Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Aull.
Hi Emily, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
For most of my career, I worked in education. I have a degree in journalism, a master’s in elementary education, and spent several years teaching before becoming a stay-at-home mom to my two kids. During those years at home, I found myself constantly organizing our house, helping friends with their spaces, and realizing how much I loved creating systems that made everyday life easier.
When my youngest started preschool, I decided to take a chance and turn that passion into a business. I launched Aull Organized in 2021 with the goal of helping people create homes that function better, not just look prettier.
What started as a handful of clients through word of mouth has grown into a business I never imagined. Today I work with families throughout the Kansas City area, organizing everything from pantries and closets to entire homes, move-ins, and renovations. My background as a teacher has been one of my biggest strengths because I naturally love breaking overwhelming projects into manageable steps and creating systems that are simple to maintain.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that organizing is rarely about the stuff. It’s about reducing stress, saving time, and helping people feel more at peace in their homes. My goal has never been to create magazine-worthy spaces that stay perfect. I want to create homes that work for real families living real lives.
Building Aull Organized has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I get to combine creativity, problem-solving, and serving people in a way that genuinely improves their daily lives, and I still feel incredibly grateful that this is what I get to do every day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, although I think that’s true for most small business owners.
When I started Aull Organized, I had no background in running a business. I knew how to organize homes, but marketing, pricing, bookkeeping, contracts, and all the behind-the-scenes work was completely new to me. There was a lot of trial and error, and I learned most of it as I went.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning to value my time and charge what my services are worth. In the beginning, I worried about being “too expensive” and often underpriced myself. As my experience grew and demand increased, I realized that my clients weren’t just paying for a few hours of organizing. They were paying for years of experience, thoughtful planning, product sourcing, and customized systems that continue to make their lives easier long after I leave.
Balancing entrepreneurship with raising a family has also been a challenge. My husband and I have two young kids, and there are seasons where it feels like everyone needs something from you at the same time. I’ve had to learn that I can’t do everything perfectly, and that’s okay.
Ironically, one of the hardest lessons has been letting go of perfection. I help clients let go of unrealistic expectations in their homes, and I’ve had to do the same in my business. Progress has always been more important than perfection, and I think that’s one of the biggest reasons Aull Organized has continued to grow.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think what sets me apart is that I don’t believe organization should be one-size-fits-all. Every family is different, so every system should be too. I spend a lot of time getting to know my clients’ routines, habits, and challenges before I ever buy a single bin. My goal isn’t to create a picture-perfect pantry for Instagram. It’s to create spaces that reduce stress, save time, and are easy to maintain long after I’m gone.
My background as a teacher has shaped the way I approach organizing. Teaching taught me to break overwhelming tasks into manageable steps, communicate clearly, and meet people where they are. Those same skills are incredibly valuable when helping someone who feels overwhelmed by their home.
The thing I’m most proud of isn’t a specific project—it’s the trust my clients place in me. People invite me into some of the most personal parts of their lives and often tell me they were embarrassed to ask for help. Watching that embarrassment turn into relief and confidence is the most rewarding part of what I do.
At the end of the day, I want my clients to feel like they can finally exhale when they walk through their front door. If I’ve given someone back time with their family, made mornings less chaotic, or helped them enjoy their home again, then I’ve done my job.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Some of the best advice I’ve received has come from simply asking questions and being willing to learn from people who have been there before.
For me, networking has been less about collecting business cards and more about building genuine relationships. I’ve connected with other professional organizers, interior designers, contractors, and small business owners in Kansas City, and I’ve found that most people are incredibly generous with their knowledge when you approach them with curiosity and authenticity.
I also think it’s important to remember that mentorship doesn’t always have to be formal. Some of my mentors don’t even realize they’ve been mentors. I’ve learned through podcasts, books, online communities, social media, and by watching how other successful business owners operate.
My biggest piece of advice is to be willing to start before you feel ready. Reach out to people you admire, ask thoughtful questions, and don’t be afraid to hear “no.” Most opportunities I’ve had have come from relationships I nurtured over time, not from trying to sell myself.
And once you’ve learned something, be willing to share it. There’s room for all of us to succeed, and I think supporting other small business owners only makes our community stronger.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aullorganized.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aullorganized/
