“My clients want organization in their lives, but they are never sure where to start. I help them choose one space to work on, and we go from there.” her children went back to school that fall, Pickens got busy on the office. She had a great time helping her friend and got paid to do something that she loved. “It took me about a year to get everything in order and make sure I was ready to open my own business,” said Pickens. “Last spring, I officially opened Stow Upstate and have been busy ever since.” Pickens said word of mouth is what keeps her in business. She takes before and after photos to show new clients what she can do, and former clients tell others about the amazing work she did for them. Work has been steady since Stow Upstate opened in 2017. “I love that I own a successful local business in Anderson,” said Pickens. “I also love that I am able to set my hours to work when my children are in school or camp, and I am still able to be at home with them in the afternoons, on weekends and over holidays. I set my schedule around theirs.” When someone first contacts Pickens about helping them organize an area (or areas) in their lives, she meets them to see the disorganized space. “My clients want organization in their lives, but they are never sure where to start,” said Pickens. “I help them choose one space to work on, and we go from there. I help them make a plan and give them ‘homework’ to get them started. All I ask is that they make “give away”, “throw away” and “keep” piles for me, and then I am able to get in there and create a beautiful and functional space for them.” Pickens has several local places she uses for “give away” donations. One of her favorites is the St. John’s United Methodist Church Clothes Closet located downtown on South McDuffie Street. Donated items are free to those who come to “shop” each week, and donors are given tax receipts. “The Clothes Closet at St. John’s is open to the public to shop on Wednesdays,” said Pickens. “They accept gently used clothing and bedding. As long as everything is gently worn or still has new tags, the items will be accepted. Even undergarments that have been washed and are in great shape are appreciated.” Haven of Rest has eight thrift store locations in the area. Pickens likes donating large pieces of furniture, appliances and other household items to this local ministry and to the Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore shop on Murray Avenue. “When I clean out areas for clients there are usually items that are in great shape but not perfect for the organized space I am creating for them,” said Pickens. andersonmagazine.com
“This is when I call Haven of Rest to come pick the items up and give me a tax receipt for my clients. My clients and the local ministry benefit from the donation.” Sometimes clothes or household items are too old or out of style to donate to the clothes closet or to one of the other resale stores. Goodwill is where Pickens chooses to drop off these particular items. “Goodwill is known for recycling old clothes,” said Pickens. “Even if they have holes in them, they will take them and turn them into cleaning rags.” During the sorting process, things can get messy. Pickens tells her clients that it always looks worse before it gets better. Deciding what to keep and what to donate and throw away is something that is individual to each client. “Once I get through the messy process of eliminating what they do not need,” said Pickens. “I can get started on organizing and creating a space my clients will be able to use and keep up with. Part of my job is to let the clients take ownership of the newly created spaces and keep themselves organized from here on out.” Some of her recent jobs have included reorganizing a floral studio, sewing room, playroom, laundry room and mudroom. Pickens is willing to take a look at any space a client needs to organize in a home or office. At this time, she does not clean out and organize garages, sheds, storage units or any other outdoor areas. If you are ready to get organized, but you have no idea where to start, Pickens is ready and willing to help you out. n 7
September/October 2018