Neat by Nature could also have been called Organizing Organically, or Positioning by Personality. But no, the professional organizing business of Ellie Grieger reflects her character. Not only is she, well, neat by nature, she’s focused, thoughtful, personable, well-spoken, entrepreneurial—and 16 years old.
Ellie is wrapping up her junior year of high school as a homeschooled student by her mother, Erin Grieger. Erin is more than a mother and a teacher to Ellie—she’s also a business partner. Together, the Perrysburg mother-daughter are embarking on the second year of Neat by Nature, which came about in an orderly, logical way.
“Mom and I started it because I was naturally organized as a kid,” Ellie said. “Mom said if you want to work for yourself someday, this would be something you’d be good at.”
Erin, a self-starter as an entrepreneur who is a sales representative for a Perrysburg company, said she did the required paperwork to license the company because Ellie’s a minor.
“We have a partnership,” Erin said. “I assist her in the business aspect and mentor her. She takes the lead in organizing.”
“We reflect the personality and the needs of the client,” Ellie said. She’s had about 20 clients so far, with projects including basements, garages, kid’s bedrooms, walk-in pantries, full kitchens, attics, linen closets and bathrooms.
Neat by Nature offers free estimates and charges between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on the difficulty of the job.
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“We organize to the personality of the customers,” Erin said. “We don’t do what WE would do. Ellie asks questions, identifying what that person’s organizing style is.”
As Ellie builds clientele, she’s setting aside funds to start a website, print business cards, and eventually hire a social media manager. For now, she markets Neat by Nature through Instagram, Facebook, business networking groups and word of mouth.
She’s very much learning the business of business as she goes along, her mother said. “She’s getting more comfortable talking with people in a group,” Erin said. “She’s really grown in public situations. She really enjoys the job itself, but then she’s learning that we have to market, have to deal with money, customers, taxes and banking. She’s learning about all those aspects. That’s been good.”
“The actual organizing part is natural for me,” Ellie said. “But it’s a lot more than doing the work and getting paid.” Ellie said she’s learning about operating expenses and reinvesting profits to build up the business.
Ellie’s performance is noted and appreciated. “I’m obviously super proud of her,” Erin said.
There’s a higher purpose to Neat by Nature than just putting things in order. “Our mission is to help people create peaceful, functional spaces that make everyday life easier,” Ellie said through Facebook. “Through organizing systems that look good and work well, we aim to reduce stress, save time, and bring a sense of calm to every home.”
Going back to the cornerstone philosophy, Ellie said the aim is to bring order that a client would find natural. So Neat by Nature is a name that fits naturally.
Neat by Nature can be reached through: instagram.com/neat.by.nature.co, facebook.com/neatbynatureco, [email protected], or 419-340-6067.
