Conversations with the Inspiring Stephanie Sikora

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Sikora.

Stephanie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I would like to say to it was a beautifully laid out plan, but life never is!

I was always someone who enjoyed organizing my room, especially when I was growing up! I would rearrange my furniture and wall posters! I actually didn’t become a professional organizer until I was almost 40 and after a 15-year career in health care.

However, like most moms, I felt like I was always just trying to keep up with the chaos of my home and life. Over time, the never-ending running in circles to manage the piles of kids’ shoes, toys, and clothes got to me—and my family. One day, when my daughter said, “Mommy, you never sit and play with me,” a light bulb came on. I was always so preoccupied picking up and doing what needed to be done each day, that I rarely got around to living and being present for the moments that mattered the most.

Motivated by my daughter’s honesty, and a recent corporate lay-off, I started on a journey to create a life for my family that was simpler and didn’t leave me (totally!) exhausted at the end of each day.

More and more, my friends saw how I was transforming my home and life to live with less stuff and more systems to make our home run more smoothly and allow me to show up the way I wanted to. One day, I got a wild hair to make this my next form of employment. I leveraged my professional experience in process improvement strategies, project management, and wellness to create Life Made Simple. I started helping others in their homes. My excitement and unique approach then led to a book about our spaces and how they impact of sanity. Most recently, I launched a new line of my business of digital DIY organization kits to reach more people and spread my passion. How I got here? I just kept showing up each day (even when I was doubting myself), creating new ideas and being brave enough to try them.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I pretty fortunate that things have been relatively smooth, but this journey has definitely been a transition for my family. Prior to having my own business, I was the breadwinner with a nice paycheck and benefits. I know there were days when my husband wondered what the heck I was doing and why I didn’t just go get a “stable” job, which now I realize there is no truly “stable” job. There we definitely days when I would feel stressed and anxious wondering where my next client would come from. But I knew in my heart that I could do this and I really enjoy the journey of building a business. I would say that is one piece of advice- it helps a TON if you enjoy the journey of building the business. It is not just delivering the service you offer but there is a whole other piece to this journey.

Asking for help is important too. I realized there was A LOT I didn’t know and I had to be OK with asking for help whether it was hiring a coach or asking another mom to pick up my kids for me. It is ironic because the services I offer are primarily women who are feeling overwhelmed in their homes and lives and often wait a long time before raising their hands and ask for help. I try to keep that in mind and set an example.

I feel fortunate that I didn’t have any major struggles so far, but I can see easily how things can get tough if you do not have the right mindset. There is no one telling you “good job” and no one else to hold you accountable. It is just up to me to set my goals and put in the work each day. It takes a lot of self-discipline to stay focused on what is most important and not get distracted, especially with comparison.

What should we know about Life Made Simple? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Most people think of an organization as moving things around to make a closet look pretty. I love to go much deeper when helping someone in their space. I am really focused on how our space makes us feel and how it impacts our lives when things are disorganized or chaotic. There is a lot of data out that illustrates how a disorganized space creates a stress response in our brain. It impacts our health, relationships, finances and time management.

When I worked in healthcare I was responsible for organizing exam and procedure rooms to make them function optimally and I do the same in people’s homes. I also know that I can’t just come in and expect a family to change their ways overnight (I have tried it with my own and I was not successful!). I love taking the time with a family to understand what will best work in their home.

I then go about focusing on the root cause of why a space is not working (i.e. why do the papers keep landing on the counter or the clothes on the floor) and building a solution from there. Each home and family is unique and, therefore, the solution should be too.

I have a 3-step process that I use to transform a space-
1. Simplify – pare down to the items that you really need and add value
2. Systems – create a home for your belongings that make sense and makes your life easier
3. Sustain- organizing your space is not a one and done an event, you need to have a plan to sustain it

I think I am most proud of really helping people in a way that they can FEEL the difference, the lack of chaos when they are in their home.

And, I have met SO many amazing women on this journey and love how we are all inspiring and supporting one another. It is very different from my experience in the corporate culture.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I invested in a business coach right from the start and that has been a huge help for me when it comes to mentorship. I would not be where I am if it wasn’t for my coaches. They have steered me in the right direction and pushed me when I didn’t want to try something new. I tend to be risk-averse- but not anymore!

When I first started as a business owner I would go to a lot of networking events. I feel like you have to when you first start, but it can be exhausting and now being 2 years into my business, I focus on being very strategic when I network. My time and energy is my number one resource and I have learned what works best for me and my type of business.

So, my advice would be is to give things a try and don’t be afraid to remove yourself from a networking group if it is not a fit. You are better off focusing on quality over quantity, but be kind to all who you have the opportunity to meet. 🙂 And, most importantly, connect and surround yourself with women who lift you up!!! There are so many great ones out there!

Pricing:

• I offer a collection of 1:1 and DIY services to meet all budgets, as I believe everyone should have access to creating a calm space!

Contact Info:

• Website: lifemadesimpleathome.com
• Phone: 3033587031
• Email: info@lifemadesimpleathome.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifemadesimpleathome/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifemadesimpleathome/
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/lifemadesimpleathome/

Image Credit:
Sarah Krebs, Justin Martin

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