Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marlena Masitto. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Marlena, thanks for joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

I started this business at exactly the right time for me. Philly Neat Freaks launched smack dab in the middle of the pandemic, July 12, 2021, to be exact. I was 40, and bartending at this quirky little spot in Philly, called Martha. The shutdown required outdoor dining, so my shifts changed to being alone inside, putting together takeout orders, slinging service drinks, and wondering if the biz would ever be the same.

I’d always had a passion for organizing and maximizing efficiency in spaces. COVID forced people to spend more time in their homes than ever before. There was a lot of uncertainty, and no one knew what to expect. Our homes became our offices, our schools, and everything had to shift. I knew I could help others with these transitions and create systems that would help them control the chaos.

The thought of starting a home organizing business had crossed my mind before, but the process of starting a business is incredibly daunting! I took this idea and started workshopping it with my friends and family. I wanted to stay true to who I am with this brand, and not try to fit the mold set by other organizers in the industry. When we came up with the name Philly Neat Freaks, and then the logo design, it just felt right.

People often ask me why I didn’t start doing this sooner. Sometimes I ask myself that too. Looking back, the experience I gained, and connections I made over my years bartending were a huge foundation for my business. Had I started before 2019, organizing as a profession wasn’t very well known. It wasn’t until Marie Kondo’s netflix series that organizing became more mainstream. I started to think about how I would do things my own way. I want to bring authenticity to every session and remind others that there is no ‘right way’ to organize.

Had I waited longer to start, I would’ve missed out on working with incredible clients during these past three years! They are why I do this. I love meeting people where they are in their journey and helping them hone their vision for their space.

Marlena, 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?

Hi, I am Marlena. I’ve been a proud homeowner in South Philly for 11 years now. I have two fur babies, Georgie, my princess chihuahua, and a siamese kitten named Jones (after the one and only, Grace Jones). I love to travel and get lost in nature. In my free time, I like to recharge by whipping around the city on my motorcycle, working on my community garden plot, going to shows, and getting massages and noodles in chinatown.

I was raised in a wild family of 9, and organization was a MUST. Our family moved a lot, providing me with many opportunities to purge, pack, and organize. Sorting through my belongings and setting up my space became important to me. Looking back, my childhood really shaped many of the skills I carry with me today.

I originally came to Philly as a photography student, but found my stride as a bartender. Getting to know visitors, locals, and regulars, and helping them connect with each other and themselves was super fulfilling. When the pandemic shut down the bars and restaurants, I was able to use my skills to pivot and serve my community in a new way.

Philly Neat Freaks is my baby, my passion—founded on inclusivity, non-judgment, and open and honest communication. We help homes and businesses get organized as sustainably as possible. We donate decluttered items locally and use recycled materials whenever possible. We help take the stress out of moving with our pack/unpack and organize services, saving you tons of time and even aim to make it a little bit fun too!
In professional organizing, no project is the same, no space is the same, and no clients are the same. There is no one size fits all, or even one process fits all. My mantra will always be, “Stay flexy, baby!”

So whether it’s building a new shelving system, turning decluttering into a game, or handing tissues to a client as they sort through memories, we are fully in it with them.

If you grew up in the US, you’ve probably been conditioned to believe that your value is linked to your physical possessions. This identity based overconsumption needs to change. I am here to say, you are not your stuff. You hold value as yourself. Only you get to decide what you really need, use, and love in this life, starting right now!

That said, our goal is to find the right flow in a space. Everything should have a proper place to land. I love and encourage thinking simple. I got into this business with a vision for making spaces cooler. I love the moments when we hang art! My goal is to turn every space into the best reflection of my client, like their favorite little shop.

Today, I am extremely proud of the work we do with our clients. We meet them where they are, see them, listen to them, and help them connect with their true wants and needs. We bring mindfulness into our sessions with breathwork, and tune into the energy of the space. It is really exciting to feel the energy lighten as we work through a space. It is actually palpable! We will work alongside you and ask the important questions to help you figure out what you truly need and want for yourself moving forward.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

When Philly Neat Freaks was first taking shape, my initial clients were people I’ve known from stomping around Philly all these years. Word of mouth and referrals are major for small businesses! Since we’ve become an established business we’ve been getting more of our clients from Google. At the moment we have 70 five-star reviews and well on our way to hitting 100. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, have served as great ways to share news with our Neat Freaks. You may even see a Philly Neat Freaks sticker or flyer in your neighborhood!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Can I just say…starting a home service business during COVID? Mic drop

Contact Info:

• Website: https://phillyneatfreaks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillyneatfreaks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phillyneatfreaks

Image Credits

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