Meet Sandi D’Arezzo | Owner of a Professional Organizing Company

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandi D’Arezzo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I used to be an elementary school music teacher full time. Although fulfilling in some ways, it was also tiring to see 400+ little ones a week. I couldn’t imagine teaching all day and then also having energy for my own future children. At the time I was also getting really into decluttering and organizing my own home. I loved it so much that once my home was completely decluttered, I wanted to keep going and help others declutter too! I discovered that professional organizing was a thing and started my business on the side while teaching.

After one year of doing both (and organizing late into the night after school and on weekends) I took the leap to organize full time. Having a business is also tiring at times and involves a lot of mental energy, but I love that overall I can have flexibility with my job, especially now that I have two children. I love that I can help so many people. Whether teaching or organizing, I knew I wanted a job where I was making a difference.

I have two locations and a team of employees at both. I still get to use my teaching background and leadership skills with my employees and by teaching organizing and decluttering skills. Not to mention running your own business involves a lot of organizational and self-motivation skills that a teacher has. I love what I do!

Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Hello Simplified is an organizing business that offers home organizing and packing & unpacking for moves. We specialize in helping clients with big life changes. This includes things such as moving, downsizing, retiring, becoming empty nesters, having a baby, parenting ever-changing children, or dealing with the belongings of a passed loved one. We have a team of talented organizers that are dedicated employees. We can bring a team in and unpack your home in a few short days, to get you ready for your new chapter quickly and with less stress. When I started Hello Simplified I wasn’t planning on having employees. That seemed very intimidating and I was planning on just flying solo. Shortly after starting my business though we decided to move from NH to NC. I didn’t want to lose my business in NH, so I started a team to work alongside me and train until I moved. They eventually took over for NH and I was able to keep both locations and manage from afar. It has been wonderful! Then having two children and going through COVID, things naturally progressed to having employees in NC as well and having them do the organizing while I act more as CEO and manage my employees/the business side of things.
I have learned and taught myself so much by being a business owner. Having a business is like 90% the business-side of things and 10% what the business is actually about (organizing!) I’ve had to learn how to start and legally maintain a business, do taxes, social media, marketing, blogging, newsletters, networking, hiring and managing employees, payroll, creating a website, interacting with clients, invoicing, and so much more. Luckily, I love it!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m really big into taking walks and going to coffee shops or restaurants. I’m a lists person so I always have ideas up my sleeve! Some of my favorite local walks with strollers are: Crabtree Lake (park at the Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead), Lake Lynn, Shelley Lake Trail, Lake Johnson, and Apex Community Park. If you want an unpaved trail (non-stroller friendly) then Hemlock Bluffs is great too as well as walking around Duke Gardens.
The Raleigh Farmer’s Market is always a hit when my parents or best friend visits. Southpoint Mall is pretty to walk around at their outdoor shops.
Favorite places to go with kiddos is the Durham Museum of Life and Science (stop at Monuts in Durham on the way!), Marla Dorrel Park, Pullen Park, and the Cary Library, which has a beautiful new park next to it now!  Fearrington is a nice little town to walk around as well, with cute belted goats and cows.
Favorite coffee shops (there are a lot!) are Jubala, Fount, The Optimist, Little Blue Bakeshop, Namu, Crumb & Cream, Bonafide Bakeshop, and NORA cafe.
Favorite restaurants are Press CCC, Torchy’s, Pimiento Tea Room, Hayes Barton Cafe, Brus on Main, and Transfer Food Hall.
Favorite icecream is Two Roosters, NC State Howling Cow, and Sunni Skies.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many factors that brought me to where I am today. Specific to my organizing business, my dear friend Amy introduced me to Marie Kondo’s book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” which really got me into decluttering to begin with. Joining the Inspired Organizer Course and Group way back in 2017 helped me learn how to start an organizing business and market myself. I’m still in the online group with hundreds of organizers worldwide and it’s such an invaluable asset to be able to ask questions, get support, and see what other organizers are doing.

Finally, my husband has been so supportive of my business. He is the one who really encouraged me to leave teaching to organize full-time. It was so hard to take the leap and his support made all the difference.

Website: https://www.hello-simplified.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hellosimplifiedorganizing/

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hellosimplifiedorganizing/ Curious what it’s like to work with an organizer? Download our complimentary organizing guide to learn more! https://www.hello-simplified.com/organizing-guide.html