Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Singleton.
Hi Christina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After teaching for over a decade I came to the realization that I needed to make a change with my career, but I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do.
During the process of trying to discover myself, I decided it was time to let go of anything holding me back from making decisions. I went through my house, room by room and decluttered everything that I no longer needed. I have moved many times in my life and I always decluttered before each move, but this time was so much more intentional. In addition to decluttering, I purchased some bins and organized everything I wanted to keep. Every room I completed made me feel more at peace and less stressed. At this point I still had no idea what I wanted to do, but I felt much more relaxed in my space and knew I was getting closer.
During the organizing process I found my heavy scrapbooks and I really wanted to turn them into lighter, thinner photo books. I tried searching for scanners that were large enough to scan 12×12, but the only one who could do it wanted way too much money! And that’s when I found TPM (The Photo Managers). As I talked to more Photo Organizers, I found that many also organized homes! That is when I decided, I am going to be a home and photo organizer and founded Neat Squad in March of 2021.
I learned so much my first year through joining and connecting with members of TPM, NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing), JWBC (Jacksonville Chamber Women’s Business Center), SCORE and SBDC (Small Business Development Center at FAU).
Today, I am happier than I have ever been. I love working with clients and helping them find peace in their space and preserve precious memories. I know I am still making a difference in the world and that is all I ever wanted to do.
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?
I’ve always remembered the saying, “nothing worth having comes easy” so I knew going into this there would be challenges. When you own a small business you have to become an expert at many things- your specialty, bookkeeping, marketing, networking, administration and so much more.
The hardest part for me was networking. I can talk in front of kids all day, but when it comes to adults I freeze. I am not a sales person or a public speaker so when it is my turn to talk in front of a crowd I get extremely anxious. This has been the most difficult and the most rewarding part for me. I am starting to overcome my fears and have met some incredible entrepreneurs in the process.
Of course there are many other challenges, such as not ever having enough time to do all the administrative things or knowing when to turn off your work, but overall it is all worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Neat Squad?
Neat Squad is a licensed and insured team of Professional Organizers who specialize in home and photos.
Our home squad provides judgement-free home organization services. Research has shown that organization can greatly reduce stress and improve mental health. Our goal is to make your space functional, inviting and easy to maintain. We can work on one room or an entire house.
Our photo squad will digitize, organize, preserve and help you display your photo collections. Our goal is to ensure your photos are safe and easily accessible. We also love designing photo books!
Neat Squad is unique because we offer both home and photo organizing. We also pride ourselves on building relationships with our clients. Our team is patient and kind and we want you to feel comfortable throughout your entire organizing journey.
How do you think about luck?
I believe you make your own luck by working hard, being persistent and surrounding yourself with people who support your goals. I am lucky to have been born into an amazingly supportive family and to have found a partner that also supports my dreams.
However, success was never handed to me. I have had to work hard for every single thing in my life. And at the end of the day, I am better for it.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.theneatsquad.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/theneatsquad
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theneatsquad
