Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Bukow.
Hi Emily, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
From a young age, I found joy in maintaining a neat and organized home, inspired by my mother’s appreciation for tidy spaces. This passion led me to pursue a degree in Interior Design from the University of Arizona. Initially, I worked in commercial space planning and design, but I eventually transitioned to freelancing as a decorator, enjoying the autonomy it offered. However, after marrying and having five children in seven years, two of whom have Down syndrome, my priorities shifted. I immersed myself in their care and discovered the significance of community through The Arc Florida. Subsequently, I became the Director of Family Support services, underscoring the value of both seeking and offering assistance to those with varying disabilities and their families. This guiding principle of helping others was demonstrated by my wonderful mother and grandmother and they advocated and encouraged others well into their eighties!
While I missed creative outlets, I wasn’t sure about going back to strictly interior design. I realized my greatest fulfillment came from finding solutions and that’s when Emily’s Home Solutions was born. I still embrace organizing and design, but now on my own terms and if I can help anyone regarding their homes or offices I do my best to make it happen.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When asked if I regretted the challenges my answer is, my goodness, never! My biggest obstacles were of my own making because I rarely asked for help. My darkest hours personally and professionally were always when I neglected to understand how much easier things would be if I relied on a mentor, family, and community. Self-sufficiency was my Kryptonite. My favorite T-shirt says “Organizing is my Super Power,” but as it turns out, asking for help is my real superpower.
I also ran my business in a way that wasn’t true to myself. I stretched myself in areas that weren’t necessary. I dressed up and tried not to have a hair out of place, which is not who I am at all. I’m very casual and active in my personal life, and now I often go to see clients straight from the gym! I feel sad for the young woman I was, trying to fit a certain stereotype. I’m sure experience and age help keep thing in perspective and if asked I always tell younger adults to be themselves.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Rarely do clients reach out when things are perfect. Typically, they recognize the need for assistance due to evolving life situations. This could be as straightforward as wanting to revamp their home or a complete redesign, or it could be related to becoming empty nesters or downsizing. Many clients have struggled with organizational issues since childhood, hindering productivity and contentment. We offer strategies to enhance executive function, streamlining processes and eliminating unnecessary steps. Other clients feel overwhelmed by decades of accumulated clutter, while some struggle to let go of cherished possessions, even if they feel burdened by them. My guiding principle is “Do No Harm.” I strive to be supportive without being overbearing, gently encouraging clients to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
I love what I do and the people that I assist become more like family than clients. I have boundless energy and love filling my schedule with as many clients as I can shoulder. Now that my children have grown up and out, I can really focus on the joy of working.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking is always worth the initial fear. At first, I was apprehensive about starting my own business, questioning my abilities as both a designer and a businesswoman. To address this, I took several online classes focused on starting a small business, ethics, branding, and networking, which provided a great foundation. Early on, I offered my services free of charge to strategic clients, with the understanding that if they were happy with my work, they would recommend me. This risk paid off, and I’ve never had to advertise.
I took another risk by expanding my services from organizing and decorating to move management. I engaged other professionals to help me fulfill my professional vision, and finding dependable, trustworthy people was key to my success. I also rely on other designers and organizers when I’m overwhelmed, overbooked, or need honest feedback to get back on track.
My biggest risk was relocating from South Florida to Jacksonville four years ago to be close to my adult children living at The Arc’s Village, an independent living community that caters to adults with differing abilities. After 15 years of building a solid business, starting over reminded me of my early days. So I went back to the basics and began again using the principles that I used in my first few years as an entrepreneur.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.EmilysHomeSolutions.com
