Small Biz Profile: Live Simply

SUDBURY, MA—Amanda Walters, owner of Live Simply, said she founded her business on the notion that organized spaces lead to simpler lives.

"Living in an organized space reduces stress and mental clutter, allowing people to focus on the more important things in life," said Walters. "I meet people in the comfort their homes and discuss their specific needs and situations. We talk, we assess, and then I develop a personalized solution to help them realize their goal of living simply. We implement the plan together so that they will be able to sustain it alone in their household, long after the initial project is completed. Ultimately the goal is to change lives through simplicity."

When did you open/launch? Live Simply was launched in 2014, but I have been organizing since 2009. I moved from Newton to Sudbury in 2012 and have been serving local clients ever since.

What made you decide to open this type of business? After launching a personal concierge business in 2009, I quickly found a niche market in organizing. I found it to be the service I was most excited about, and that most of my clients wanted. Organizing was also where I was able to provide the most value. Collaborating with clients is such a gratifying experience, and making that change allowed me to move away from doing ‘anything for anyone’ to organizing lives, one by one.

Why in Sudbury? I prefer to work where I live so I can add value to my community. Focusing on Sudbury and the surrounding towns allows me to give my clients the time and attention their projects deserve.

What do you like best about it? I truly enjoy the process of working closely with my clients. Getting to know people and helping them in such a practical way that effects their every day life is incredibly gratifying. The fun shopping trips with clients aren’t so bad either.

Biggest struggle? My biggest struggle is probably moving at the pace my clients are most comfortable moving. I can quickly create a plan in my mind for executing their dreams, but they may need time to process. I often find that I would like to whip things into shape quickly to provide them with relief sooner than later. However, once I slow down my own mind and help guide them in overcoming their barriers, that is when I can truly equip them to live simply.

What do you see for the future? I would like for Live Simply to be a household name in the community, known for providing people with uncluttered spaces and ultimately uncluttered minds. I want people to associate me with a sigh of relief and good humor.

Politics and small business: how does government affect your business? It does not. Disorganization is a nonpartisan issue.

Name another local business you’d send customers to: Lacey Custom Carpentry in Sudbury. Ira Lacey and I often collaborate on projects, and my clients appreciate his craftsmanship, honesty and great personality.KT2 Design Group in Sudbury. Kevin TenBrinke and Kalah Talancy are married and own a full service architecture and design firm. Everything they do is impeccable.

Do you have or know of a small business profile that deserves to be in the spotlight? Tell us about it at charlene.arsenault@patch.com.

Photo submitted