We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Olson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Emily, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work life balance seems to be that ever-elusive goal, right? The one that parents and business owners tote around, sometimes achieving and a lot of times missing. It doesn’t look the same to everyone and I think that is something important to remember – we are all at different stages of life, in different jobs and different seasons, and what balances well for some may not for others. And what has worked for me in no way means someone else is doing it wrong.
Prior to starting my business, I worked a typical 40 hour week job and was, thankfully, able to keep work and home separate. At the time, I had one child, would miss bedtime at least once a week, had to be at work at 7AM a few days, and generally kept busy. She was in daycare from three months on and I felt like I kept missing out, not only on time with her, but also when it came to the little events her school would hold. I worked hard to be where I was, I loved my coworkers and generally liked my job, but I was missing things I could never get back. I recognized, but it always felt like it was the way things had to be. It wasn’t until Covid, when I was pregnant with our second child, that I finally got time away and realized that missing out on irreplaceable moments was no longer going to cut it.
Fast forward to our family moving to Lake Oconee a year and a half later, my wanting to be in control of my schedule and there for our kids were major factors in starting Luxe. Not only was it a passion of mine and something that I was excited to do, but I finally felt like I could be present in the way that I craved. Of course owning a business is time consuming and something that has to stay in the forefront of your focus in a lot of ways, but having control over exactly when I put that time in and when I focused on my family has given me the freedom to finally achieve the work life balance I so desperately needed.
Since our daughter started Pre-K, I have been to just about every school event, every performance, and every meeting and not once have I had to get someone else’s permission to go. That freedom? That is how I think about work life balance. The ability to succeed in business, devote my time to work, but also to be able to step back, put my phone down, and just be with my kids. And I DO put my phone down. I am notorious for leaving my phone in my bedroom for the majority of the weekend because I just want to disconnect and be with my family. It drives some people nuts, but I secretly love it! But that’s just it. Work life balance for me now includes that full disconnect when my kids are home. It may look totally different for most other people, but finding what works for you, your job, your family – that is the most important thing. Because protecting your mental health and taking care of yourself have to be a part of the equation if you hope to succeed in other areas of life, including business.
What should our readers know about your business?
Luxe Organizing Solutions is a boutique home organizing firm with a goal of simplifying our clients lives through decluttering, effective systems, and organization. We are dedicated to creating bespoke systems, aesthetic design to complement the home, and turn-key service. Our forte lies in creating custom curated and maintainable processes to streamline our clients’ lives and bring peace to even the most used spaces, whether they have lived in their home for years or are starting from scratch.
Our business is different from any other in the Lake Oconee area and can complement a number of other professions, from interior designers, to real estate, to home builders. While we do commonly go into clients’ homes where they are wanting to declutter and get organized within the current space, we also service any clients who are moving into a new home and want to start fresh with organization. We provide help with decluttering and packing for moves, as well as unpacking within the new home, implementing individualized plans based on the client, his or her family, and whatever other details are deemed important. Another unique service that we offer is called New Beginnings and is exclusively for clients moving into a second home who are looking to start fresh with all new items. We will source, purchase, and inventory all bedding, cleaning supplies, dishes – you name it, we will take care of it! We take care of unpacking and examining all inventory, delivery of said inventory to the client’s home, and professional organization of the items into their new spaces. We will even stock the pantry for you!
It is my hope that, as we grow as a business, we can continue to show the immense value that an organized and decluttered life can offer and I think seeing this positive change in our clients’ lives, even from day one of finishing each project, is what I am most proud of. It is less treaded ground here at the lake than in other areas of the country, so getting the word out was a learning experience from the beginning, but we have been blessed to have great clients who refer us to their friends and wonderful opportunities to share more about what we offer (just like this!).
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh this is a fun one! I am a major foodie, so I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t have a big restaurant focus – we have so much good food in the city!
For breakfast, The Flying Biscuit is a top name that comes to mind, but you have to order the Turkey Hash (and they don’t always have it!). Buttermilk Kitchen in Buckhead is always solid breakfast and brunch, but you have to get there early to beat the line.
After breakfast (or brunch, if you’re the lucky type who can sleep in) I’d probably head to bike on the beltline or get in some shopping. Avalon in Alpharetta and downtown Roswell both have some great options. Linen & Flax Home and Apparel stores on Canton street are always a win and Roswell Antique Market has some great treasures, as well.
If you’re in Roswell, stop into Roswell Provisions for frozen Rose, or better yet eat in the cafe upstairs for a delicious hidden treat. Krog Street Market and Ponce City Market are obvious favorites and a great spot for a quick bite. Try the schwarma at Yalla! at Krog Street or a burger at H&F at Ponce. If you’re on the Buckhead side and want something a little more high end, Le Bilbouquet in Buckhead Village is absolutely delicious and has the perfect French cafe atmosphere. I’m sure there will be some naysayers on this one, but if you’re near Phipps, the Nordstrom Cafe is actually one of my favorites (don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it)!
When you’re ready for dinner, my absolute favorite spot is Iberian Pig in downtown Decatur. It has been my go-to spot for special occasions (and anytime I have the excuse to go!) for years. Plus, it’s only a couple doors down from Jeni’s ice cream – win, win! Antico by Georgia Tech is a great pizza option for a casual dinner and Two Urban Licks is the perfect on-the-scene date night spot.
For night activities, catch a concert at Chastain Amphitheater, a Broadway show at the Fox, or a comedy show at Village Theater Comedy Club.
The beautiful part about our city is there is no shortage of people, cuisine, activities and really anything else you could want – you just have to make time for all of it!
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?
Oh goodness, my husband has been absolutely incredible throughout all of this. He has supported me through multiple career changes, difficult business decisions, and through the trials and tribulations that inevitably come with parenting young children. We are certainly learning together as we go, but there is no way that I would have felt fully confident in taking the risks in business that I have without his support and encouragement.
Website: www.luxeorganizingsolutions.com
Instagram: @luxeorganizingsolutions
Image Credits
Clayviation (Photographer)