Story & Lesson Highlights with Juliana Meidl of Metro Detroit

We recently had the chance to connect with Juliana Meidl and have shared our conversation below.

Juliana, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
This is such a great question. When I think about intelligence, energy or integrity I would say without a doubt I value integrity. While intelligence and energy are great qualities (and who wouldn’t want more of both), integrity is something I absolutely value more. This is true for myself and the people I surround myself with. Without integrity I don’t think it matters how smart or accomplished you become.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Juliana Meidl and I am the founder and owner of Serenity At Home, a home organizing company serving the Metro Detroit area. I have been in business for over 7 years and I absolutely love what I do. We have helped 100’s of families getting their homes and lives organized. From young mom’s with little kids, working families with busy teenagers, empty nesters and those ready to downsize and move out of their forever homes, we are here to help.

We also partner with local realtors helping their clients declutter, stage, pack, and unpack and organize their new homes. Serenity At Home is also the in-home organizing partner for The Container Store in Troy, Michigan. We work with the customers of The Container Store who are looking to have someone come into their home and help them get organized. Through this partnership we also are able to design and install The Container Store closet systems for our clients.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents are definitely the two people who taught me the most about the value of work. My dad was a Detroit police officer and my mom was a cook in a school and they both worked very hard to provide for our family. Never once growing up did I realize how difficult it was at times to make ends meet. They gave my sister and I everything we ever needed and never complained about the work they did. Our home was filled with love and they demonstrated every day the value of work, regardless of the job you do.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self it would be to always stay focused on your goals and believe you can do anything. Don’t let other people’s opinions and thoughts on your choices influence the decisions you make. One of the best parts of getting older is this is something that becomes so much easier to do. You can spend so much of your life worrying what other people think when the person you need to focus on is yourself.

See in your mind what it is you want to accomplish and believe without any doubts you will make it happen. It may not always look the way you thought it would or the timing may not be what you want but you can accomplish any goals you get set for yourself when you believe you can.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
There are a few beliefs that I hold tightly and that truly have defined the life I have built for myself. The first truth I live by is family is over everything. All the success in the world doesn’t mean anything if you don’t have people you love to share it with. My husband and I have been married over 30 years and have three amazing kids. While things have not always turned out the way I imagined, there is nothing I value more in life than them. Seeing our kids grow into these amazing adults is the greatest joy of my life.

I also strongly believe that doing everything you can to take care of your health is so important. Success without your health isn’t going to mean much. It is so important to focus everyday on making healthy choices so that you can enjoy life as long as possible.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I have started really thinking about my legacy over these last few years as I get closer to 60. When I specifically think about what I would hope people remember about me when I am gone is that I loved fiercely and always looked for the best in people.

Being able to always see the best in people is so important as life can be very difficult at times. You never know what other people are going through and with social media so much of what we see isn’t even the truth. I believe in always treating people with respect, loving them for who they are and being the best version of myself every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.serenityathome.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serenityathomedetroit/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-meidl-6165b51b5/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SAHDetroit/