Rachel Rosenthal is one of the top professional organizers in the DC area. Her company, Rachel and Company is based out of Bethesda, Maryland and has been featured in over a dozen publications including: Real Simple, Martha Stewart, House Beautiful just to name a few. She has also appeared on just about every television network in Washington D.C. Rachel has partnered with prominent lifestyle brands like Pottery Barn, West Elm, The Container Store and Four Seasons to create lifestyle content for families and professionals and speak at conferences and workshops sharing my empowering insights.
I met Rachel a couple of years ago at a monthly Modern Mompreneur meet up organized by our mutual friend Anjali Varma. I was fascinated by her passion and her interest in helping others eliminate the clutter and find happiness with a house that’s in order.
How would you describe your company and what you do?
I’m an organizing expert and founder of Rachel and Company, a Washington, DC-based professional organizing firm. Since 2007, my firm has worked with 2,000+ clients, and teamed up with prominent brands, including West Elm, Pottery Barn, The Container Store, and Four Seasons. I speak about organizing topics at corporate events, conferences, workshops, retreats, and in-store events. I have recently expanded my services to include coaching fellow organizing business owners to help them grow their businesses.
What part of your job might surprise people?
There is a ton of behind the scenes work that is very physical, time consuming and takes a lot of coordination to get accomplished. The “after” photos that we share on Instagram are only 1% of what we do when we work with clients and brands. Also, a lot of my efforts are spent curating content to help my audience. There are so many options and products that help busy families get organized and lead more organized lives, so I aim to stay on top of what’s out there.
Why did you choose to start this type of company?
I’m type A and organization comes naturally to me. I’ve always wanted to help others, and organizing is a natural fit to combine my passion with my strengths. After law school I lacked the fulfillment I had hoped for in a desk job, so I gave up the security and stability of my 9-5 career to build a highly innovative professional organizing firm from the ground up. I was truly energized by helping others and changing their lives through organization and still am!
Who are your customers?
The majority of our clients are busy parents and professionals. For some people, we’re there to provide the helping hand and support needed to get your home back in order, or serve as the resource to turn your dream home into a reality. We believe that design and organization can go hand in hand, which is why we are so aesthetically-focused on all of our organizing projects. We also partner with brands who are looking to incorporate my expertise to help their story and amazing products and services that help their audience get more organized. There are so many things that can help you get organized in life, not just bins and baskets, which we help brands highlight in our partnerships. There are helpful apps, products that can make your life easier and help you save time, make you feel more put together, and streamline your daily routine.
What do you do when you’re feeling uninspired?
I flip through decor magazines, read my favorite blogs, or–oddly enough–organize my own stuff. I’m constantly editing my wardrobe and home’s inventory to make sure that it’s working best for my family operates. With two VERY active identical twins (10 yrs old) our home is not always neat, but it is always organized.
What are your top 3 entrepreneurial tips?
I truly believe that you’re only as good as your last project, and believe that it’s essential to treat all your client the same (VIP or otherwise, they deserve your best). As a business owner, you can’t be afraid to hustle and network. I’m a total introvert so networking can feel daunting before I start engaging, but the connections I have made it possible to elevate my business to where it is today, which I’m really proud of.
What was your mission at the outset?
In short, life well-designed is my passion and purpose. I believe in the transformative power of being organized. Whether we’re designing solutions for someone’s home or office, sharing our insights in workshops or online courses or partnering with leading lifestyle brands, my aim and mission is constant: help to get people organized. And that means simple, elegant solutions that last – and that empower busy parents to be more productive, spend more time with their family, better serve their customers, or build their own organizing business.
How do you advertise your business?
Our biggest source of advertisement is word of mouth. We have been in business for 10 years and worked with some wonderful people who have introduced us to other friends and family that need our assistance with their homes or with closet design. I also partner with brands that offer products or services that help to improve and organize everyday life, and I’ve been had a fair amount of press featuring my expertise over the years.
To what do you attribute your success?
I’m a hard worker who truly loves organizing, and I think that my work reflects that dedication.
Cities listed in weather and world clock apps?
Bethesda, New York, and California. I update it depending on my travel schedule.
Name 3 apps you use in your daily life.
Dropbox, Instagram, and Trello.
Number of unread emails?
Zero! I can’t handle the red notifications of unread emails (it’s visual clutter to me!), so I read all of my emails as they come in and then star emails and add response actions to my to-dos.
App you really wish you could delete, but are addicted to?
Instagram! I love the inspiration and connections that it provides, but it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re scrolling.
What do you wish you knew before you started your first business?
When I started my business a decade ago I wasn’t fully aware of how time consuming it would be. When you’re the boss and running a small business, you wear all the hats so it can be difficult to unplug and shut off the work, but I’ve learned that self care has to be a priority as well.
What’s your best hiring tip/secret?
Before I hire someone I have them shadow on the project so that they can truly understand the work that is involved.
How do you use social media?
I use Instagram to share our work, connect with potential brands, fellow entrepreneurs, new clients, and to learn more about what innovative and modern products are out there to help organize people’s daily lives. On Facebook, I use it to connect with fellow business owners (I have a private community that I started with other organizers).
What’s the last Animoji you used?
Well, I had to google “Animoji”, so I think answers your question 🙂
Craziest place you’ve misplaced your phone?
I’m never too far from my phone and always put it in the same place when I get home, so thankfully I’ve never lost it!
How do you find inspiration in your professional and personal life?
I spend a lot of time reading business articles and listening to podcasts, and I turn to blogs and the occasional open house on the weekends to get my design and interiors fix.
What is your favorite podcast?
Hands down, Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger. I always take away great tips and I love her advice and interviews.
What’s the one question you get asked the most about your job/company?
I’m asked “What’s the worst thing that you’ve seen when you’ve been in people’s homes?” and “Is your home really organized?” all the time!
You’re part of Modern Mompreneurs Network, are you part of any other local organizations?
Yes, I’m part of Her Corner and am looking forward to joining AWE.
Be sure to follow Rachel on Instagram and Facebook!
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