Featured: Michaela Santen of Simple Sweep!

I’m so happy to introduce you to Michaela Santen, our latest featured small business owner! Michaela is the creator of Simple Sweep..what first started as her blog to share organization tips has transformed into a full-time home organization business, helping families all around the state of Oregon create beautiful, functional spaces in their homes. Just looking at the photos on her website had me feeling antsy to start organizing our home!  You can find more information about her business at www.simple-sweep.com, and read on for her answers to “The 5 Questions for the Women of Small Business” interview!

1. Tell us about yourself and your business.

Simple Sweep was born out of sheer necessity. I was a stay-at-home mom with three young kids.  I found myself always trying to eke out more space in our small NE Portland home. I would do this by re-arranging furniture, using items from other rooms for different purposes and mostly getting rid of anything that wasn’t essential.  After people starting asking me for advice on organizing their homes I started the Simple Sweep blog to share my tips. Soon I was being hired to help friends and neighbors organize their houses and four years later I am working full time for clients all around Oregon.

2. Describe your workspace. What’s your favorite thing about it?

My workspaces are my clients homes! My favorite thing about it is that everyday I walk into a different home and get to transform it into a more efficient and beautiful space.

3. Where do you find motivation when you feel stuck?

There have been times that I look at a space and it takes a moment for it to speak to me. I’m very visual and sometimes I just have to sit in the space and walk around for it to really show me its potential. If I ever get stuck, I just breathe, walk around and give it a minute. There’s always a solution!

4. What did you think you’d be “when you grew up,” and how does it differ from the person you are today? 

I thought I would be an Investigative Reporter. I did study journalism and worked for many years as a news producer but gave it up to raise my children. I feel like producing just prepared me for being a Professional Organizer. Both careers demand multi-tasking, organization and speed in order to get it all done in time. The best part is, I have found a way to marry my two careers  …. I am now a featured guest on our NBC morning news program where I share my organizing tips on TV!

5. What one piece of advice would you give to a women that want to be their own boss?

Trust yourself. Don’t be afraid to share your talents. You might be surprised at how much you can offer this world!

You can find more information at www.simple-sweep.com

Check out more interviews with women in small business here!