If you can’t stop thinking about it, start working on it
I get asked a lot about how I started my businesses, Healthy Home Organizing and Gluten Free Navigator LLC. I have had an interest in organizing for many years. I read the books (think Marie Kondo) and organized spaces for friends. I was told numerous times over the years; you should do this for a living. So, I thought about it. But, as is life, I had a different career, I had responsibilities...and so it stayed in the back of my mind, occasionally making its way to the front, but more as a someday dream. Then, in January 2020, I was diagnosed with celiac disease.
You may be asking, what does that have to do with starting a business...?
I couldn’t stop thinking about it
The only treatment for celiac disease is adhering to a completely gluten-free diet. Gluten is in about 80 percent of food in the United States, often hidden in very unexpected and unnecessary places (we put gluten-containing ingredients in everything!) It’s a bit of a shock when you aren’t expecting it. And I found there is a gap in the medical community after diagnosis. You are sort of thrown into the world and it’s difficult to figure out how to live.
I wanted to start an organizing business but also wanted to help people with celiac disease. I started doing research on both topics and on entrepreneurship; podcasts, books, websites, professional organizing classes through Pro Organizer Studios, and professional training through the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). I signed up for a SCORE mentor (a free program through the U.S. Small Business Administration) and joined The Nest, a co-working space in downtown Green Bay. And then I had an epiphany and saw an intersection between organizing and celiac disease and said to myself, “You know what? I think this is it, this is the time to do it. I’m going to take the next step and formulate a plan”. I was able to take something very personal to me and marry it with something I was passionate about and came naturally to me.
So I started working on it
My organizing clients range from whole house organization to smaller projects (think closets) and my celiac patient niche. We set priorities based on the individual, downsize the items they have, categorize the items, and put them back in an organized way that works for the client and they can maintain.
When I work with celiac patients, we have four sessions: reviewing legitimate resources, going on a grocery store tour, ordering at a restaurant, and organizing their kitchen to safely accommodate a family member with celiac disease to avoid any gluten getting into their food inadvertently (cross-contact).
So my advice to you is, if you can’t stop thinking about it, start working on it:
Research your idea and your industry
Sign-up for a SCORE mentor (typically retired or current business owners and professionals who donate their time), hire a business coach, or talk to other entrepreneurs
Join a co-working community of like-minded individuals such as The Nest
Join other business organizations related to your idea/industry
Launch your business!
Every day I pinch myself and think, how am I so blessed to be able to do this? My wish for you is to wake up each day and say the same.
Meet Julie
My name is Julie Aderhold and I am an Owner, Professional Organizer, and Gluten Free Navigator for Healthy Home Organizing and Gluten Free Navigator LLC. When not working, you can find me running, biking, hiking, cooking, reading, and walking my dog with my husband, two adult children (and soon-to-be son-in-law!), and friends.
I can be reached via email at: julie@healthyhomeorganizing.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hhorganizinggb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hhorganizinggb/
