Meet Arlene Craig | Home Organizer & Realtor

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

Hi Arlene, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always desired to create a brand where I could have multiple streams of income from one main source. After attaining my Real Estate license almost 5 years ago, I decided that I needed to take matters into my own hands. I have been in Visual Merchandising & Operations Management for almost 18 years with some of the top retailers in the world.

After years of constantly trying to figure things out, my love of organizing took over my life in many ways. Combining that with my years of experience in fashion, home and beauty merchandising finally felt like I hit the jackpot. All of my passions and purpose finally aligned. And as much of a risk it is to be an entrepreneur, there’s no other gamble I’d rather take.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from other organizers is that I truly set out to build a system for clients that will work when I’m no longer there. Getting to know everyone I work with is the biggest part of the process.

I’m very excited to take the talents I’ve been able to use in these massive retail spaces and utilize them to actually impact people and their homes. Growing more passionate about my own home life and family have pushed me into this space of wanting to impact lives in a much bigger way.

I’d definitely say that the biggest lesson I’ve learned along my journey is that you just have to start. The word go is more much more impactful than we think. I’ve been in my own way for quite some time. Changing my mentality and going from career professional to entrepreneur is no easy task. The risks, the long nights and inconsistent income in the beginning can truly be a deterrent. And most people will turn around and go back to the comfort of that 9-5. But if you just stick with it, your planted seeds will eventually bear fruit.

I’ve been searching for this amazing idea for almost 5 years. I was never going to give up. I didn’t know how I would do it, but I knew being in business for myself would be the best thing I could for my life and my family. It’s so much bigger than me, that’s always been my motivation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a person that loves to eat I always recommend The Breakfast Klub, they never disappoint.

I also love Truluck’s for fine dining but a great burger from Joy Love is just as amazing.

I’m a very active person so running/walking The Woodlands Waterway or Buffalo Bayou Park will always be a fun time.

A day trip to Galveston and fun at the beach with family and friends is just great to be so close by.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m very grateful to have a very supportive and loving village. My husband Kirk is my biggest supporter, constant source of encouragement and guinea pig, lol. And I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support of my amazing mother Mary. My entire life she has instilled in me that I can do anything. I truly don’t deserve them and my gratitude is immeasurable.

Instagram: ObsessivelyOrganizedCo

Other: Instagram: @mrsarlenecraig

Image Credits
Victoria Baldwin