Inspiring Conversations with Joey Cline

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joey Cline.

Hi Joey, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have always loved helping people solve daily problems and find a sense of peace through organization. Growing up in bustling Austin, TX in a family of eight, I discovered how essential organizational systems were to keep things running smoothly. With six kids running around, we definitely didn’t have the most organized household (was there a drawer that wasn’t a junk drawer? I remember that the few systems that WERE in place were detrimental to the flow of things – like initialed hooks identifying whose backpack went where and labeled laundry baskets to sort each kids’ clothes for us to caddy back to our rooms. Though I shared a room with my two older sisters, we were each lucky enough to have our own closets. My little closet was my haven – the one space in the whole house that contained only my things that I could obsessively organize however I wanted, and nobody would disturb it. (Closets are still probably my favorite projects even now as a professional organizer!) Coming from such a large family has provided me with a level of understanding that is palpable to my clients.

After graduating from the University of Arkansas, business degree in hand and no idea where to go or what to do next, I moved back home to Austin and began job hunting. I worked a few jobs in marketing/ sales that didn’t quite fill my cup, knowing that I someday wanted to work for myself but not expecting that dream to realize for many years.

When the pandemic sent the world into chaos, I eventually found myself nannying and then working as a Montessori preschool teacher. I have always enjoyed spending time with children and fell in love with the Montessori method of learning and the principle of the prepared environment specifically – where everything has a place, is contained on a tray or in a bin, is beautiful, uses natural materials, and spatially makes sense. As a Montessori teacher, I realized how important it is to set up organizational systems that are simple, beautifully inviting, and easy to maintain – even for three-year-old! Though I loved the kids in my class so much, my favorite week working there was when I was in charge of setting up the new classroom, sorting supplies, organizing the materials, and labeling where everything would go. I was in my zone.

I began picking up organizing jobs for people in my network – including the couple I had previously nannied for. They became amazing mentors who helped me realize that creating organizational systems is a skill that not everyone possesses and that I could leverage it to help overwhelmed families in my community. With their encouragement, support, and guidance, I started Mindful Spaces as a side business as a means to supplement my income while working at the preschool. When my little side-gig quickly gained traction, I decided to turn it into a full-time business, which continues to thrive.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The biggest obstacle I’ve faced so far was shifting my mindset in order to launch my business in the first place. I didn’t think I could possibly be ready! I had so many doubts running through my mind (and my ears)…. ‘Who starts a business at 23 years old? I don’t have enough experience. I should work for someone else for at least two years before considering starting my own business. I’m too young. Would people really pay me to organize their stuff? I can’t afford to start a business. I don’t know enough. What happens if I fail?’

In the end, these thoughts did nothing to serve me. Deep down, I knew I could do it, and even if the business didn’t stick, I’d be better for it. I knew I would learn invaluable skills. I’ve never learned by listening but by doing – by trial and error. I studied business in college and have re-learned everything (and then some) by going through the motions and taking it one step at a time.

Once I overcame the negative self-talk and really committed myself to envisioning and creating the life and business that I wanted, everything unfolded. It is incredibly empowering to see my business thrive after so little time.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Mindful Spaces is a home organizing service that brings peace into clients’ homes by implementing customized organizational and functional solutions in the most eco-friendly way possible. ​

We are committed to reducing landfill waste by donating unwanted items whenever possible and disposing of others at specialty recycling facilities. We will either reuse organizing materials that the client has on hand or purchase high-quality, sustainably made products which contribute beautiful, aesthetically pleasing solutions to a client’s space.

No matter where our clients are in their journey to a more peaceful, put-together, and functional home, Mindful Spaces simplifies the process.

Whether our clients are getting ready for a move, unpacking, decluttering, downsizing, or re-thinking an area in their home, we work to create a space that is customized to their unique needs.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have been surprised to find how closely the health of my business follows my own well-being. I suppose I subconsciously always thought that the more time I invested in my business, the more successful it would be. If I sat back, relaxed, and went on long morning walks, I’d be missing the mark. In my experience, it’s a bit of a balancing act. If I spend every waking hour working on my business, planning and plotting, I smother it. When I have a good balance of taking care of myself and taking care of business, things seem to calibrate. Basically, however I show up, that’s how I can expect my business to show up too. If I take care of myself and am in a really good place mentally, my business takes care of itself as well. If I let my health & well-being slide for a few too many days, my business replicates that energy. Less is more, so to speak! Definitely not what I originally expected or had been told.

Contact Info:

• Email: joey@mindfulspacestx.com
• Website: www.mindfulspacestx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulspacestx/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindfulspacestx
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mindful-spaces-austin?osq=mindfulspacestx