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

Hayli, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

When I first started my business, I only had organizing clients that were friends and family. In summer of 2020, I began working on my certification as a KonMari Consultant, a method of tidying that focuses on keeping only those items that spark joy. One of the requirements of the training was that one practice client make it through decluttering their entire home. My mom was my most long-term client, and I knew we were making great progress, but I was nervous to start working with strangers.

By the summer of 2021, I had finished my certification and was officially listed in the directory of KonMari consultants. I received my very first inquiry from a stranger and I was so nervous. I remember having to hype myself up to make that phone call and “sell” her on my service. Was I really the expert? Would she know she was my first real client? Would I even be able to help her? All of those insecurities and more circled in my head. The session definitely surprised me a bit (the client cried in the first five minutes, the apartment wasn’t air-conditioned and half the closet was costumes) but I’m happy to report we made huge progress and she was very happy!

Hayli, 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?

My name is Hayli Thorpe and I own a professional home organizing business, Mindful Tidying with Hayli. After reading Marie Kondo’s “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” I knew I wanted to help people declutter and organize. I had seen so many people in my life absolutely overwhelmed with stuff and I knew this method could help them. Every client I’ve worked with has described the situation as “overwhelming.” Whether it’s a spare room that has been used only as a dumping ground or a pantry that’s too cluttered to function, my team and I can help. Our process is to eliminate all of the items no longer serving you (or “sparking joy”) and to functionally organize what is left. I’m the most proud when a client tells me we’ve made their lives easier in some way- getting dressed in an organized closet or sending kids to school from a functional drop zone, for example.

Any advice for managing a team?

Treating team members the way you want to be treated is so important- and it starts with pay. If you want to keep talented, dedicated team members you have to pay them accordingly. Celebrate team member wins and recognize those things they do better than you. I always try to send my team members a follow up text thanking them after the job and also share good reviews when they come in!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Not long ago in my business, I thought anyone willing to pay me is a good client! However, I have since learned that not everybody’s money is worth it! If I am dreading interaction with a client or putting myself (or team members) in an unsafe situation, that money surely isn’t worth it. Even if a client is just super rude, it’s going to turn out very expensive if I lose a team member because of it. I had a client that had given me several red flags in the days leading up to her first session and in person was even worse. She wanted me to organize her daughter’s clothing and get rid of the items that didn’t fit, and do this just by looking at the child (as opposed to actually telling me). She also seemed extremely annoyed (even raising her voice once) anytime I asked her a question and didn’t remember any of the scheduling we had talked about. On any job, there’s plenty I can do without the client but a *little* input from them is required! I asked this particular client if she would prefer baby sunscreen stored with other sunscreens or with other baby items and she snapped at me. I ended up refunding the rest of her package but if I had just trusted my gut in the first place I never would have stepped foot in the house! (This client is also why I now require a 20% deposit to hold any time on my calendar!)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.minfultidyingwithhayli.com
• Instagram: @mindfultidyingwithhayli
• Facebook: Mindful Tidying with Hayli
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayli-thorpe/

Image Credits

Tori Jaurrieta