking. I had to figure out a way to work with compassion, but not bring their struggles home to my own family.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about All About Space Organizing – what should we know?
The number one word I hear when I speak to a potential client for the first time is “overwhelmed”. Everyone is being pulled in so many different directions with work, family and everything else that goes on in life, that their homes and personal spaces are being neglected. Mail lies around unopened. Laundry stacks up. Things don’t get put away. We buy too much and have nowhere to store it. And, that’s where I come in. My job is to not only help you organize your space, but to teach you how to put simple systems into place so you don’t end up in the same situation in the future.
I love working on master closets with clients. There are just a few changes they can make that will give it the “wow” factor. I also like working with families and individuals as they deal with life changes: moves, divorce, downsizing of their home, death of a loved one, etc. I feel like my time working in the church prepared me to work with them, with compassion, as they go through these situations.
I also enjoy speaking to groups about organization. My newest presentation called “Letting Go Before You Go” addresses the very real need for families to have conversations about the disbursement of possessions, both prior to, and after the death of a loved one. I have heard some very sad stories about family members fighting with each other over the smallest items because this had not been addressed while the original owner was still alive.
There are several things about my business that give me pride. I have a very high ethical standard and my clients can trust me to be in their homes, even if they’re away. I have a long list of resources and referrals that I can share with my clients if they’re needing more than organizing. And finally, I make the organizing process fun! My clients and I laugh a lot during our organizing sessions. It is a time consuming, and sometimes difficult thing, to sort through a closet full of clothes or a desk covered in papers. If I can make that process fun for my clients, then I’ve really done something.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I often say that my business is 1/3 organizing, 1/3 psychology, and 1/3 ministry. All three of these factors are the qualities that make my business successful. Not only do I bring great organizing skills and tips to the table, but I really listen to my clients’ stories and have great compassion for them as well.
My motto is: “Less Mess = Less Stress!”
Pricing:
- Consultation fee is $50.
- Hourly, hands-on organizing fee is $75/hour with a 3 hour minimum per session.
- Organizing Assistants fee is $65/hour with a 3 hour minimum per session.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.All-AboutSpace.com
- Phone: 713-703-8614
- Email: Melony@All-AboutSpace.com
- Facebook: Facebook/All About Space Professional Organizing
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
