We recently connected with Isabel Ensminger and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Isabel, thanks for joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success is influenced by many factors and looks different for everyone. However, understanding what truly drives success makes it more attainable. As the saying goes, ‘You can do anything you set your mind to.’ If you desire success deeply enough, you’ll find a way to achieve it. Embracing the idea that you control your own path can completely shift your perspective. You simply cannot let anyone else steer your course.
In two separate instances, I sought advice from individuals much older, wiser, and more accomplished. When I asked them what they’d tell an ambitious 25-year-old, they both said something similar: ‘Do what you love and what you know.’ So that’s exactly what I did. I quit my 9-5 job to pursue my passions.
I’ve always loved being organized and fashionable. Growing up surrounded by beautiful clothes in my mom’s successful retail store, modeling, and studying fashion in college, I’ve been immersed in this world from a young age. Now, I get to combine these passions by curating wardrobes and helping others feel their best through thoughtful organization.
When I realized that success wouldn’t just come to me, I decided to create my own opportunities. At 25, I know I haven’t reached my full potential yet, but I believe I’m on the right path. Ultimately, a change in mindset and attitude can open doors and move you closer to your goals. Take the risk, prioritize yourself, and know that your journey to success has begun.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Isabel Ensminger, and my passions are fashion, travel, exploring new restaurants, and—above all—organization. From a young age, I’ve found a sense of peace in my perfectly organized, color-coordinated closet.
Two years postgrad, a close friend suggested we start a closet-organizing business. I credit her for the idea! It was rewarding, but balancing it with two other jobs led to quick burnout, and I ultimately had to step back.
Fast-forward two years, and I’m now living in New York City. I left my 9-5 job on an ordinary Thursday with no set plan—just the confidence that I could start organizing closets while I found my path. With some luck and a lot of determination, my business took off, fueled by word of mouth, social media, and influencer support. Within six weeks, the demand was more than I could keep up with.
Now, three months in, I’m fully committed to helping others transform their closets and style. I’ve developed a deep love for this work, and there’s nothing better than seeing someone experience the joy of a well-organized wardrobe. My mission at The Isabel Edit is to highlight the importance of organization in the world of fashion.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
A combination of factors has greatly contributed to my success. First and foremost, I prioritize responsiveness and efficiency. I understand that many people, myself included, don’t like to wait. If a client needs me quickly, I will do whatever I can to accommodate them.
Equally important is personability and kindness. I believe these qualities go further than anything else in business. Clients want to work with someone who feels approachable, someone who feels more like a friend than just a service provider. The world is small, and even in a place as vast as New York City, everyone is connected. I never forget the importance of being kind.
Even on my toughest days, I remember that the client is always right. They’ve chosen to work with me, and they will remember me not only for the beautiful, organized closet but for the positive energy and kindness I bring to their experience.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I know the world of influencers, and TikTok can be a tricky subject today. If you don’t understand it, it can be hard to see its power. But if you do, you know why it’s thriving. TikTok, in particular, has been an incredible tool for promoting my business. While Instagram remains invaluable, TikTok’s algorithm has allowed me to share videos of myself pitching services to people in New York City, helping me gain traction quickly. Instagram, on the other hand, serves as a foundation for my portfolio, contact page, etc.
After posting a single TikTok, I woke up the next day to ten or so messages from people inquiring about my services. Further, one influencer connected me to another, and it snowballed from there. In just the past few months, I’ve come to truly appreciate how powerful “influencing” is in today’s digital landscape.
The key is simply starting. You have to post; you have to take that first step. I credit much of my success in such a short time to social media—it’s an incredibly undervalued tool that offers small businesses the opportunity to reach far beyond what they could have imagined otherwise.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.isabelsedit.com
- Instagram: @isabelsedit
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credits
Sarah Oden (closet pictures)