Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisa Starler
Hi Alisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is one filled with many chapters. Each one I grew from, learned from and brought me to the inception of Sanctum Home Organization.
Growing up, my mom was a born organizer. I watched as she edited, color coded and labeled her closet season after season and couldn’t believe someone could spend so much time creating order. I later realized that was why she did it. It was the only thing she could control while raising a daughter on her own, navigating an important job and managing the aftermath of a messy divorce. What I once used to view as “insane” became the tools I would later use to create peace and order in my own life.
My career began working for one of the most prolific producers in the entertainment business. As an assistant and later an Executive, in a fast-paced working environment, there is no choice but to be organized. If you’re not, you’re useless and there’s always someone else willing to take your job. This is where I learned that each person’s needs in organizing is different. What works for one person may not work for another. You really have to understand how a person’s day-to-day flows and help them create order that fits their lifestyle.
In the years that followed I got married, had my beautiful son and dove right into being a full-time mom. It was all-encompassing. I was in the business of my son and it’s all I cared about. Life came with many challenges and after trying my best to make my marriage work, I couldn’t sacrifice my happiness any longer and got divorced.
I learned what many women have had to learn who leave a marriage where they are not the earner, and that is, the legal system does not have your back. It doesn’t matter that you have been a stay-at-home mom and WORKING from the home for ten years. Once your divorce is finalized, everything has been split, and those few years of spousal support have ended, you’re on your own. Your lifestyle is expected to stay as-is and not disrupt your child, but you are supposed to make an almost impossible amount of money to maintain that lifestyle. Yes, I had money, but it wasn’t going to sustain me indefinitely, and it was time to get to work!
During that time, it was stressful, I had to figure out how to make a lot of money, during school hours so that I could still be a full-time mom. Even though I was under more financial pressure than I had every been, I had never felt more confident or been clearer. For the first time in my life, I was setting boundaries, becoming who I was supposed to be and while I had a lot to figure out, I had my inner peace. This is when everything started to take shape.
I knew what I was good at, had a very clear mission and no longer questioned my abilities. I began by organizing a few close friends’ closets and because of their enthusiasm about the result and through word-of-mouth, it all took shape and Sanctum Home Organization was born. We are an organizing and curation company specializing in editing, organizing and filling in the gaps with your wardrobe styling. The company is founded on the idea of finding inner peace through order and now that I live this, I can sell it authentically. I am still at the start of this journey, but my business is growing and I am creating a life where the only person I have to rely on is me, and it’s a really good feeling!
My ultimate goal is to spread the message and expand the brand. I hope to train new people to learn my method and create organization as a business for themselves. I would like to hire on other single moms who are looking for a way to make an income, while raising their children. I have been very lucky so far and hope to pay it forward to others in my position. I truly believe that everyone deserves to find their sanctum.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
On this journey, the biggest challenge for me has been promoting myself, especially through social media. It’s not natural for me and I know it’s an aspect of my business that I want to grow.
I have always worried about what people think about me, but you can’t when you are building something for yourself. The more I let go of that, the more approachable I am, and I naturally attract others just by being me. I am my brand.
The other thing that has been a lesson, is that I am not going to reach all of my goals overnight. Building a business is filled with highs and lows. To combat this, I set very attainable goals for myself. Rather than focusing day to day on the bigger picture I have for Sanctum’s growth, I set smaller goals that I know I can reach and will propel me forward, so that one day my business meets my ultimate vision.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sanctum Organization. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Sanctum Organization is an organizing and curation company specializing in editing, organizing and wardrobe styling. The company was founded on the idea that inner peace can be attained through order. Sanctum isn’t just about organizing your home, it’s about decluttering, editing and finding a place for everything. When you are surrounded by order, organization and peace, that confidence and energy can truly transform your life. What differentiates Sanctum, is our innate ability to support you through a process that can often be daunting and overwhelming. Editing can be fun and feel good and that is the atmosphere we create for our clients.
Setting us apart from others in the space is our Compassionate Transitional Organization package. Moving from one stage of life to another is an adjustment and not only requires editing and organization, but also guidance and compassion. We work with our clients reimagine an existing space or create a new one, in a calm and effective way. Whether you’re transitioning because of, or due to the death of a loved one, a divorce, an exciting move or your child leaving for college, we understand the emotion attached to these times, and work with our clients to make it as easy and seamless as possible.
With our wardrobe style upgrade, we collaborate with you to give your look a subtle facelift. We want you to feel like yourself, but an even more stylish, vibrant version. Whether it’s adding a few capsule pieces or completely replenishing and starting from scratch, we will support you and make sure you look and feel flawless.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My company is still new, but in the last six months I have learned and observed so many things that have taught me how to grow my business.
Firstly, be true to your mission. Walk the walk and talk the talk. My company’s philosophy is based on creating peace in your life by eliminating the things that no longer serve you. When you wake up in the morning and you have order in your home, and everything has it’s space, you gain a clarity and calm that sets the tone for the rest of your day. This is how I show up. My life is in order, I have created peace and boundaries in my life, so when I show up to a client’s space, I do so being completely authentic to what I’m promoting.
Another important aspect of running your own business is that you can’t worry about what others think. Building a business now, requires an online presence. You’re not just selling your business, but yourself. In fact, clients that are drawn to you, will most likely be so, because of YOU. Put yourself out there. It may be unnatural and feel scary at first, but try and let that go. The people that love you will support you, the people that are meant for you will find you and those that will hate on you or make fun of you, will do so anyway. Those are not your people or your clientele, and that’s ok. In order for good things to come to you and your business, you have to wish everyone the best. Positive energy will propel you forward with what you are building.
Be reliable. Do what you say you’re going to do. Confirm appointments, show up on time. No matter what has happened in your own life, bring positive vibes to your client’s space. What I do is very personal. The editing process involves a lot of one-on-one time and a huge amount of trust in me. For most people, editing and organizing is extremely overwhelming and often something that has been put off for a long time. I am there to support my client and my attitude, completely sets the temperature for the day.
I’ve always told my son if he every doubts himself at all, to “Fake it till you make it.”Leading with confidence attracts the right clients. If you believe that you are the best at what you do, so will others and that confidence will result in a product that reflects that belief. I know what I bring to the table and know my worth. I’m bringing my own brand of editing, organizing, updating, curating and styling that is exclusive to me. My clients will not only have a more refined and orderly aesthetic when I leave, but will feel calmer, lighter and more at peace when I finish with their home.
One of my biggest assets in building this company is my relationships. Having a circle of women around you that only want to see you WIN is a huge flex. I am lucky enough to have that and from the inception of Sanctum Home Organization, my tribe of incredible friends were hiring me, referring me and boasting about me at tables I wasn’t sitting at. You have to really be good at what you’re doing, but when you have cheerleaders that tell the community how amazing you are, there is no better way to grow your business.
Lastly, it doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it’s a roller coaster. This is not because of anything you are doing, it’s the nature of the beast. There have been times when I had clients booked out for weeks and other times I have not. I’ve learned that in these times, you cannot be complacent. Just like your dream man or woman isn’t going to come knocking on your door, neither will your ideal client. You have to put yourself out there! Go to the networking event, post the before and after, see a friend you haven’t seen in a while and let them know what you’re up to. Be proactive and you will continue to grow. If something isn’t working don’t keep doing it, try another direction. You’ll find your footing, your work will speak for itself and the clients will steadily come. You got this!
Pricing:
- Varies depending on project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sanctumorg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanctum_home_organization/
