Katie Buchanan

Since 2008, my business has brought order to home spaces like closets, pantries, playrooms and offices by “clutter coaching” clients through editing belongings, selecting and installing appropriate organization products and merging practical solutions with attractive design.

Previous careers in fashion merchandising and special event fundraising for both pediatric health care and the arts during the ten years I lived in Dallas after college required highly organized time and space management plus a keen understanding of proportion and design. Those components married well to form my niche organizing business when I moved back home to Arkansas

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

I knew I was hooked when I saw how much joy freshly organized spaces brought to my beloved clients!

Biggest challenges in my career

Not falling prey to the unrealistic demands of social media. My philosophy has always been that the way a home/space realistically functions for each specific client is what matters, not staged photos and trick photography.

My first job and what it taught me

At 16, I could not wait to work at The Gap in Park Plaza Mall. (I'm so sad it has now closed.) I learned so much about customer service and listening to the needs of others -- and how to fold jeans!

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

ARORA - Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency. I'm a three-time kidney transplant recipient; my most recent kidney came from a young man. ARORA’s Family Services specialists facilitated my meeting the donor’s family, and that was almost as miraculous as the surgery.

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

The joy on my clients' faces when they see a made-over, freshly organized space. That's amazing. Also I get to know my people on such a personal level. They have tremendous trust in me, and I love the lasting relationships.

Best career moment so far

It's a tie: 1. As special events director of The Dallas Opera, I helped lead a 50th anniversary fundraising celebration that culminated in a gala evening featuring Renee Fleming.
2. Designing a space for the Arkansas Symphony’s 2020 Designer House.

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

There's a mix of things that keep me happy, healthy, steady and productive. I enjoy exercise like walking park trails and yoga, and I maintain my faith through daily study and attendance at Christ Episcopal Church. Gratitude is most key!

Best advice I ever received

My daddy told me to always get my news by actually reading daily newspapers.

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

Professional organizers are becoming much more the norm in home design, and our services are so incredibly valuable. What might take a client two weeks or a month to solve I can generally accomplish in a few days or less.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

Walk away and rest! Mental rest is so important even if it just means a power nap or a short stroll around the block.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion

Biggest challenges in my career

My first job and what it taught me

Nonprofit I wish more people knew about

What keeps me coming back to my job every day

Best career moment so far

One practice I use to maintain my mental health

Best advice I ever received

The one thing I wish people knew about my field

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

Little Rock

I can't start my day until

I wake up for a really long time

Hobbies

Walking park trails, yoga and crossword puzzles

Binge watch

“Law & Order: SVU”

Last good read

“Preachers N Sneakers: Authenticity in an Age of For-Profit Faith and (Wannabe) Celebrities” by Ben Kirby

Favorite meal in town

Bonta Sticks, meatballs, Caesar salad and Ford pizza topped with fresh arugula at The Pizzeria

Best recent local discovery

The Bramble Market

Latest splurge

I'm totally hooked on By Terry rose lip balm

Most-used app

Sonos

Dream vacation

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii with my husband Bob Bushmiaer, and we are going in February 2022!

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