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

Kat, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

Organizing is becoming more widely accepted these days, and this business vertical is receiving recognition for being beneficial. People are prioritizing their time and their spaces, and understanding the added value of having an efficient home. We have families where the house is chaotic, or the demands of the day-to-day eliminate time for fine tuning, and this is where professional home organization comes into play. We give these families time back into their lives by assisting with minimalism and home systems that keep the house running smoothly and looking fantastic. With the interest in Pinterest and DIY – the visual component achieved from organization is found in the aesthetics of organizing; blending style and functionality is more on trend than ever, and with great storage containers, access to label makers & colorful chalkboard paint, the sky’s the limit for how one can achieve harmony in their home while keeping it beautiful.

Kat, 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?

I started this business to help women. Everything we do is personal; from the UpTown girls we bring onto the team, to organizing clients homes specifically tailored to their needs, and connecting with women in the community to improve their lives.

We are most proud of the fact that people trust us with their space, stories and referrals. Organizing someone’s home is an intimate task which requires a level of vulnerability that we are both humbled, and appreciative, to be a part of. It is a strong point of pride knowing that I started this business from nothing.

After graduating from the University of Georgia I headed to New York City to begin my professional journey. It didn’t take long for me to see that although NYC is incredible, I was meant to be in Georgia. I began to focus on my strengths and desires and thought about how to link a profession with a life of service to best utilize these skills.

I knew I liked taking charge, and this was reaffirmed as I began to scope areas of interest while taking personality tests and speaking to my support network. Quickly I discovered white space in the community which showed a real need for in-home assistance.

In early December 2015 I began working with a few Buckhead women in their homes, and in 1 week I had enough clients to start UpTown Concierge.

Was it easy? No, it was not.

Has it been worth it? Yes, insurmountably so.

There isn’t a day I look back and wish I’d traveled another road, and this knowledge makes the road ahead so much more exciting.

We are laser focused on the trajectory society is taking; convenience and wellness. UpTown’s mission is to not just organize spaces, we organize lives. Our brand is synonymous with quality relationships, expert service, and life improvement.

Today we help the women and families of Metro Atlanta, but our future holds designs to help families across the country.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

First, one must understand the market they are in. Identifying the true needs of the women and families we serve is critical in establishing practices to aid and benefit them.

I think having a servants attitude, adopting a “client is always right” mentality, using active listening, tailoring our services to that specific family, treating everyone with respect, and creating, and nurturing relationships with our clients, truly is the key to establishing a brand that is synonymous with exceptional quality and functional applications.

I have a really high bar for those who work with me. Although this is level of expectation can be daunting at times, it does help funnel the staff to those who truly embody UpTown’s core tenants:

Gratitude

Relationships

Professionalism

Communication

Respect

Company culture is extremely important at UpTown and this positive environment yields happier UpTown girls, optimal work/life balance, and clients that are dying to work with us.

Any advice for managing a team?

A lot for me is trying to meet people where they need to be met and showing true appreciation and gratitude for people who are a part of the team. This can come in many forms; I love to send group text messages with praise, bring coffee by on the afternoon of a long job, plan team happy hours, send birthday and anniversary acknowledgements, and really be here for them as their employer, but also a life resource.

It’s essential that I perform MY job to the best of my ability. This helps to “steer the ship” and establishes rapport within the team unit. My advice to all business owners is to invest in their staff. Listen to their ideas, pain points, suggestions for improvement, and really find ways to implement and acknowledge their contributions to your company.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theuptownconcierge.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uptown.concierge/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUpTownConcierge
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/17907631