Karla is a client with our Women Off to Work project who has just started her own business after working with our Business Start-up Coach, Laura Love-Petschl.
She specialises in decluttering and home organisation, and is now using her talents to build her own brand around helping people to sort out their homes with her company Klear My Space. Karla told us all about her journey so far, from business idea to start-up, as well as the challenges she’s faced, and her advice to others who are thinking about or have just launched their own business.
“Remember that building a legacy takes time, patience, dedication, and hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.”
Please tell us about your business, and where the idea came from.
Hi, I’m Karla, a Professional Organiser and the owner of Klear My Space, which is a decluttering and home organisation service aimed particularly at supporting busy mums. As a mum myself, I have benefitted hugely from clearing “stuff” from our home, being more intentional about what comes into our home and creating organisational structures so that there is a place for everything. Our home is not perfect, but what is perfect?!
In terms of the idea, I wanted to combine my organisation skills alongside my passion for wanting to help others. My mum lives in Barbados (where I am from) and when we go to visit her, I often spend a huge chunk of my time decluttering and organising her house instead of swimming in our tranquil beaches or sipping on a rum punch! How is that for passion?
To be honest, I was initially unaware that my passion had a title and that there was such a thing as a Professional Organiser, furthermore a membership body dedicated to the industry. I am now a proud, verified member of APDO, the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers. I am DBS checked, fully insured including holding professional indemnity.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome so far, in starting your business?
This may resonate with someone reading – the biggest challenge was just to start. I was procrastinating, I was scared, I lacked confidence and really didn’t know how to just start.
However, once I made the decision to start the business, which for me was launching my Instagram page at the beginning of this year, the momentum grew. I realised even more so that my services were needed by mums, and I was so proud of myself for taking that leap.
What impact has the Abbey Centre’s business start-up support and coaching had on you and Klear My Space?
I heard about the Abbey Centre through a friend who sent me details of the Women Off to Work (WOW) Business Start-up coffee morning and encouraged me to attend. I didn’t know what to expect apart from the free tea and biscuits!
However, on arrival, I met the lovely Laura who facilitates the sessions and towards the end of the coffee morning I heard about the amazing opportunity to receive free coaching. I have now completed my coaching sessions which provided a supportive and safe space to share my ideas and made me feel accountable which I needed.
As a new business owner, I have learnt so much, but there is still so much to learn.
Actively participating in the coffee mornings, workshops, coaching sessions and the She Means Business WhatsApp group I have nurtured connections with like-minded women, increased my confidence and gained invaluable knowledge.
So, you could say the Abbey Centre was the catalyst for my business start-up and if I had not found it, I may not have launched Klear My Space!
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is thinking of starting a business?
Just Get Started! If you are reading this and sitting on a business idea – just get started! As Laura often asked me during my coaching sessions “What’s the worst that could happen?”
Starting a business is not just about building a product or service. It’s about building a dream and a legacy. Remember that building a legacy takes time, patience, dedication, and hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
What is next for you and Klear My Space?
Great question – I have a vision board which I created after attending one of the Abbey Centre workshops and for me, being a Professional Organiser isn’t only about in-house decluttering and home organisation, although that is my main service.
I want to also share my knowledge and experience with others through coaching/training and public speaking opportunities to help raise awareness of the benefits of decluttering not just to your physical space but the positive impact to your mental health.
How can people find out more about Klear My Space?
Laura described my Instagram page as beautifully curated, too kind!
My website, klearmyspace.com will be launching soon. I have a Facebook page which I primarily use to network with local Facebook groups.
However, my most active social space is on Instagram and my handle is @klearmyspace where you can read more about my Klear My Space journey, get free decluttering and home organisation tips and advice, view before and after photos from client work and obtain details on how to contact me for affordable pricing and packages.
I have a growing number of followers and would appreciate your support by following me: instagram.com/klearmyspace
We can help you start your own business
We love supporting people to turn their business ideas into reality, and we’re excited to see what’s next for Klear My Space.
Do you have your own start-up, or a business idea you’d like to explore? Visit our Women Off to Work project page to find out more about how we can help you.
27 March 2023
