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Meet Lisza Darling of California HandyGirl in Beverly Hills

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisza Darling.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up as the youngest of four and the only girl. I love fashion, but yes, I’m a total tomboy! I’ve been using tools since high school thanks to my awesome step-dad.

I earned my spending money by learning how to patch a roof, change out spark plugs, and make general repairs around the house. He also taught me to work on his 1967 Barracuda and my 1968 VW Bug. I didn’t want to do that stuff at the time (“because I’m a girl!”), but now, as a US Navy Veteran who has since worked in the film industry as a set designer, then in construction renovations as a project manager, I’m really grateful that he made me learn how to use tools. This experience has also served me well during my 15+ years as a multifamily housing property manager dealing with everything from basic maintenance to full property renovations inside and out. Although I do not personally deal with electrical or plumbing issues, I know enough to have a good understanding of what is usually going on.

After studying design, then graduating with my AAS in film at Seattle Central Community College, I have done numerous projects that combine my interior design experience and hands-on project experience for the past 10+ years while working for others.

Fast forward to August 2014 when I transitioned from being the Marketing Manager/Graphics Project Manager at an architecture/design firm to Entrepreneur running multiple businesses. California HandyGirl is my main business, and I love that I’m the only female handy (wo)man that comes up on Yelp!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I started in August 2014, I was barely making it. It was scary! I found myself wondering how I was going to make rent, and even came close to homelessness twice. But thanks to some amazing people in my life, they helped me through the rough patch and my clientele began to build enough to pay my monthly bills.

At first, I took every project that came my way just to make it and catch up. At times, I would schedule 3-4 projects in a day, working 10-12 hours a day and 7 days a week. This is the life of an Entrepreneur, and since I was no stranger to hustling to make it happen, I knew what I had to do. But it was also exhausting. Being single and coming home to house work was quite overwhelming.

To get reviews on my Yelp page has been a challenge. I don’t think people (in general) enjoy writing a review, so this was hard at first. I knew all I needed to get some traction with gaining new clients was a few good reviews. Then it happened! I had 10 5-star reviews within a few weeks of starting my page. Soon, I had current clients referring me to their friends and family, and new clients finding me on Yelp. The majority of my clients have indicated that they love that I’m a woman doing handy work. I believe that this has been key in helping me to build clients, and I’ll take it!

I am now gaining new clients daily and have enough regular clients that I am usually booked 2-3 weeks in advance while still taking 2-1/2 days off every week.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with California HandyGirl – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I believe I am successful because I bring a diverse skill set to my projects, I am able to offer general repair and installation services, as well as interior design services that includes design consulting, space planning, staging, furniture selection and if needed, furniture assembly. I also offer set design and construction services for films and photo shoots. Any services that I do not offer, I usually refer one of the “go-to” vendors on my list.

I am also big on communicating. Unless I am in an area with no phone reception, I usually respond to a project request within the hour and with details that include my rate and next available date to do the project. I always give my clients two options for availability. Once booked, I confirm the appointment the day before and then text them again when I am on my way day of the project. My clients tell me often that when they have reached out to other vendors, that sometimes the other vendors do not even respond. I pride myself on being very responsive to all of my clients. If it’s after hours and I’m awake, I’ll usually respond right away. My clients love this about me!

Clients often ask me to do special projects as well. One of my favorite projects was to re-do one of my Laurel Canyon client’s front entry space that has a working mid-century water fountain. It was quite plain with just the beige fountain and beige rock on the ground. I suggested a vertical succulent garden using the 4-foot long zebra wood boxes she already had stored in her garage. She loved the idea! I added black river rock to the ground and the fountain, and using a variety of succulents, packed them tightly into the lined boxes, then hung each box securely one above the other into the ceiling beams using a cabling and finnule system. I even added spot lights on the sides for night lighting. It turned out beautifully and my client just loves how much it brightens up the entry. It’s very peaceful being at her house and hearing the fountain running.

One of my favorite things to do on a project is to work with my clients on their interior design and space planning needs. I have always had a creative eye and really enjoy designing a space or coming up with a creative solution to help my clients have a better, more usable and functional space.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am very excited for 2018! For the last few months, I have been developing an apprentice program that focuses on helping female military veterans and women of domestic violence. Transitioning from the military into the civilian workforce is often difficult, and victims of domestic violence often don’t leave their abusers because they do not have a way to support themselves. Working with tools feels very powerful, and as a female, it’s very unexpected by most to see a woman handling tools so confidently. I believe that this program will help women in ways that will even surprise them. To be a part of helping someone regain control of their lives again, teaching them new skills to not only support themselves and their families, and seeing them grow financially as well as spiritually would be really cool! I love sharing my experience and know-how with others, so I am really looking forward to getting this apprentice program going.

Starting in January, I also plan to start teaching “how-to” workshops to women. I have had several clients tell me that they would like to learn how to do basic handy work, and that I should do a workshop. After getting feedback from other female clients, I’m so excited to learn that there is such a strong interest to attend. I think it will not only be a fun event, but given that more women are using their voices to stand up for themselves today, it’s an awesome opportunity for us women to come together, bond and feel empowered while learning how to do something that we usually look to men to do for us.

Pricing:

  • Rate starts at $35/hour with a one-hour minimum based on your location. Cost of any needed materials and supplies not included.

Contact Info:

 
Image Credit:
Axel Koester Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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