Q1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your family?
I am Smriti, NIFT Bangalore graduate with some extensive experience in the fashion industry. I spent 5 years with a larger retail brand before I decided to take the leap of faith and decided to invest full time in an idea that was building up in my mind all these years.
Q2. How did you come up with a business around Decluttering / Organizing ? Have you had any formal training or family business?
As a child I was always very organised, liked to keep things neat and in the right place. I always believed cluttered surroundings lead to a cluttered mind. But I didn't have any formal training in launching businesses or ran a family business, but I always had a drive to do something of my own.
Powered by my corporate experience and knowledge I invested in doing extensive market research, got myself certified and started small. Mainly with an Instagram page.
Q3. What inspired you to take this challenge, and start your own venture?
When I was doing my research and talked to people around me, I found a genuine need for this service. People are struggling to manage their space, optimise resources, and to top it all work from home has added to the already stressed lifestyle of our young couples.
I wish to make life better for my clients and want them to not only enjoy the space they already have but also lead a more positive, decluttered environment.
Q4. What has been your proudest moment?
Every spac transformation that I do for my clients, makes me swell with pride. Because it comes with the satisfaction, that they are finally going to enjoy the space like it is meant to be.
Q5. How has social media / Instagram helped you take off this business?
Reels really has helped me reach the end consumer, as I could pass on the ethos of the brand / the whole concept. Clients are able to visualise how I will help them professionally and not just give bookish knowledge of keeping everything in place. We use a lot of logic and study our clients lifestyle before making / suggesting changes. So yes SM has helped us get the message out to the end consumer.
Q6. What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting out?
1. Do your research, especially of the primary market that you are going to cater.
2. Remember there is a vast difference in organizing for yourself vs organizing for others.
3. Keep yourself physically fit, because this is a very satisfying but strenuous job.
For more you can follow Smriti and team at @thesortstory
Smriti Bhatia