Leigh Achenbach shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Leigh, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My work brings me so much joy, but I have recently entered a new phase of life with my to little boys being in school and really getting into sports. Just when I thought I was too busy and too overwhelmed to add anything else to my plate, another pile got heaped on! This phase has been constant go-go-go every single day. My business is doing better than ever and all of my “free” time is taken up with my little buddies, Clark and Ollie. They are both in school now, which means homework and projects, and parties, and all the school things. They are also currently both in baseball. So between practices and games and church twice a week it can feel like it never stops. But when I stop and truly looked at how blessed I am I just soak up all of the current craziness! I am living for being a baseball mom right now. I can’t get enough of them learning a new skill and watching them have fun. Teaching them to celebrate the little moments and pointing out their improvements makes me realize that life is all about doing your best even if you don’t always win!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I started as a professional organizer almost 10 years ago. I came across the profession while at a crossroads of wanting to pursue my passion, not just make money. The only problem was I didn’t know what my passion was. I decided to give organizing a try while I figured things out and fell in love with everything about it! It had always come so naturally to me that I never considered it was a talent that could be used to help others. Since my first day on the job I knew this was my calling.
I started Suddenly Simple in 2018. And although I had a degree in Entreprenuership, I felt like I was clueless about how to start my own business. I spent about 2 years learning, planning, and preparing to get my own business off the ground. Putting myself out there was scary, but nearly 8 years later my brand has stayed consistent and true to its name. We thrive on creating simple spaces in a short amount of time. We take the load off by planning, shopping for products and doing all of the hands-on work ourselves. We create functionally beautiful spaces by focusing on details and listening to our clients needs. We are not afraid to help in any way. Our motto is “make it work”, and we seem to always find a way to do just that!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
When I married my husband Joey, how I saw myself completely changed. I was always the shy, quiet one who kept to myself and did what I was supposed to do. I would not call myself confident at all growing up. The fact that I started a service business from the ground up where I have to initiate so many conversations and be a leader of a company is just something I never thought I was capable of until I met Joey. When I told him I was thinking of starting my own organizing business he never once hesitated with his support. He had no doubts that not only could I start a business, but I could grow a successful one. All I needed was his confidence in me for me to go for it! He probably thinks he created a monster now though because entrepreneurial thoughts have completely taken over all aspects of my life. I am constantly dreaming bigger and better, and it’s all thanks to his support.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were so many times I thought about giving up, but that is not at all who I am at my core. I am very determined – some might call it stubborn – but I don’t give up easily. Although I am not afraid of a challenge, I do doubt myself at times. I constantly wonder if I am doing enough, if I made a mistake, or said the wrong thing, but I don’t give up. I always feel like there is a way to get through it. I feel like I made it through so many of those times that I am finally starting to realize when I am in the midst of a hard time that I just need to push through because I know it will pass and I will get to the other side if I just don’t give up.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends – and even those that barely know me – would say that my faith, my family, and my career are the 3 things that matter most to me. My faith in God has been a priority for me my entire life. I grew up in the church and have built my life on the foundations of the Bible. It has always been a priority of mine and everything else in my life hinges on those beliefs. My family is who I spend my time with, who I sacrifice for, and why I am even in the career I am in. My career helps me teach my boys about work ethic, dedication, and integrity. All of these things make me who I am, and I think anyone that knows me would easily see that.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I feel like I have always held loosely to “things”. I don’t really get attached or sentimental about a lot of items the way most people do. I would rather save my money than spend it. I would rather live minimally than live in excess. And I think purging is fun. It feels good to have less!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://suddenlysimpleorganizing.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/suddenlysimpleorganizing
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/suddenlysimpleorganizing
Image Credits
Feiten Photography
Suddenly Simple Organizing
Salt & Soul
