Meet Stephanie Marshall | Professional Home Organizer

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

Hi Stephanie, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
The Latin phrase “Ora et Labora: meaning to pray and work profoundly inspires me. The phrase speaks to my soul, as it integrates spirituality and effort, seeing work as part of a higher calling to assist others. This phrase has been a guidepost in my daily life for many years, motivating me to strive for continuous improvement and positively impact those around me. “Ora et Labora” has provided strength and reinforced my belief that intentional and purposeful work leads to the achievement of goals.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I tell people that Zensational Organizing helps them get their Zen back, one step at a time. I am very methodical and like to address my clients needs by using a holistic approach. I consider their physical, emotional, and mental aspects of their living space when approaching any project. I think that in this industry it is easy to think of “pretty baskets and bins” and not think of the difference that we make in individual’s mental well being.

Helping others has always been a part of my life. I am the middle child of three and remember helping my mother with laundry folding and dusting as a 3 year old. Prior to getting married in 2007, I used to work at City Hall as a council aide and community liai0son for the City of Houston Controller’s Office. After getting married, I moved to Australia. My husband was in the Australian Air Force so we moved around quite a bit. I quickly found myself becoming a “move and downsizing expert”.

We decided to move back to Houston so that our daughter can begin school here in 2019. I thought I could go back to work at City Hall, but with the change of administrations my old position was no longer available. I also of found that due to having a daughter in various school activities, I needed a flexible schedule. I brainstormed and decided that having my own organizing business would allow me to use my talents to help others and also give me the flexibility that I was seeking.

I filed my DBA on January 26, 2020 little did I imagine that COVID would be around the corner. My daughter had to finish the school year virtually. I was her full-time carer and part time organizer. The world of virtual organizing opened up. It was challenging, but I made it. I think that the biggest thing you can learn in life is that things aren’t permanent. You have stormy days, but the sun is going to shine again. Keep at it and you will be ok.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a native Houstonian and have always loved Bayou Bend and our wonderful museum and theatre districts. I would love to take them to have dinner at iconic Houston restaurants such as the original Ninfa’s in East Houston and also Brenner’s Steakhouse. Houston has plenty of historic churches, buildings and cemeteries where famous people like Howard Hughes are buried. Old Town Spring or Tomball also give you a slice of the “small town feel”

There’s enough for everyone’s taste! If they feel like shopping, there is always great shopping in the Galleria or River Oaks district or on the northwest side you have the premium outlet Mall in Cypress.

We’re not far from water either. With just an hour each way you can either visit Galveston or one of the area’s lakes such as Lake Conroe or Lake Houston.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, my 10 year old daughter Amelia and my husband are my biggest supporters. They are why I chose to open my business.
I would not have started my journey as a professional organizer if it were not for knowing Mary Jo Contello of Organized by MJ. MJ attended high school with my brother and when I returned to Houston, after living abroad for 12 years, I mentioned to my brother that I was considering starting my professional organizing business and he encouraged me to reach out to Mary Jo, as she was a professional organizer. I reached out to her and attended my first NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) Houston meeting and it didn’t take me long to become a member. I was hooked.

The NAPO Houston chapter took me in and before I knew it, I was on the board. Ann Zanon, Lisa Hettinger, Karen Baker and Susan Wade were among my colleagues and NAPO Houston leaders driving me to continue to serve on the board. Thanks to them, I was recently elected to serve as NAPO Houston’s President for the 2024-2025 year. I also currently serve on the Faithful Organizers Board.

Website: https://www.zensationalorganizing.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-marshall-a56a179/

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

Yelp: ttps://www.yelp.com/biz/zensational-organizing-spring

Image Credits
The photos were all taken with my phone camera. I was out representing NAPO Houston as Vice President and Marketing Director at IKEA for our GO (Get Organized) Month activities and also at The Container Store. 80% of my work is move related work, decluttering and unpacking work. I was working setting up a closet for one of my move clients.