BUSINESS FEATURE
Refresh Hutto professional organizer helps clients streamline their lives with minimal stress H utto resident Kelly Laake said she has always had an eye for organization. For years, Laake managed a cer- BY CARSON GANONG
things, … you can get out the door, and therefore you’re not late, so you’re not as stressed out in the morning, [and] you’re on time, which makes you feel good,” Laake said. “It’s much better than you hustling.” For commercial clients, Laake helps with more than physical reorganizing—she also works with clients to develop helpful systems and procedures. As an example, Laake encouraged a recent commercial client to set aside a “power hour” each morning for intensive, focused work. “It seems really hard, but that’s your time to catch up on past work; that’s your time good feedback on that.” Laake said a major priority in developing her process was avoiding causing clients unnecessary stress. That goal informed many of her decisions in choosing how Refresh operates, such as working in three- hour blocks and using an all-inclusive pricing model that does not charge for communication. “Sometimes professional orga- nizers are like, ‘OK, we only get one email,’” Laake said. “I just try to run my business like how I would want on the other end.” to really focus on your email,” Laake said. “I’ve gotten really
ti ed public accounting rm, but in 2017 she decided to change things up and turn her talent for organization into a business. “It was easy and a natural t,” Laake said. “I ended up taking a class, which … really kind of skyrocketed me, and I was just o from there.” Laake created her own logo and branding for her business, settling on the name Refresh. She o ers professional and commercial clients through- out the Austin area, though she said the majority of her clients are homeowners. Laake’s process involves working with clients to assess their needs before reorganizing their space with speci c goals in mind. She said she works on kitchens, closets and pantries most often because of how central they are to people’s daily routines. Laake said keeping those areas organized can make things such as getting ready for work much quicker and easier. “If you have a home for all your organizing services to homeowners
Kelly Laake started her organizing business, Refresh, in 2017. (Carson Ganong/Community Impact Newspaper)
THE PROCESS The speci cs of Kelly Laake’s organizational process vary based on the needs of individual clients, but she tends to follow the same basic outline. Consultation During a one-hour consultation, Laake works with clients to identify problems and establish organizational goals. Declutter Before the more intensive organizational work can begin, Laake spends time decluttering. This involves moving misplaced items to the room or general area where they belong. Organization Laake spends the bulk of the process working with clients to achieve their personal organizational goals, which are unique to each client. Follow-up Two weeks after the organizing is done, Laake returns for a follow- up to see if clients need any additional support.
“I ENDED UP TAKING A CLASS, WHICH ... REALLY KIND OF SKYROCKETED ME, AND I WAS JUST OFF FROM THERE.” KELLY LAAKE, REFRESH OWNER
PRICING Laake uses a package pricing model with each package containing a di erent number of three-hour sessions.
1 session/3 hours: $195
5 sessions/15 hours: $682
3 sessions/9 hours: $468
9 sessions/27 hours: $1,053
Refresh 512-801-4714 • www.refreshproorg.com hello@refreshproorg.com
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COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER • COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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