Meet Lisa Munkvold | Owner and Professional Organizer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Munkvold and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I would say, the most important factor behind my success is authenticity. (With determination and stubbornness as a close second). I have always stayed true to who I am and what I stand for. I never put on a front or image to be someone or something I am not. My brand and my company reflect this. I know that when someone is hiring an organizer, connection and trust are crucial; therefore, I focus on being the best version of myself and presenting that to my clients. I fully trust in myself, my strengths, and my abilities, and I also want my clients to.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At first glance, my business may not stand out as anything special. There are a lot of professional organizers in Houston, all of us offering the same or similar services, and all of us striving for the same goal, to help our clients reduce clutter and get organized. We are all skilled in our trade, offering insightful advice, practical solutions, and beautifully organized spaces. However, we all bring something different and valuable to the table.

So, what sets me apart? Probably my ability to connect with my clients and build a rapport where they feel heard, understood, and respected. I am a solo team, and though that has presented its challenges, it has also proven to be a blessing. I get to be there for my clients as they navigate this often vulnerable and personal decluttering journey. I get to know them, and they get to know me, and there is a human connection factor that is invaluable in this line of work. And, of course, nothing beats seeing the happiness and sense of relief on a client’s face at the end of a project.

There is no big secret or trick to my success. I got to where I am today by plucking away and putting one foot in front of the other. Determination, stubbornness, grit, and my ability to think on my feet have enabled me to keep going and overcome any challenges that have come my way. If plans A, B, and C fail, there is always the rest of the alphabet.

I am very proud of having built this business from the ground up, not only the website, etc. but also the brand itself. Setting it up, promoting it, and keeping it going while facing daily challenges has taken a lot of time and energy. I am a busy mom of three and have dealt with my fair share of significant personal and family illnesses over the last few years. In addition, the pandemic threw a monkey wrench in the mix for me, as it did for most others. However, my ability to push through, adapt, change, and think outside the box has enabled me to stay afloat and push ahead.

The biggest lessons I have learned in the 8 years I have been running my business are to trust my gut and abilities and to stand my ground. I have come to see my worth, and I know I have what it takes to do this job well.

When all is said and done, I want to be known for my honesty, authenticity, and ability to help others by doing something I love. I pride myself on being direct but kind, understanding, and encouraging, and I do not judge anyone for their clutter or space.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Houston is a fun, diverse, and vibrant city with many things to enjoy. For anyone who enjoys the arts, I would stroll through the museum district and visit MFAH, Contemporary Arts Museum, and The Menil to enjoy some of their exhibits. Then I would pack some delicious food, walk through Hermann Park and enjoy a free show at Miller Outdoor Theatre. The esplanade at Memorial Park is another gem for enjoying the outdoors. I would head to City Centre, the vintage shops in the Heights, or the upscale shops in Highland Village for shopping and dining. As a book lover, I would stop at Blue Willow Bookshop and Brazos Bookstore. In the evening, I would head downtown to the Hobby Centre for an off-Broadway musical or to the Wortham to see the Houston Ballet perform. If time permits, I would drive to Galveston to enjoy the beach and explore the island.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people have played a crucial role in my success. My family, friends, and other professional organizers have all positively affected me and my business. However, if I were to pick only one person that deserves a shoutout, it would be my dear friend Brenda. Brenda is the person who planted the seed of this business idea in the first place, and she has been a constant cheerleader, sounding board, and encourager. She has always trusted me and my abilities, personally hired me for projects, promoted me to others, and helped me brainstorm new ideas. She shares in my highs, comforts me in my lows, and always listens when I need it.

Website: https://www.completecluttercontrol.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/completecluttercontrol/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompleteClutterControl/

Other: lisa@completecluttercontrol.com

Image Credits
Pictures in the kitchen – Pernille Munkvold