Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Julie Starke. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Julie , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?

I recently worked with a completely overwhelmed young mom. She has a 3 year old and a newborn. She recently went back to work after maternity leave. Her career is demanding and her husband is busy with his own company.

We worked on her closet, which included consolidating an entire room of clothes downstairs into her bedroom closet upstairs.

She decluttered and together we worked the space so we made use of every inch.

It took some time for her to get the nerve to make the initial call for help, but when she did she was all in! Her husband encouraged her, all through the process.

She was so pleased with the result. She said she was even sleeping better! Her husband was happy because he intended to make a guest bedroom where her clothes once were

Julie , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Julie Starke. I began my second career as a Professional Organizer and Stager 3 years ago at the age of 61. My first career as a Registered Dietitian, spanned 35 years and was very fulfilling. I worked at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota the first 19 years. There, I had the privilege of serving veterans in all stages of their lives. I provided Medical Nutrition Therapy to those in the hospital and those who came as out-patients.

The second half of this profession, I spent in the retail setting. I worked in 3 grocery stores. In this capacity, I taught classes, developed recipes, and lead a Diabetes Support Group among many other things.

When that career came to a close, retirement wasn’t appealing. I began having grandchildren, and I wanted to be a part of their lives. For those reasons, I decided to start my own business. I have always enjoyed helping family and friends organize their things. So “Keys to Living Light, LLC” was born, after nearly a year of training.

I began as a Professional Organizer. I find the work exhilarating and rewarding. I honestly love every minute with my clients. I often say that nothing goes faster than 3 hours of organizing!

I branched off into staging, which is a natural end point in almost all organizing projects. A fresh look is always welcome!

I have also done “occupied real estate staging consults”, as well as stagings themselves. This part of my work involves helping clients sell their homes quickly and for the greatest profit. It almost always involves decluttering, so buyers can see the beauty in the home not just all the stuff!

I am a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO), serving on the Minnesota Chapter’s Board of Directors.

I receive on-going education and networking with other professionals in this association.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I care about my clients as people, and they know it. Almost 100% of the time, my clients describe themselves as “overwhelmed”. They tell me that they “don’t know where to start”. Another thing that they almost all have in common, is that it has taken months or even years for them to get the courage to call me. They are embarrassed and feel defeated. I reassure them, I don’t judge. I am prepared to see whatever they have to show me. I promise complete confidentiality. We work together.

I go the extra mile to make the result of our work the best it can be. I may put in some extra research time at home, I may bring in an extra product or two-whatever it takes.

Of course, I have spent money on advertising but I truly believe word of mouth is the best advertising a business can get. And Google reviews are next!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Besides word of mouth, speaking engagements are the best source of new clients for me. I have spoken to groups of young moms, employees of a large corporation, local community groups and I have offered community education classes.

I don’t charge for speaking engagements, but always get clients as a result of them. I really enjoy sharing information on organizing and staging.

My goal is to help my clients “unlock the door to a home they love!”

Contact Info: