If the last few years turned your living room into a storage unit and your dining table into an office, you’re not alone! For Amanda Tollison, the founder of Arranging Spaces, the 2020 COVID pandemic was the catalyst for starting a thriving business centered on minimalism and holistic home design.
What began as a personal coping mechanism—decluttering her own home—quickly blossomed. Amanda leveraged her background in psychology and sociology to develop an approach that goes deeper than just putting things away. After gaining experience by helping out friends and family, she began offering services to clients who welcomed her into their homes. This grassroots approach, starting with close community members, helped test the concept and build a strong foundation.
Selling Peace, Not Products
Arranging Spaces offers more than just aesthetic improvements; it sells a feeling. Amanda emphasizes that her service is designed to deliver a sense of peace and calm.
While many businesses aim for rapid expansion, Amanda believes in authenticity and genuine growth, noting that not rushing to scale quickly actually adds to her credibility. She aims to learn, grow, and teach through her work.
Of course, starting any business has hurdles. Amanda candidly shared that confidence and imposter syndrome were significant challenges, especially in the early stages, noting the difficulty of being vulnerable and taking the initial steps.
Growing Through Connection
So, how does Arranging Spaces find people looking for that coveted feeling of calm? Social media has proven to be an effective, unpaid channel for client acquisition. Amanda also works alongside an interior designer and is actively exploring partnerships with real estate agents and engaging in community outreach through networking events.
Looking ahead, Arranging Spaces is committed to staying grounded in the local area. Amanda is deeply focused on serving the community and wants her services to remain affordable for working-class people, ensuring her help is accessible beyond just affluent clients.
Future Plans for a Clutter-Free Life
Amanda has some exciting plans on the horizon for those looking to overhaul their systems:
- Ongoing Support: A major goal is to work with clients on an ongoing basis to help them completely overhaul their systems.
- Tangible Tools: She is developing a physical workbook to serve as a tangible resource for clients.
- Classes and Connection: She intends to hold classes, noting that public speaking is a skill she is currently working to improve. Additionally, starting next year, Amanda plans to connect directly with people by participating in community vendor events and farmers’ markets.
By focusing on gradual growth, authenticity, and leveraging her social science background, Amanda Tollison and Arranging Spaces are helping people find tranquility one perfectly arranged shelf at a time.
