Wendy: Before we started working together, how did you feel?

Brande: I would say I was overwhelmed and depressed because of constantly feeling overwhelmed having this thing over my head where I felt like I always had to stay home and clean. Like I never had my stuff fully organized the way that I wanted, every time I would try to start it, then finish it just never seemed to happen. Life gets in the way and I just couldn't get past it for some reason. So I was really overwhelmed to say the least.

Wendy: From the moment I walked in the door till now, how did you feel while we were working together?

Brande: I was so thankful that you're such a sweet, warm person and that you were understanding of me and my little eccentricities and you were very helpful to me and didn't make me feel shameful for my piles of things all around that I started and didn't finish. You gave me the courage and the energy to get it done because you're like a bunny rabbit and you just get things done. As we were going through the process and you were giving me tips and tricks, I honestly thought why couldn't I have done this sooner? Accountability really helped me.

Wendy: How do you feel now that we are done working together? Do you think you can maintain everything with all the tips that I've shared with you? 

Brande:  I definitely think I can maintain. I did leave a few little projects that you know, are like, longer term projects that have to get done. But I'm not scared of them now. I don't feel guilty for having that set aside now, because I've got two or three little projects.  And when I get to them, I don't feel bad about it. I'm so excited. I know that I can always call you and ask for help. I feel a total sense of accomplishment. I really feel like I can get out of my house more. I can go and do more because I'm not constantly always thinking in the back of my head “Oh Lord, I have all this housework to do and I really shouldn't go do this, that or the other. So you helped me with the guilt too. It’s just life and I shouldn’t have let it bog me down for about a year. I'm really excited now that I have a starting place where everything has a home. There's even room for things. And I made a friend out of all of it.

Wendy: What would you say to someone who is looking for support? Maybe they’re wondering “Wow, can Wendy really help me with this?” They’re not sure if they would trust somebody to come into their home. Maybe they’re feeling embarrassed. What would you say to them to get them started?

Brande: I think just reaching out. Reading your BIO was amazing, first of all, because I know we joked about it but seriously, like, five of the little things that you had listed for diversity. So, you know. I think Reading that is super welcoming and warming. I think that our first interview session was really great and we hit it right off. And I knew that you weren’t judging me from the beginning. That was the biggest hurdle. Was to find somebody that could actually help me and really not judge me and just give me the nudge that I needed. So I think, just take that step. Just go out there, research, find different declutter organizers, and then when they find your page, they’re going to immediately feel the warmth and hopefully they’ll contact you and have a good interview and feel as great as I did! I mean, I think, just go for it, it’s what they need to do.