Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayleen Kelly.
Kayleen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my Home Organizing business in 2014 at the age of 28. Working entry-level jobs for 10 years, living paycheck-to-paycheck I struggled to climb the corporate ladder due to my lack of a college degree. I soon realized my future was not looking great if I didn’t make a change. I always wanted to have the freedom to work for myself and tap into my talent and passions.
I’ve had a knack for organizing and redesigning spaces since I was a little girl. Problem-solving, creative solutions, topped with the excitement and satisfaction of the ‘final reveal!’. As a kid, taking before and afters with my polaroid camera of my grandma’s bathroom was my idea of fun. Other kids just didn’t get it. Ha!
So all those years later, with a $500 tax refund check and only $30 in my checking account I took the leap. Terrified and hopeful. I spent the next 10 months building the business while working my full-time job. I took consultations in the evenings and projects on the weekends. In those 10 months, I built the business far enough to be able to quit my job and go full-time.
I quickly found my niche on the behavioral side of the industry. Specializing in chronic clutter, ADHD, and trauma informed care. Our environment strongly impacts our physical, mental and emotional health. Many times, our belongings carry deep emotions, memories, and symbolize significant life experiences. Digging through not only the physical clutter but also the emotional clutter leads to huge breakthroughs that improve my client’s lives for the long term. Words can’t describe how rewarding and life-changing this work has been. Eight years later I have a wonderful team of women who are equally passionate, whom I’m incredibly lucky to have by my side.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve clung to the belief that the people who need me will find me.
Fortunately, that positive perspective and a ton of hard work has provided a consistent stream of business. However, with any business there are ups and downs. What I’ve found most difficult is mentally withstanding the downs and remembering that it’s all part of the flow. It takes a lot of mental and emotional strength. Not to mention, trying to keep a healthy work/life balance. That’s something I still struggle to maintain.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is authenticity and humility will take you so much further than any hustle you have to offer. People can see hard work and dedication. But when you make them feel confident and cared for– that’s success.
As you know, we’re big fans of Kayleen Kelly Home Organizing & Redesign. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
As a TikTok creator with over 270k followers and millions of views, I’ve expanded the business to an online educational platform. It’s wild to know that I’m reaching people across the world and helping them transform their homes. My desire to educate and inspire our local community is never-ending. Teaming up with UNF Continuing Education Division teaching the “Get Real! Organized” course. Also appearing on First Coast News as a local organizing expert many times. Give me any chance to talk about decluttering and I’m all in!
In 2021, I published a first-of-its-kind decluttering book for children. KiKi the Magical Makeover Fairy; A Fun Decluttering Book for Kids available on Amazon. It’s perfect for any parent hoping to teach and motivate their children in a playful way.
To learn about In-Home Services visit KayleenKelly.com or learn how to DIY at KayleenKellyShop.com. Get a list of recommended organizing products at Amazon.com/shop/kayleenkellyorganize
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love how large Jacksonville is and how there are so many areas and neighborhoods that are right next to each other but so vastly different. Every spot has a different vibe and after so many years I still find myself in new and unexplored areas.
With that said, having a large city means a ton of driving and that’s just the worst. haha!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: kayleenkelly.com
- Instagram: @
kayleenkellyorganize - Facebook: @
kayleenkellyorganize - TikTok: tiktok.com/@
kayleenkellyorganize - Amazon: Amazon.com/shop/
kayleenkellyorganize
