As a small business, I love supporting, recognizing, and connecting with other female entrepreneurs out there in the community. And as a mompreneur myself, I know how hard they work for themselves, their families, and their clients. They are each vital influencers of people all around you. I’d like to give some recognition to a few ladies who work hard every day, in the hopes of making a connection to someone that needs their services. We appreciate you more than you know, and we’re so proud to feature your business. We will be highlighting one business per month for the entire year of 2019!

Dara is the most organized person that I know! Dara founded Orderly Method because she was a busy multitasking mom of four young kids. Her amazing, simple solutions to home organization will fit anyone’s style. This fellow Mom knows her organization stuff! She’s turned her passion about keeping things orderly into a business to help others. I am always in awe of her amazing, transformational Before and After examples on her Instagram page!

Introducing the third feature on our Maryland women-owned businesses series —-

Name: Dara Friedson

Company: Orderly Method Professional Organizing

Years in Business: 2

Website: www.orderlymethod.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/orderlymethod

Facebook: www.facebook.com/orderlymethod

1. What is the name of your company?

The name of my company is Orderly Method and we offer Professional Organizing Services. Here’s a little info about how things work...I come to your space and do a consultation where I learn your needs, see your space and style, and understand you goals. I then write up a detailed proposal that includes cost of the actual organization work, as well as products that I recommend for the project. We’ll come up with a mutually agreed upon date and then I handle everything from that point (ordering products, installation, removing trash/recycling, bringing items to donation centers, etc) - total turn key/white glove process. I've been in all types of homes - apartments, older, newer, city, suburban, etc, and all types of spaces - basements, kitchens, offices, playrooms, garages, storage rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, etc. You name it, I've seen it and organized it!

2. What made you choose this type of business, and/or how did you get your idea or concept for the business?

My kids were 5, almost 3.5, 2.5 and almost 1. I was working a full time corporate job making 6 figures. When I was working, I was thinking of all of the things I was missing with my kids. When I was with my kids, I was constantly on my phone trying to keep up. I was stressed and I wasn’t happy. Something needed to change.

My husband and I started discussing our options. Do I stop working and become a full time stay-at-home mom? If so, do we keep our live in nanny, my right hand, the person who loves my kids, cares for them and helps keep our house standing? How could I stop working all together? I will lose my mind taking care of 4 little kids by myself almost every day and night of the week. When all of my kids are in school than what will I do? There were so many questions, so many unknowns and so many unsure feelings. So we began brainstorming. I didn’t want to stop working all together, but I did need more flexibility in my life. I wanted to control my schedule, be more available and present with my kids, but still keep my identity. And then it hit us….

For many years, friends have asked how I keep things so organized with such a hectic family life (4 kids in less than 4.5 years is no joke). I love organizing…and I thrive and function best in an organized environment. Could this really be a business? I started researching and found there was a whole world of professional organizers out there. I wrote a business plan, came up with a company name, registered as an LLC, and setup my website. I took a few courses to become a professional organizer while working my full time job and trying to keep my family life running as smoothly as possible. I had all of the basics down, but would people actually pay me? And could I really quit my job not knowing?

I decided to try and start my business and have some flow of income before quitting my job. Nothing like adding more stress and work to my already overflowing cup! But it was the only way I felt comfortable leaving my corporate job. I booked my first client and realized that this was it, this was what I wanted to do….and people would pay me! Shortly after, I quit my corporate job and started as a professional organizer full time - well part time hours but this was now my only gig outside of being a wife and a mom.

It was liberating and felt so good to be doing something that I really loved while helping others bring peace and order into their homes. I did it - I turned my passion for organizing into a business!

3. If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?

Take that leap of faith! I strongly feel that I took a giant leap of faith when starting my business - there were so many unknowns, it was stressful, but in the end it was definitely the right decision.

4. What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

My kids! Everything I do is for them - they are the driving force in my life! I want to show them that you can do what you love and still spend time with who you love.

5. What is your favorite thing about running your own business?

My favorite thing about running my business is being able to make my own schedule. A huge part of me doing my own thing was so that I could be around and present for my kids. I wanted to be able to go on school field trips, walk them to the bus, see their smiling faces as they walk in the door from school, and not feel guilty about any of it. I now make my work schedule around their schedule and it's been an amazing thing for our family!

Contact Dara