We recently connected with Laura Gutowski and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Laura, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Despite all my experience helping people declutter and organize, and wonderful reviews from my clients, I did suffer from imposter syndrome for the first couple of years after I founded Everything In Its Space. I was finally able to overcome it through education. Officially, I earned credentials that I could point to should anyone ask (though they hardly ever do). But more importantly, as I studied the material for all the courses, I realized that I already knew and practiced the vast majority of it. And THAT is the knowledge that made me feel truly confident in the value I bring for my clients.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Everything In Its Space started out helping people declutter and organize their closets, kitchens and other spaces in the home. Our clients were often overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start, but with our advice, encouragement and guidance, we were able to help them organize their spaces in the way that worked best for them, one that could be easily maintained and enjoyed. Our clients felt like they had less stress, more time and more control. And nothing made us happier than seeing that weight lifted off their shoulders!
But over time we realized that the most stressful times for our clients were when big changes happened, whether that was having a baby, moving in with a new partner, getting divorced, becoming empty nesters, upsizing and downsizing, or losing a loved one. Our home organizing service already covered some of that, but we felt that there were two big gaps where people could use more specialized support – moving and bereavement. So like many organizing companies, we began to offer move management, to make the experience as smooth as possible for our clients. But more uniquely, we also started to offer bereavement support services. Our goal is to provide a shoulder to lean on during this difficult time, and to help navigate the process of sorting and organizing the deceased’s belongings with as little stress as possible. While these are often very draining projects, they are also the most fulfilling, and the work that we are most proud of.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
My job requires the ability to empathize and work well with people, an eye for detail, and (surprise surprise) fantastic organizational skills. I find it hugely satisfying and rewarding to use those skills with my clients and see how transforming and empowering the process of decluttering and organizing can be for them. I was lucky that I was able to hone those skills in the corporate world before starting my business, but they are things we can all continuously improve. Of course there are books and courses, but I always found the best way to learn was to find people you admire who do it well, and then figure out what exactly it is that they do. And if you can’t figure it out on your own, just ask them!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am always looking to collaborate with more realtors. They often have clients who want to sell their homes, and realtors know that clutter-free homes sell more quickly and at a higher price point, so can recommend my services to anyone needing a little extra help. And I often have clients who are decluttering because they want to move and know that needs to happen first, and are looking for a realtor as soon as we wrap up. So it’s a perfect match!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://everythinginitsspace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everythinginitsspace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everythinginitsspace
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwaiXm_4Uxyr1HQd6fLkXsg
