Organiser Showcase – Amy Kennedy

I’ve known Amy Kennedy from The Organising Bee in Canberra for many years now and have always admired her focus and values. To see her business flourish has been a pleasure. She kindly agreed to an interview. Here’s how it went…

Tell me Amy, who do you work with? Who is your ideal client?

Predominantly families, everyday people who are going through challenging periods of their life and a symptom of this is chaos within their home. Many of my clients show signs of chronic disorganisation or passive decline in due to physical or mental health concerns. I am currently supporting a number of clients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), limited mobility and chronic pain. I’m also seeing an increase in clients with depression, anxiety, and those with a diagnosis ADHD and/or Autism later in life, and this is an area in which I am finding very interesting and constantly upskilling to better support these clients.

My ideal client is ready and actively seeking change. They are open to new ways of thinking and exploring different methods that align with their lifestyle and goals.

What drew you to the organising industry and how long have you been in it?

I have always been motivated by productivity. After having children, I was seeking a career that would work around the demands of family life. During this exploration phase, I was finding that I was spending a lot of time on Pinterest pinning articles and photos of beautifully organised spaces. But when reading the articles, I was disappointed as I wasn’t learning anything new. This led to a new insight around the same time that I stumbled across a newspaper article about the PO industry. The stars aligned and 7 years later I am enjoying the industry more than ever.

What was the pivotal moment for you starting out as an organiser?

Discovering AAPO and reading the stories of established POs. This provided proof that professional organising was a genuine career path that had a representative industry body which provided training and support. I was very sad when AAPO folded as it was instrumental in setting up my business in the early days.

What’s your favourite thing about organising?

My clients and seeing their growth. It’s remarkable how a client’s confidence and outlook on life can change when we’ve set up their home in a way that supports them and works for them.

To what do you attribute your success as an organiser?

My clients tell me it is because I listen, and they feel supported. I think it is because I can understand and empathise with them. I was raised in a disorganised and messy home. Seeing things all over the floor and all the flat surfaces in the home doesn’t faze me. I also bring lived experience; I have self-taught myself realistic and simple strategies to change my own habits and now enjoy and maintain a tidy home. I enjoy sharing these strategies with my clients and adapting them to suit each client individual situation.

What would you say to someone just starting out as an organiser?

I would give them a big welcome to our wonderful industry and remind them to be themselves and create a business that works for them and not to worry about what others are doing.

What is one habit that helps your life run smoothly?

Using my calendar for absolutely everything. I know that when I am tired, I am prone to forgetting things. If it’s in the calendar it happens.

What is one thing people may not know about you, that you’re willing to divulge?

Interesting question. I was a gymnast for 9 years. Sunflowers make me very happy.

Is there anything else you think people should know?

My exciting news is that I am right in the midst of co-authoring a book due to be published in September that promises to be a must read for every busy woman!

That’s fantastic Amy! Do let us know when your book is available so we can celebrate with you.