Today we’d like to introduce you to Keli Jakel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Would you believe that this career journey began with a chance encounter at a pharmacy? While idly flipping through a book in a dentist’s waiting room, it struck me – my true passion lay not in education, but in the art of organizing!
Reflecting on my experiences in education, I realized that organization had always been pivotal to my success – from managing classrooms to designing curricula. Efficiency and functionality were the cornerstones, creating seamless systems for both students and teachers. This realization led me to embark on a path of in-home organizing sessions, nurturing my knack for enhancing spaces and situations.
Determined to excel in my newfound calling, I immersed myself in studies, delving into psychology, residential organizing, and a myriad of related courses. Joining NAPO solidified my belief that organizing was my purpose. As I honed my skills, my business flourished beyond my wildest expectations.
Then, the unforeseen challenge of Covid-19 forced a pause as I prioritized safety and distanced myself from clients. During this hiatus, I pivoted to coaching women in unleashing their passions and fostering home hobbies. It was during this time that I encountered aspiring organizers, including Nisa. Pooling our strengths, we dedicated months to refining Organized by Keli & Co (OBKCO), setting a sturdy foundation for future growth.
Fast forward to today, marking our one-year milestone. Nisa excels as our head of operations, while I oversee the business management and coach OBK&CO clients. Our collective capabilities form an unstoppable team, demonstrating the power of women uniting with purpose and leveraging individual strengths.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Naturally, we’ve encountered our fair share of challenges. Our primary struggle has revolved around sourcing team members who embody empathy over rigidity. We value employees who grasp that people always take precedence over things, and that systems are truly beneficial only when they prioritize the individual utilizing them.
In the wake of popular organizing shows like The Home Edit, there’s been a surge of interest in this industry. The catch is, such shows merely depict a fraction of our reality; a mere 5% of our time is spent on the aesthetically pleasing labels and space decor.
The bulk of our efforts entail arduous physical and mental labor, occasionally coupled with managing clients’ emotions. Balancing the creation of sustainable business systems with meeting clients’ objectives swiftly has proven to be quite the feat.
Nevertheless, I’m pleased to share that we now boast a cohesive team of 15 employees, each one a dedicated team player and a valuable asset towards achieving our collective mission.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Our approach to Home Organizing is distinctive – we tailor solutions to meet clients exactly where they are, ensuring minimal time and effort on their part. Whether it’s a concierge move, a pantry, closet, or a complete home transformation, we handle projects of all sizes. Fully bonded, insured, and meticulously trained, we create custom solutions based on client habits, lifestyle, and aspirations. Our goal? To anticipate our clients’ needs to the point where they seldom have to ask for anything.
Our work often involves clients we only meet virtually – they entrust us with their spaces while they focus on their own tasks. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to quality and personalization. By understanding our clients deeply, we bring their visions to life seamlessly.
Any big plans?
Our upcoming endeavor focuses on top-notch moving services. We’ve dedicated ourselves to perfecting the art of concierge moves, enabling us to transition a client from their old home on Monday to their new residence by Friday evening. Achieving this feat involves a meticulous process! From decluttering and “pre-packing” to packing, moving, unpacking, and organizing, each step has been meticulously honed to deliver a seamless experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.organizedbykeli.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organizedbykeli/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/organizedbykeli
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/organizedbykeli
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEmJHyitMV_814PYnf_UTtA
Image Credits
KaSandra Mitchell, The Humble Lion
