Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Baker.
Hi Karen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a native Houstonian. I graduated from St. John’s School before attending Duke University. I returned to Houston to earn a JD from the University of Houston Law Center before moving to Northern California to obtain my Master’s in Sports and Fitness Management.
I worked in the sports industry for almost a decade, mostly in professional baseball and soccer. While this might seem like an unusual starting point for a productivity consultant, these experiences laid the foundation for my future business as an organizing and productivity expert.
Once again, I returned to my Houston roots and launched my career as a professional organizer. The business evolved naturally, and by 2011, I had found my true calling – helping professionals optimize their work lives. This evolution led to the creation of SOHO Productivity Solutions. I combine my legal background, sports industry experience, and organizing expertise to help solopreneurs, executives, and freelancers transform their workplace productivity.
I’ve been a member of the National Association of Organizing and Productivity Professionals (NAPO) since I started my first professional organizing business in 2008. After serving as the Houston chapter president from 2021-2022 and on the national Board of Directors, I’ll take over as NAPO’s President in May 2025.
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?
There are always struggles and challenges when you’re a business owner. The biggest initial hurdle was learning how to be a business owner. Being a business owner meant wearing many hats – from marketing and sales to service delivery and administration. Also, I launched my organizing business in 2008, just as the economy was heading into a recession – certainly not ideal timing! However, this challenge forced me to be more strategic and adaptable, ultimately leading to my pivot into workplace productivity consulting in 2011.
Another significant challenge was educating the market about the value of professional organizing and productivity consulting. When I first started, many people didn’t understand how a productivity consultant could transform their work life or provide a return on investment. I had to learn to be an educator and advocate for the profession and a service provider.
The evolution of technology has presented both opportunities and challenges. As client needs shifted toward digital solutions, I’ve had to continuously expand my expertise to include technology tools and digital organizing. This means constant learning and adaptation to stay ahead of trends and provide the most current solutions for my clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At SOHO Productivity Solutions, I help solopreneurs, executives, and freelancers optimize their workplace organization, productivity, and technology. This might involve streamlining their physical workspace, implementing digital organization systems, optimizing their workflow, or integrating new technology tools.
One of my specialties is helping clients combine analog and digital productivity. In today’s hybrid work environment, this has become increasingly crucial.
I’m known for creating customized solutions that actually stick. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all approaches, I work closely with clients to understand their work style, challenges, and goals. Then, I develop systems and strategies that align with their natural tendencies and professional needs. The unique combination of my legal background, sports industry experience, and productivity expertise allows me to translate complex productivity concepts into practical, implementable solutions that make sense.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people are surprised to learn about my background in professional sports or that I passed the Texas Bar Exam. They’re also surprised to know that I am an introvert.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.sohoproductivity.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sohoproductivity/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sohoproductivity
- Twitter: https://x.com/SOHOPSolutions
