Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angela O’Brien. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Angela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
When my second child was born in 2003, we had no idea that she would be diagnosed with Down Syndrome. There were no indications from her tests, no markers on her ultrasound. She joined her brother, a tenacious toddler, who never sat still. We called her a little therapy ball because she would just melt into the arms of whoever was lucky enough to get their hands on her. She was amazing and just scrumptious… and I was so sad. I was also scared and, honestly, a little mad. I had no idea what living a life with Down Syndrome would mean for her, for me, for her brother or her father. I had never really met anyone with Down Syndrome before. I felt alone and overwhelmed. Along with all the typical duties a new mom has, there were extra doctor appointments, extra therapy sessions, extra demands on my time – it was all too much sometimes.
Fortunately, my husband and I managed to rally around this little therapy ball and started adjusting. I met some other moms of kids with special needs and I felt a little of the fog lift. For the first time, I thought “I can do this.”
I also found that for me learning about all things Down Syndrome, being prepared, organizing my home and the copious papers from therapy, doctors visits and such, helped ground me. I was calmer and more present with my kids if I knew where things were. I caught the waves of overwhelm just lapping at my feet instead of knocking the wind out of me. Organizing my home was my coping strategy for when things felt out of control.
My ability to organize our home has kept me sane for the last 19 years. It also helped when I decided to start working again in 2021 and I realized my love of organizing might actually help others. But it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to speak to a group of moms of kids with Down Syndrome about the benefits of organizing that I realized how much the special needs community needs someone who understands the overwhelm and can relate to all the stresses and struggles of getting organized while raising kids with special needs. That’s how the Especially Organized Podcast was born. I wanted a way to bring sensible organizing solutions to special needs moms like me. I wanted to give them a place and a community where they can express their organization struggles without the judgment and with lots of understanding of what it’s like trying to stay organized while raising kids who need a little extra. And, in my in-home organizing business, I now focus on helping moms of kids with special needs reduce the overwhelm by moving through their clutter to reclaim what they need. Whether it is an easier morning routine or a kitchen drawer that doesn’t give them the hives when they open it, I want my clients to feel proud and not burdened by their home. I want them to feel more present in their parenting. And I want them to reclaim more time and energy to do the things they love with the people they love.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a mom of 2, one with Down Syndrome, I felt fortunate for a long time to be able to stay at home with my kids while my husband worked full time. I was an active volunteer and advocate for my daughter with special needs for many of those years and that was very fulfilling. However, when my kids were entering middle and high school, we found ourselves having to move, change schools, start over in a new community. It was a lot all at once. Feeling a bit lost and unsure of my next steps amid all the sudden changes in my life, a friend suggested I look into the Enneagram. This began a journey of self-awareness and reflection that helped me realize, finally at 51, the gifts I had to share with the world.
In 2021, I started a professional organizing business and became an Enneagram coach all at the same time. I loved both topics and saw so much overlap that I combined them into one business, Your Space Reclaimed, where I speak to and coach busy women through their clutter so that they can reclaim the space, freedom, and energy to do the things they love to do.
But it wasn’t until early 2023, when I had the opportunity to speak to a group of moms of kids with Down Syndrome about the benefits of organizing, that I realized how much the special needs community needs someone who understands the overwhelm and can relate to all the stresses and struggles of getting organized while raising kids with special needs. I couldn’t find a solid source for helping special needs moms when it comes to organizing so, I created one. That’s how the Especially Organized Podcast was born.
I am most proud of the continuing growth of the podcast and the community that I am creating through it. I am sharing stories of special needs moms and their organizational wins and struggles that might not otherwise be heard. I am connecting these moms and helping them feel some solidarity in their struggles. And because I believe that getting organized is just as much an emotional task as it is a physical task, I am hopeful that I am helping them change their mindset when it comes to thinking about organizing; whether it’s a specific space in their home, a better routine that benefits their kids, or a new system that gives them more time and space for self-care.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2015, my kids were both needing to change schools which required that our family move about 20 miles south and essentially start over in a new community. Call it ‘midlife’ but, I found myself feeling a bit lost and unsure of my next steps among all the sudden changes. My kids were getting older. They didn’t need me quite as much and, like many moms, I felt a longing to have an identity that was separate from that as mom and Down Syndrome advocate.
At the advice of a friend, I started studying the Enneagram. Even though the Enneagram is, at its heart, just a tool in a tool bag of endless psychological aids for our journey of growth, I found it to be an incredibly helpful framework for self awareness and reflection. The Enneagram helped me understand that as a peacemaker I had been neglecting my own needs and wants in order to keep the peace around my friends, family and community. The Enneagram also helped me appreciate the gift I have of seeing multiple perspectives.
Unfortunately though, it took quite a bit of time for me to determine what I actually want in my life that is separate from my family. For several years, I would start the new year with a goal of finally figuring out what my path should be but then still be just as lost in December. I think I found it difficult because, I thought of myself as the jack of all trades, master of none.
I love to help people, I love connecting with women, and I love to solve problems but, I could not figure out how to do all of that together and in what context. For instance, one year I applied to graduate school thinking I might want my masters in social work. Another year I investigated various part time jobs.
I’m 2021, 5 years after starting my search for ‘Angela 2.0’, a thought popped in my head that I might want to start home organizing for others. I decided to pursue it. A week later, I broke my foot. I worried that it was a sign I was moving in the wrong direction, given that organizing is a very physical job usually requiring two healthy feet. Instead, I took the next 8 weeks while my foot healed and started learning all I could about the professional organizing business. Six months later, I was booked 4-5 days a week, all through word-of-mouth referrals.
For all those moms out there looking at their next stage in life after raising kids, wondering what’s next… the thought of re-entering the workforce can be daunting and overwhelming. I realize I had the privilege of taking my time to determine what my next stage would look like. And yet, the search can be frustrating. But, in this case, it was most definitely worth it. I wake up excited every day that I get to interview interesting women on my podcast or work in a client’s home to help them organize their space. It’s the dream job I didn’t know that I needed!
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for me is former clients!! Almost all of my clients are from referrals. I think the reason why is because of my personality as an Enneagram 9. Enneagram 9s are known to have an innate ability to see multiple perspectives. We are capable and thrive on remaining calm and adaptable. Nines are known for supporting and reassuring those around them. Additionally, we are especially good at being open minded and able to suspend judgement of others. I think these might be the exact job qualifications of a good professional home organizer. In a society that tends to value those harder business skills of technical or professional knowledge over the softer skills of selling like empathy, communication and a willingness to learn, I have had to remind myself that a good professional organizer listens more than she talks, communicates empathy, and withholds judgment. I also pride myself on honest business practices and clear communication up front so that the customer knows what to expect. They know that they have my word, whether it is to keep before and after photos private or to show up on time for an appointment, no exceptions. I think these skills are what keeps my clients coming back to me but also encourages them to refer me to their friends and family. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yourspacereclaimed.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourspacereclaimed/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourspacereclaimed
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-o-brien-852248249/
Image Credits
Not applicable — these photos are all taken by my husband, Michael O’Brien.