Meet Aileen Mitchener of Aligned By Aileen
How did you get into organizing!?
I was always that girl who had a color-coded planner in school or who willingly volunteered to clean up the prop or costume closets of the drama department. In my muggle jobs, I loved when I got to organize the wine cellar or walk-ins when I worked in restaurants; Or in the fitness studio I work in now, I secretly love organizing our supplies and utilities closet. Everyone always knows when I worked the shift before them because the desk is always perfectly organized. I'm the girl at auditions with a perfectly categorized vocal book complete with a table of contents, numbered and colored tabs, and an extra pencil and highlighter "just in case". I've just always had a knack for it and it's brought me joy. Living in New York also really helped me realize the importance of making the most out of a small space. I slowly began helping friends organize their apartments for fun. I've always wanted to own a business and have been so inspired by the tenacity and freedom of my actor friends' who have started their own businesses. One day I realized that this could be a perfect way to supplement my performing career and have full freedom over my hours, income, etc.
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I love that you do video consultations! How does that work?
For all my clients, I always start with a free video consultation! You can book one here. It's a good chance for me to get to know what your goals and expectations are and if we are a good fit! However, most of my sessions are 100% virtual these days, both because of the pandemic and because a lot of the people seeking my services are in different cities. So for these sessions, we start with the 15-30 minute video consultation, I might ask you to take some measurements and pictures of the space(s). After the first video session, I will email the client a shopping list of things I think could help better utilize their space and fit within their budget. The client is never obligated to spend any additional money on products, but I find investing even just $20 in a few products can make a huge impact on a space! I may also give you a to-do a things to accomplish before our organizing session. Then, once you get all the products you need, we will schedule our virtual organizing session. This next session is where the magic happens! Here, via Zoom or Google Meet, I will walk the client through step by step on how they can fully transform their space! If it's a big project or multiple spaces, we might break this up into a few sessions or schedule a follow-up! I really love virtual organizing because it helps the client be way more independent and own their spaces! I find a person is way more likely to keep their space organized if they were involved in the process in a hands-on way. I've also gotten to help clients in other cities that I otherwise would not have been able to help!
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Do you have a favorite room I a home that you love organizing most? And if so, why!
Hmmm. I love a good closet or wardrobe! I feel like you learn a lot about a person by what's in their closet and drawers. I also feel like it's the space people really benefit most from because having an organized bedroom and closet really helps you own your space, maximize your time and productivity because you're not wasting time looking for things, and I've even seen it be healing and confidence boosting for some people. Sometimes it can be really emotional getting rid of clothes that don't fit or are from a past part of your life. Or to see someone regain confidence to wear "that dress" they've been scared to put on or find a better place to display items that really showcase who they are. I also love kitchens and pantries because we all have to eat! Having a clean, aligned kitchen space definitely helps me personally make better food choices, makes cooking (and clean up!) so much easier, we're less likely to waste food or overbuy items, and an organized pantry is just so satisfying to look at haha!
FUN FACTS:
Who is your celeb crush?
As a bisexual woman, my celebrity crush list is truly endless honestly, but I've been crushing on Alison Brie and Emily Hampshire a lot these days lol!
What is your favorite book?
I used to love reading but admittedly haven't been doing much reading lately. I am always a sucker for a good self-help book so I highly recommend You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero to everyone!
Starbucks or Dunkin!
I'm a basic Starbs girl! The Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew is my current go-to.
I also really love local coffee shops! Most of my patronage goes to the coffee shop across the street from my apartment and it even shares the building with my other job, so A+ for convenience ha. But it's really good, so if you're ever in Washington DC, check out Slipstream!
