We recently connected with Trish Couture and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Trish, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

To wake up everyday and put your time and energy solely into what you love is rare. I know most people will never work for themselves, will never understand the many ways being an entrepenur is rewarding, exciting, and frankly, terrifying. But, it is most importantly, worth it. I’ve always had the entrepeneral spirit. But, I’m very new at this, I’ve only been in business for four months. I’m very proud of the amount I’ve achieved in such a short time, and what I have learned along the way is invaluable. I’ve had repeat clients, support from my family and friends, and unwaivering encouragement from my husband. All of these things are what keep me going. There are some moments when I think, “It would be easier to go back to working for someone else. Maybe I should start applying.” But usually, the next day I get a new connection, a new lead, or a new client, so I keep going. I think the important thing is that I don’t put too much pressure on myself. I know if I do decide to go back to working for another company, it doesn’t mean I’ve failed. Because starting and achieivng what I have so far can never be a failure. I have a vision for my business, and now that taken the leap, that will never go away.

Trish, 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?

Hi, I’m Trish Couture. I turned my passion for connecting with people and organizing spaces into Chaos & Couture Professional Organizing.

Each person has a story to tell and so does each home. C&C helps our clients sort through their items, clear clutter, and turn their area into a functional and systematic asset that works for them. We offer full-service organizing, design services, donation coordination, trash removal, as well as basic packing and unpacking. C&C works to understand the needs of our clients, we create a vision for the space, then generate a structured plan to execute.

What sets us apart is C&C understands the emotion behind certain projects. We use compassion, care, and patience at the forefront of our process. We work closely with our clients and get to know them on a personal level. The look on our client’s faces when they see the completed project is everything to us!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My business started during a life-altering “pivot”. I was told by several upper management personell I was about to be promoted, then suddenly, out of no where, my position was “eliminated” and I was let go from the company. It was honestly so hard to comprehend a company could and would treat an employee this way. I decided I didn’t want to be another disposible employee for a different “family-like” company that didn’t actually care about me as a person.

So, within 4 days, I decided to go with my gut and take a chance on myself. I was let go on a Thursday and sent my paperwork in for my LLC on that Monday. Sure, there could’ve been a better time to start. Yes, I could’ve gotten another full-time job and started my business part time. But, sometimes waiting for the “right time” means you wait too long.

I think if you have an idea, a passion, a drive – you should go for it. Even if the pieces don’t allign perfectly. Will there ever be a “right time”? That’s for you to decide!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I’ve had success gaining new clients through Facebook neighborhood groups and Thumbtack. I was a little hesitate to use Thumbtack but so far the ROI has been benefitical to my business. I will continue to seek different streams for gaining new clients but for now those two are my main sources!

Another important compontent for me and my business is my referral structure. If my clients refer me to a friend or family member that books, they recieve complimentary organizing hours! Who doesn’t love that?!

I think of my clients as partners – I love to help them as they’ve helped me. If they need advice, guidance, or recommendations – I’m on it!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ChaosandCouture_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChaosAndCoutureBaltimore/