Q: What is your name?A: Kerith (pronounced “care-eth”) Paterson Q:  Where do you live and how long have you been an Organizer?

A: I live North Vancouver, B.C. and I have been a Trained Professional Organizer since November 2007

 Q: You are also a photographer.  Can you explain how photography has helped you become a better organizer? 

A: The photography really complements the organizing.  It has trained my eyes to see what colors, what patterns, what groupings, etc. work together, and the importance of negative space.  It has also taught me how to gain the trust of my client. Q: If money were not a factor, what would be your occupation?A: I would be doing exactly this…my photography and my organizing, but on a bigger scale.Q: Have you always been organized, or is it something you’ve learned?A: My places of work have always been extremely organized.  My co-workers used to ask if all my shelves at home were labeled.  (They’re not!)  I have always loved digging into a space and making it functional and beautiful.  I joke that I am a true Gemini.  I can be a true slob as well – just ask my husband – so I understand both ends of it and the obstacles people face. Q:  Who is your ideal client?A: My ideal client is anyone who is looking for change in their environment – especially anyone in a transitional phase who feels stuck or at a loss as to where to begin. Q:  How do your sessions work?  Do you offer maintenance packages?A: I currently charge a flat fee for consultation and then an hourly rate after that.  Trust me; the results are well worth the investment. Q:  What do you find most rewarding in your organizing occupation?A: Nothing is more rewarding that the “I can do this” that comes over the client.Q: How “green” are you?A: I really believe that our job as organizers is so important to the environment in that it is often an eye-opener for clients as to how much stuff they have and how much they really don’t need.  I highly recommend watching www.storyofstuff.com as a good reminder.  I am always trying to keep things simple and earth-friendly. Q: Do you ever do public speaking on organizing?  A: In the next year I hope to join Toastmasters and learn to become a good public speaker.Q:  You are a very personable soul.  In regards to organizing, do you find your clients really open up to you, and put their trust in you?  How important do you think a trait like that is to have? A: Trust is crucial!  I am always truly honoured that my clients have opened their doors to me and have allowed me to help respect, reclaim and rejuvenate their space. Q:  All Organizers seem to have a favourite tool…what is yours?A: My trusty little red leather measuring tape!  I measure before I move items, before I buy items, and before I plan for clients. Q:  What is the best advice you have for up-an-coming Organizers?

A: Treat your business like any other customer-service-driven small business and get started!  There is also a telecourse (“Should I Become an Organizer”) offered on the POC (Professional Organizers in Canada) website that explains the ins and outs of Professional Organizing. 

Q: What’s the best advice you can give someone who is feeling overwhelmed organizationally?

A: We are only given one life on this planet.  Live it to its fullest.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, that’s your cue that it’s time for a change.  Just start!  If you need some motivation / guidance call someone.  A good Professional Organizer is never judgmental.  You have only time, space, confidence and peace of mind to gain. Q: What’s on the horizon?A: One important thing I had planned to do once I became a Professional Organizer is to volunteer in some capacity with the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind), seeing how my company name is Visual Girl Home Therapy.  I have never taken my eyesight for granted and I cannot think of anyone more organized that a person without sight.  I am humbled by the thought and I feel I have much to learn from such an experience.  Loved meeting you Kerith… I think we will be friends for a very long time!Patti   

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 at 12:25 pm and is filed under Patti's Paraphernalia. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.