“We were living in Nebraska when I established Keene Spaces. Not only was I looking for a business opportunity, I was also looking for a ministry,” said Keene. “Organizing spoke to me – it is something I am good at and love doing.”
Shortly after starting the business, Keene’s husband, Wes, was relocated and her career as a professional organizer was put on hold. Keene went back to work full time, but in 2008, another move brought the Keenes to Quincy and Teri took advantage of the opportunity to re-launch Keene Spaces.
“My primary services include hands-on organizing assistance and advice, but I also provide administrative services for local small businesses,” said Keene.
Keene’s business services include short-term projects such as streamlining processes and forms, filing and office organization as well as longer-term projects such as general administrative assistance and providing content for and producing newsletters.
“Having a professional quality newsletter can truly benefit small businesses,” said Keene. “However, many small businesses are not in a position to produce one in-house, often lacking the time or manpower.”
Larger businesses may benefit from Keene’s organizational services, such as setting up filing systems.
“People tend to continue to do things the same way they always have, regardless of what other factors have changed – including the end goal,” said Keene. “I look at the entire process and make recommendations for streamlining the system so the client is able to reach that end goal more efficiently.”
Keene Spaces also provides home and personal organization services. Home projects range from a one-time session to work on a “hot spot” of clutter to a series of sessions spanning over a period of weeks or months.
“Some people need ongoing assistance,” said Keene. “One of the things I enjoy most about my career is the opportunity to encourage people. Unfortunately, people often feel guilty or defeated by an aspect of their home or life where more organization is needed. I get to help build them up and resolve the problem – that is where there is an aspect of ministry in organizing.”
According to Keene, prospective clients are sometimes hesitant to hire someone to help with organization. Keene says working with a professional organizer is not the intimidating process people imagine, nor does it mean they have to purge everything.
“People have the mindset that they can do it themselves, and that getting help is a ‘luxury’ instead of a necessary service. However, one can achieve better results – and can actually SAVE money – by hiring a professional.”
In addition to helping individuals, families, and businesses stay organized, Keene plays an active role in the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). She currently serves as the editor of the NAPO News, the organization’s official publication which reaches more than 4,000 industry professionals.
To learn more about the services offered by Keene Spaces, call (217) 316-4081, visit www.keenespaces.com or follow Keene on Twitter @keenespaces where she tweets organizing tips and shares links.
