I might as well start at the beginning because that seems like a logical place to begin. This is my first introduction to the organizing business. In this case, let’s rewind to 1981 and to a three year old girl (me!). I’m alone, on the shoreline next to the Atlantic Ocean. Yes, this may sound like I had very irresponsible parents but I assure you that’s not the case. This scene takes place at my grandparents camp in East Jeddore. It’s about an hour outside of Halifax, in case you’re wondering.
To say I was an independent child would be an understatement. I don’t personally remember this particular experience that I’m leading you toward. I do recall that strong sense of self from an early age. Perhaps, that’s why I was granted free range of the property and rocky beach. Plus, the 80’s were a different time or how else can you explain leg warmers and side ponytails? This story has been retold to me by my Aunt Dee many times over the years. It even made it into the “toast to the bride” speech that she gave at my wedding. So, it certainly made a lasting impact on her or, caused long-term trauma. You can decide.
Early organizing indicators
Right, where was I? Okay, so the legend goes that my seemingly negligent family finally realized that I, a three year old child, was missing. And, not responding to my name being called. They began a frantic search that included lifting the lid to the old dug well and, venturing into the dense spruce forest looking for, an assumedly lost and terrified kid. Despite calling out for me and looking in all of the obvious hidey holes, I was nowhere to be found. As my Aunt so dramatically puts it, “I took one last walk down the road, bordering the ocean, expecting to see your tiny, dead body floating.” Lo and behold, there I was, off in the distance. Sitting on a large rock tucked out of line of sight from the camp.
Helping others to become more organized
But first, let me qualify that this blog entry is, indeed, about an organizing business. I have been organizing and helping others become more organized from a young age. One of my earliest memories is itemizing the toys in my room and listing them in a Campfire notebook. I would then set up a store using my Fisher Price cash register. And, “sell” my toys to my sister for pennies and nickels. As a young girl I would visit friends’ rooms and reorder their jewelry boxes, Barbie clothes, stuffed animals and bookshelves. Campfire notebook? Fisher Price cash register? Pennies? I know you 70’s and 80’s babies are feeling me!
Origins of A Sorted Affair Organizing Business
When my relieved Auntie made her way to me she asked, “Kelly, we were calling for you.” “Why didn’t you answer us? What are you doing?” My reply? “Sorting them.” Before me was a collection of clam, mussel and periwinkle shells; neatly organized by size and category. She said she was torn between amusement of my prim, nonchalant response and gratitude that I wasn’t facedown with lungs full of seawater.
A Natural Organizer
As I began the process of naming my organizing business, adorable play of words aside, I knew that some variation of the word “sort” had to be a part of the equation. A nod to my cheeky response. A Sorted Affair Inc. may be a new business but to me it feels like a natural extension of an innate part of who I am. An attribute that was obvious even at a tender age. When I say I’m excited to help people with their clutter and disorganization I genuinely mean it. I don’t see mess, I see an opportunity to come up with a system that works for you! Whether it’s reorganizing your closet, managing your paperwork or cleaning out the garage that no one can park in; I’m here with organizing solutions for a life less complicated.
The rock is still there, resisting the tides and encroaching erosion of the shoreline. And although the property has been sold, from time to time I’ll walk the shale beach. And, if I’m lucky, I’ll find a shell to slip in my pocket and spend some time with happy childhood memories.
Yours in All Things Sorted,
Kelly
Psst! Here’s the original Fischer Price Cash Register: https://www.amazon.ca/Fisher-Price-Classics-Cash-Register/dp/B010EPR01M