Samantha Volmuth - Great Companies Women Entrepreneur Award Winner 2023

Name: Samantha Volmuth

Business Name: Illuminate: Art of Order

Location: Brandon, USA

Establishment (Year): 2018

Category/Industry: Professional and Business Services

Profession/ Specialty: Professional Organizer

Website: www.illuminateinc.net

Social Media: LinkedIn

Company Detail:

Illuminate: Art of Order specializes in all facets of home and office organization. They are based in Tampa Bay, Florida. The categories they focus on include residential organizing, downsizing & transitioning, unpacking and organizing a new home, garage and outdoor storage organization, productivity & time management coaching, and paperwork organization & management.

Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage:

There are two main things that separate them from every other organizing business. The first differentiating factor is their passion. Every single one of their organizers is here because they love the field and helping others. It isn’t just a job for them, it’s a lifestyle. The second differentiating factor is their method. They believe that the art of organizing is a combination of mental, emotional, and practical components. They are not here to force people to throw things away-they are here to gently guide them through a decision-making process to figure out what they truly hold dear, and to tailor a system that will benefit each individual/family in the way that they need.

Challenges Faced During the Journey:

The road to success is never without bumps. However, she can say that every obstacle she have combatted so far has grown her and the business in some way. There are two main milestones she can recall that were especially noteworthy. The first was the choice to go from a one-woman show to a multi-person small business. Learning how to take a step back from being on the front lines was especially difficult for her, as she is very used to taking charge and doing everything herself. What she learned from expanding, however was that taking a step back allowed her to focus on the business and herself in other ways and allowed different people’s talents to be utilized to help the business flourish. The second milestone was the decision to go from a one-stop-shop kind of business with four categories to a business more focused on one category, home and office organization. It was difficult for her to make this decision as she always liked the idea of having multiple ways to help people, however, she realized after a period of time that the best way they could assist people was by being there for them strictly as organizers. Since this field isn’t as well known, she felt it would be in their best interest to spread the word. Organizing is something that everyone needs in their lives, and though there are other organizers out there, what their organizers and herself hope to “Illuminate” is the fact that organizing is an art form, not just a function. Advice for Women Entrepreneurs:

Here are my top recommendations to younger women who want to become entrepreneurs, or who already are: Cultivate Curiosity: Stay curious about the world around you and actively seek out new knowledge and experiences. Ask questions, explore different subjects, and be open to learning from various sources. Set Learning Goals: Define clear learning objectives and create a plan to achieve them. Break down your goals into smaller, manageable tasks to maintain focus and motivation. Learn from Failures: When faced with failure or mistakes, reflect on what went wrong and identify lessons to be learned. Use this knowledge to improve and make better decisions in the future. Practice Flexibility: Be open to change and willing to adapt your plans and strategies when necessary. Flexibility allows you to navigate unforeseen circumstances effectively. Practice Active Listening: When engaging in conversations, listen attentively to others and seek to understand their perspectives before responding. This promotes better communication and mutual respect. Develop Empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes to understand their feelings and viewpoints better. Empathy fosters meaningful connections and enhances communication. Overall, remember that growth is a continuous journey, and progress takes time. Be patient with yourself and celebrate the small victories along the way. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take on new challenges; that’s where real growth happens. Lastly, prioritize self-care and well-being to maintain a healthy and positive mindset throughout your development journey.