We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aileen Mitchener. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aileen below.

Aileen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

The field of organizing can often be a bit rigid and prescriptive at times. Our team shines when it comes to individualizing the process for our clients. Some clients do need a firm and well-outlined system; however, that system is uniquely tailored to each unique client. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach or that there is only one “right” way to do something.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have been working in odd jobs since I was 15 years old. I come from a large family and I knew the only way I could go to college and support myself was to work hard. I’ve always had big dreams and ambitions, but I never thought owning my own business was even a tangible possibility. I followed my dreams and studied Musical Theatre in college. I was always told to have a “backup plan” or a steady job (or three) to support myself through artist rough patches. I was living in New York City and I was burning out, working upwards of four jobs at a time with absolutely no work-life balance.

My partner was given an amazing career opportunity which would relocate us to the DMV area, giving us both a fresh start. Using my experience from the countless survival jobs I have been fortunate enough to have, I launched Aligned by Aileen, my professional organizing company, officially during the pandemic. The pandemic really put into focus what my priorities were and are such as having a flexible schedule, being financially independent, and be able to shift my focus to my art and my family as needed (and wanted!) I also realized that I truly have a gift with organizing and it is worth sharing. The emotions I feel at the end of every project, seeing how I’ve touched my clients’ lives really “fills my cup” and ignites a joy I cannot fully describe. Now I feel so fulfilled getting to run my own company, I get to employ others in my community, and I now have the energy, time, and financial means to participate in theatre performances both locally and across the country and be a part of that vibrant community as well.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As I mentioned, I started out in a completely different field. If you would have told me three years ago that I would be running my own (profitable) company, I would have laughed.

When the pandemic shut down the performing arts industry, I had to take a hard look at how I was making money and what values I held.

This inner clarity helped me to take the first steps to launching my business.

Now that my business has grown, I am actually now able to continue performing while still managing my business and completing projects for my clients.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

It’s extremely cliche but word of mouth and personal recommendations are so powerful! In the early stages of my business, I had no shame in using paid platforms to get well-vetted and qualified leads via apps and website like Thumbtack, but as we grow the value of a former client recommending my business is invaluable. I have also realized that when people recommend you online especially on social media, that has been the most effective because of the audience reach, permanence via the search feature, and the validation of an actual client vouching for you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alignedbyaileen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alignedbyaileen
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlignedbyAileen
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileenmitchener/
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/alignedbyaileen/ Thumbtack: https://www.thumbtack.com/dc/washington/personal-organizers/aligned-by-aileen-professional-organizer/service/407641333956075528

Image Credits
Headshot by Kelsey Bock