Meet Julie Minney | Professional Organizer and Productivity Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie Minney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
There were several factors that lead me consider the possibility of starting my own business. The first was that I needed a part-time job to help pay for the kids tuition, college and the extra expenses of a growing family. My younger children were still in school and I wanted a flexible schedule so that I could be there for them. Second, I had been out of the work force for over 25 years. Although I definitely believe staying at home to raise children is full time job, I wasn’t confident in my abilities in that arena and needed to walk through the shallow end. Looking back, this choice was harder than going to work for someone else. I’m happy that I didn’t know it at the time though. It might have deterred me from doing something a I am passionate about.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is an extension of who I am and what I value. A confident, caring woman/mother (of six grown children) and a home that is warm, peaceful (mostly) and safe haven from the stresses of the world. I have always strived to create order out of chaos and time for the things that really matter. To me it’s spending time doing what your love, being with who you love and caring for the needs of others.

These may sound like lofty goals, however I truly believe that it is possible for everyone who is willing to learn. I have seen this transformation in many of my clients and in their homes. By combining in my experiences raising a family with my innate organizational skills, I have discovered how to teach others how to reach similar goals for themselves. I am proud of the fact that 90% of my business comes from client referrals. I have a loyal clients that often reach out when they experience life transitions such as moving, remodeling, new babies, kids leaving home, a death in the family etc., We will rework systems that no longer work for them.

Professional accomplishments, aside, this professional has not come without its setbacks. Economic realities such as Covid 19, inflation and job loss have presented particular challenges to my industry. Our services by and large are thought of along the same lines as housekeeping, home decorating/design and landscaping. Whenever clients tighten their belts financially, we are usually one of the first to go. During Covid, I started working virtually for a time. It wasn’t a big success but it kept me in personal contact with these clients. I have found reaching out to them through text or social media periodically helps to. Showing genuine interest in their lives is a very important. After all, we are allowed in spaces that they hide from most people. Sort of like a hairdresser, we are a captured audience with an objective viewpoint.

The most challenging thing for me professionally has been a work/life balance. Sometime the lines get blurred between working on my business, serving my clients and taking the necessary time off to recharge. Professional organizing while extremely satisfying, can also be physical and mental leaving little energy at the end of the day to be available to myself, my family and friends. Asking for help to do the things I can’t is a challenge for me but it is one of the most valuable lessons I have I learned from my clients. They have the courage to admit their shortcomings and trust me to guide them. I can do the same.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a native San Diegan so I have a great love for this beautiful city and its unique history. My family owns seafood restaurants so I have been raised with a love for food and dining too. Today there are so many cool places to go with ever evolving menus and entertainment. Downtown San Diego and Little Italy are one of my favorite spots. It has old world charm and lots of great Italian restaurants that have a warm family style vibe. I would definitely take them to hike along the Torrey Pines trail and visit Balboa Park and the Zoo. Hanging out would have to be at the beach. Lunch or happy hour in PB. Shopping in the Cedros district in Solana Beach. Lastly visiting the historic landmarks like The Mission San Diego de Alcala, Presidio park and Cabrillo National Monument. Dinner in Coronado and a walk to the Hotel Del would be at the top of my list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
That’s easy! The San Diego chapter of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals). This is where I found my people. They are a fabulous community of entrepreneurs who have a giving and collaborative spirit. I started out as a chapter member and eventually became a board member. It also gave me the opportunity to work alongside more senior organizers and acquire practical experience. In addition, the classes and certificate courses offered were a big catalyst for success. Needless to say, family support means everything! There were a couple of great books too! Julie Morgenstern’s “Organizing from the Inside Out”, “The Hoarder in You” by Dr. Robin Zasio and “Getting Things Done” by David Allen are a few of my favorites.

Website: minneyspaces@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minneyspacesorganizing

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-minney-290207133/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Minney Spaces Organizing