Business Q&A with Nadine from Organised
Tell us about how and why Organised came about:
I have had a passion for organising since I was a child and for years I dreamed about turning my love of organising into a business. Once my own children reached an age where I could give this the attention it needed - I started “Organised”.
We’ve always been about helping people feel good in their home spaces - from being overwhelmed to feeling relaxed and happy, and leaving people with a fresh appreciation that lots of “stuff” doesn’t make for a happier life (in fact usually the opposite).
A little way into the business, we really started to see the devastating effects of excessive consumption and its impact on ever expanding landfills. That led us to focus on ways we could help change mindsets - to give items a new lease of life rather than the all-too-easy act of throwing something away when it’s no longer needed.
What was the hardest part about making sure it’s sustainable and you’re not failing into the category of green washing?
We have a deep passion for reducing landfill, and for recycling and re-homing items, so it just feels very natural - in fact essential - for us to adopt sustainable practices and solutions.
When we work with clients who give us large quantities of things they no longer want, we sort the items, clean and repair if possible, then re-home, recycle or donate to appropriate recipients. This usually involves a lot of voluntary hours, as the additional effort it requires is difficult to build into our fees - but it’s a commitment that feels much more important than profit-making.
When clients need products for storing or organising their items, we suggest eco friendly, plastic free alternatives. Of course final decisions on products are always made by the clients so we don’t always get our way on this, but we’re definitely seeing an increased use of sustainable storage items!
We also seek out and collaborate with like minded businesses, who have great ideas for upcycling discarded items destined for landfill.
What is the most challenging part of starting your own business?
Firstly having enough faith in yourself and your business idea to actually take the leap and get started. Then once you start, even if you experience knock backs - to hold firm to the belief that enough customers will want what you have to offer.
What tips would you give to somebody who wants to start an eco business but has no idea where to start?
We are a service business so are a bit different from the eco businesses that sell products, but with any business start up, I would say not to get hung up on getting everything perfect right at the start. Often there is a lot of learning that only happens once you have started the business. Everything may not go according to plan but from unexpected situations that will inevitably come
up, there’s usually an opportunity to learn and become more clear about the way you want your business to evolve.
What’s one thing that happened recently that you’re proud of?
Although it’s not a singular event - we continue to be proud of re-homing the huge volume of things that would otherwise end up being disposed of.
What do you want from the future of Organised?
I would love to connect with more small business owners and join forces to see how together, we can create more change. It’s exciting to realise how many like minded business owners are out there. Now I’d love this “movement” to build to the point that governments and councils grasp the critical role they need to play to achieve more widespread, permanent change.
Product Highlight?
We love encouraging the use of so many of the great eco friendly products out there, but do not currently have products of our own to highlight - but what I will say is ......... “Watch this Space!!”
If you’re looking to get your life in order, then be sure to check out Nadine Green’s Beautiful website ‘Organised - For Simple Living’
Love Annie / @ethicallyso
xxx
