Meet Carolyn Rogers | Professional Organizing Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolyn Rogers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolyn, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I know whether to keep going or give up based on how much I enjoy the work and its impact on peoples lives. The day that I wake up and think “I really don’t want to do this” or “It’s not worth it” is the day I think about shutting it down. As long as I know that the work that I do is not only beneficial for me (emotionally and financially) but it also makes a difference in the lives of my clients, I won’t give up. There are times when it is very challenging but that makes the success at the end of a project even sweeter.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is called Neat Nerd Solutions and I am a professional organizing consultant. I help people and small businesses organize their living and work spaces as well as develop processes and habits to remain both neat and productive. In my profession we recognize that disorganization equals stress so helping people relieve themselves of stress helps them to be happier, more productive, and allows time to do the things that they actually want to do. I am also an engineer so as much as possible I try to use my technical skills to help with organizing. I am very excited when skills from my two worlds overlap. For example, as a software engineer, I’ve been managing a large amount of digital files for over a decade so I love when I’m able to use my knowledge of digital file management to help my clients. Getting to where I am business-wise was not easy. There was a time period when I thought about giving up. I wasn’t getting many clients on my own, and I thought that though I have the skills that I just didn’t have what it takes to attract new clients. But what I had to overcome was my own mind. I realized that I wasn’t taking my business serious enough so how could I expect others to? I realized that my measurement of success at the time belonged to others. Once I decided that I didn’t want to “play business” or just say I’m a business owner then I was able to direct my positive energy towards building it into something real. I learned that it doesn’t matter if I have one client or 20. As long as that one client is satisfied with my services and keeps my finances in the black, then I am OK. Now I’m more confident in my position and sometimes get more clients than I can handle. My work is not only satisfying to me but I know that it makes a difference in my client’s lives. I often think of myself as a problem solver and I want my brand to be known for that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Of course, there’s not much hanging out due to COVID-19 but let’s imagine it doesn’t exist for a moment. I am a foodie and some of my favorite spots to go are Desta Ethiopian Kitchen off Briarcliff, Cafe Sunflower and R. Thomas on Peachtree Rd, Thai Diner in Vinings, and Mary Mac’s Tea Room on E. Ponce so depending on our mood we will likely hit all of those places at some point during the visit. I’m actually pretty low key these days so activities will likely involve some outdoor activities like hiking or bike riding. I like the parks and trails around the Chattahoochee River and walking or biking on the Silver Comet Trail. Same goes for the Beltline in town. The Beltline is especially great for grabbing a bite and doing some people watching.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shoutout the other ladies of Ebony & Orderly and the National Association of Black Professional Organizers. (NABPO) I am a founding member of both groups and I get so much encouragement from them. Ebony & Orderly focuses on bringing awareness of the benefits of an organized lifestyle to our community while NABPO focuses on supporting minorities in the organizing profession. I am always encouraged by the information and ideas shared as well as seeing so many other women like me not only enjoying what we do but finding success in the business.

Website: www.theneatnerd.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neatnerdsolutions