Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Dinneen.
Hi Teresa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I honestly think organizing found me, rather than me knowing this would be my career path. I started my career in fashion and spent 20 years doing fashion sales for companies like Quiksilver, JBrand and TOMS. Yet on the side, I would always organize my friends’ closets and style them for nights out or vacations. When I had my daughter, I went back to work after maternity leave and tried to jump back into the corporate world but was really struggling with the schedule and lack of flexibility as a new mom. I never saw my daughter and knew that wasn’t the way I wanted to raise my kids. That is when I really looked into my passions and my skills and knew it was time to start organizing and styling for myself as my job!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth ride and I’ve learned so much along the way. When I first started, my company was called Estilo and I solely did closet organization and wardrobe styling. But the more closets I organized, the more clients would ask if I could organize other areas of their homes. That is when I realized I needed to re-work my business plan and expand my offerings and that is how Lifestyled began! It was definitely the right move to make, as I currently have a team of five employees and we offer thoughtful organization and styling services to help simplify your life.
We’ve been impressed with Lifestyled, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
While the organization is incredibly functional at keeping things contained and clutter-free, it isn’t always aesthetically pleasing. That’s what sets us apart…we love curating organization systems that are both functional and stylish. Our systems aren’t cookie-cutter; but designed for your specific house and needs in mind. However, we do implement the below organization process for every space and room in your house! It’s six simple steps that anyone can follow.
1. Remove all items: Take each and every item out of the space you are organizing: as you always want to start with a blank slate.
2. Sort and Categorize: Group all your items into like-minded categories so you can see exactly what you have, what you can get rid of and what you need to replace.
3. Donate, Sell or Toss: Toss any expired or damaged items, donate items that can be of use to others and sell anything new or of value.
4. Create Organization: Store everyday items within reach and at eye level and store less often used items up high or in hard to reach places and don’t forget to label.
5. Style the space: Use storage bin that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing to your space to create containment and decor.
6. Maintain: Now that everything has a place, you know where to put it back therefore maintaining the organization.
While organization is incredibly functional at keeping things contained and clutter-free, it isn’t always aesthetically pleasing. That’s why we love curating organization systems that are both functional and stylish. Our systems aren’t cookie-cutter; but designed for your specific house and needs in mind. The styling at the end of each project is what I love the most!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Yes! I love using apps to streamline how we do business at Lifestyled. The few we use the most are GooglePhotos, Canva, When I Work and Airtable. I also love listening to podcasts for fun and for business. My favorites are Lipstick on the Rim, Goop, How I Built This, and for pure pleasure…Smartless.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.itslifestyled.com
- Instagram: @teresa.lifestyled
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teresa.lifestyled
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/teresa_lifestyled/
Image Credits
Charlotte Lea Photography
