Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Gardiner.
Amy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2013, I became a divorced, single mom with very young kids and an overwhelming desire to better my home and my life. Even with a degree and past career in engineering, a certificate and passion for interior design, and six-years and counting of being an at home mom, I was ready for something totally different.
I had always been drawn to organization and “making home”, and in 2014, with the encouragement of friends who let me practice in their homes while my youngest was at pre-school, I started my business as a professional organizer. Higher Order was born!
In 2016, I began a coach training program at Coach Approach for Organizers, and completed it in 2017, thus adding coaching to my organizing business.
Has it been a smooth road?
For me, the entrepreneurial road has been an an uphill climb; it is riddled with potholes of self-doubt, steep learning curves, wide expanses of insights, and the glorious scenery of discovery and awareness. The journey for me has been, and still is, getting myself out of my comfort zone and into uncharted territory. This creates a white-knuckled drive away from the familiar, and into the unknown. However, it’s the only way to get somewhere you’ve never been to.
I have learned to be fearful AND keep going; to try new ideas without direction from anyone else; to ignore the GPS and find my own way. And I get to my destination every day. It may be in tiny increments: sometimes it’s a dollar amount; sometimes it’s an insight; sometimes it’s creative new content… but it’s always a lesson and certainly always essential to the trip! To me, this is the only way to ever arrive at a place that feels like home.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a Professional Organizer and Organizer Coach. I have helped declutter, destress, and demystify organization for more than five years. Trained as an Organizer Coach, I help clients identify and connect to their big goals, develop an actionable plan, and provide accountability and support along the way. I serve overwhelmed clients from executives to entrepreneurs, busy families, military on the move, and everyone in between. I also host decluttering challenges on The Daily Five, a Facebook group formed to encourage, support, and inspire people worldwide to live a bigger life with less stuff.
The thing I am most proud of is my learning. I have learned so much and I never stop learning – both for my clients and myself. I am also proud of the learning that my clients have had along the way. Being open and self-aware is the key to both a better life and a more organized home.
I value that I connect with my clients and meet them where they are – in their homes and in their lives. I use the encouraging phrase of “progress over perfection” so there is always a sense of making headway. I always try to make the organizing process light and fun, changing an often-dreaded task into a positive learning experience.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Books:
Organizing From the Inside Out (Julia Morgenstern)
Time Management from the Inside Out Julia Morgenstern)
Clutter Busting and Clutter Busting Your Life (Brooks Palmer)
The Sensory Child Gets Organized (Carolyn Dalgliesh)
Getting Things Done (David Allen)
The Processing Modalities Guide (Denslow Brown)
The 4 Disciplines of Execution (Sean Covey, Chris McChesney, Jim Huling)
You Are a Badass and You Are a Badass at Making Money (Jen Sincero)
Rising Strong (Brene Brown)
Everything is figureoutable (Marie Forleo – also check out MarieTV on her website)
Podcasts:
The Life Coach School (Brook Castillo)
Online Marketing Made Easy (Amy Porterfield)
Stand Out (NAPO Podcast)
Distraction (Ned Hallowell)
Ted Talks:
Start With Why (Simon Sinek)
10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation (Celeste Headlee)
Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are (Amy Cuddy)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HigherOrderHome.com
- Phone: 619-549-2167
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: higherorderhome
- Facebook: @HigherOrderHome
- Other: The Daily Five, Facebook decluttering group
Image Credit:
Nikkie Achartz
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