We recently connected with Amanda Strine and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Amanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Sensibly Sorted was a dream that began 8 years before actually launching the business. I was a new mom and actually already running a successful business as an event planner. The timing just wasn’t right then, but I have always had a love of organization and interior design, and knew that one day that would be the direction I’d go in. I even already had the business name and domain name, and held onto it. Fast forward 8 years, and I felt the tug that it was finally time to officially open Sensibly Sorted in 2023.
Organization is nothing new, but my particular style of organization by way of thoughtful editing and eye for design was something new and fresh for my community of Greenville, South Carolina. Sensibly Sorted is a business created out of a true passion for all things home, and creating a home that provides peace and comfort while also functioning beautifully for the people that live there.
Amanda , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a mom of two children (ages 9 and 4), and have been married to my husband for 10 years. I have always had a love of interiors, and was always particularly drawn to organization and styling. It all started in my childhood bedroom where I constantly evaluated my space and rearranged things, then all through college I was known as the organized and clean roommate. I lived alone after that for 6 years in a tiny condo (around 600 sq ft), which is when I really got into living more minimally by only keeping the essentials and things I truly loved. Now, with a family, we still live very intentionally and not in excess. I don’t spend a lot of time cleaning or keeping up with my house because things are easily maintained, and I love giving that freedom to my clients.
My approach to home organization with Sensibly Sorted is incredibly thoughtful. I first help my clients edit out what no longer serves them in order to get rid of as much clutter as possible. We then create systems that work specifically for their needs and are easy to maintain. Finally, organization systems are put in place through sourced things like baskets and bins that are in keeping with the overall design of their home.
It is so rewarding when I hear back from a client who feels a huge sense of relief and new found peace in their newly organized space. I hear time and time again how inspired they feel and what a positive impact it has had on them or their family. I feel so grateful to do this work.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
My strategy for growing clientele is to keep things as intentional as possible. I network with like-minded professionals (and trying to do much more of this!), and talk to my ideal client through social media and my website. I don’t want to or need to have a huge following in any way, and definitely keep with my “less but better” philosophy. Knowing 10 people who value my work and build my community is better than knowing 100 people who have no idea.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn that I need to discount my pricing to stay busy. It’s hard as a small business to stick to what I know my value is and not fill my schedule out of fear of slowing down to a stop. The clients that value what they’re asking for are there and will continue to be there, and it’s essential for me to stay true to that belief. Otherwise, I’m not working with my ideal clients and not enjoying my work. It causes burnout quickly. My advice to all small business owners – value yourself and others will too!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sensiblysorted.com
- Instagram: @sensiblysorted
Image Credits
Emily Barbee