Video Interview with Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVOP™

Janet Barclay

Janet Barclay

A former professional organizer, I now eliminate stress for my clients by hosting, monitoring, and maintaining their WordPress sites so they don’t have to worry about security, downtime or performance issues. When I’m away from my desk, I enjoy reading, photography, watching movies, and cooking.

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With me today is Linda Samuels of Oh, So Organized!, who helps overwhelmed individuals challenged by disorganization get unstuck and organized through nonjudgmental, personalized one-on-one virtual organizing sessions, workshops, and publications, including her very inspiring organizing and life balance blog and a free monthly e-newsletter.

Linda and I first connected in 2011, when she submitted her first post to what was then called the Professional Organizers Blog Carnival. Since then, she’s participated in over 100 editions of the Blog Carnival, becoming the very first Ultimate Star Blogger. In celebration of this milestone, I invited Linda to take part in a video interview.

Watch the video to learn about Linda’s business journey over the past 30 years.

Play Video

 

Following are a few bonus questions we weren’t able to cover during the video.

Linda, what would you do differently if you were starting your business today?

If I were starting a business today, I would invest in education sooner rather than later.

As a seasoned professional, what’s the biggest challenge you currently face in your business?

In 2022, I sponsored my first virtual workshop. The easy parts were creating the presentation and marketing materials and giving the actual presentation on Zoom. I’ve done four of these so far. With each new workshop, I improved the technology aspect of the process and hired people to help. It’s been a learning curve with some challenges and frustrations. As this is still a new offering, I continue to find ways to enhance the backend so the purchasing and follow-up process can be as seamless as possible.

What’s your favorite organizing product?

Do I have to choose just one? It’s a toss-up between the Brother P-Touch label makers, Pendaflex colored plastic (see-through) file folders, which I love using for projects and travel, lined sticky notes, repositionable write-on tabs, and the 2Do app for task management.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

I love spending time with my family and friends, walking by the river or in the woods, meditating, journaling, reading, doing yoga, taking photos, making cards and wrapping gifts, tending to my mini-garden, watching movies, traveling, laughing, hosting holiday gatherings, and doing anything water-related, from kayaking to showering to washing dishes.

What else should we know about you?

My favorite color is purple, and it has been since I was young. My Mom told me it was the first color I ever said. I collect Pez dispensers, miniatures, and sparkly things. When I was twelve, I drove cross country with my older brother in an MGB. It was an unforgettable trip. I love coffee ice cream, black licorice, watermelon, and Concord grapes. I surprised my family when I volunteered last minute to be a contestant at a country fair watermelon-eating contest. They cheered me on and laughed hysterically as I devoured the watermelon hands-free and won third place. What a messy and fun experience!

Thank you again, Linda, for sharing your story with my readers and followers.

Would you like to be interviewed for Your Organizing Business?

Simply fill out the questionnaire!

 

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6 Comments

  1. Avatar Seana Turner on June 6, 2024 at 12:19 pm

    What a nice interview between two of my favorite people. Both of you are pioneers in your industry, and I’ve learned and been helped by you both. What a wonderful overview of this exciting industry, and how things are changing and moving forward.

    • Avatar Janet Barclay on June 6, 2024 at 1:33 pm

      I’m glad you enjoyed it, Seana! Linda and I had fun doing it.

    • Linda Samuels Linda Samuels on June 7, 2024 at 12:00 pm

      Thank you so much, Seana! Your support and kind words mean so much. We had a lot of fun doing the interview and having the time to talk together.

      Our industry has experienced many changes and continues to morph as time passes. What a joy it’s been and continues to be to be part of it. I am grateful to have colleagues like you and Janet who I can learn and grow with.

  2. Avatar Diane N Quintana on June 10, 2024 at 10:28 am

    Wonderful interview, Janet and Linda! I enjoyed learning more about you, Linda.

  3. Avatar Janet Schiesl on June 11, 2024 at 8:23 am

    What a nice interview, it’s always great to learn about our fabulous organizers.

  4. Avatar Sabrina Quairoli on June 11, 2024 at 9:37 am

    I love this interview and to see both of you talk about your businesses! Thanks for sharing.

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