They say everything’s bigger in Texas, well our NEAT Texas team just got a bit bigger with the exciting relaunch of Dallas! Meet our newest NEAT Girl – Valerie Wood. She’s thrilled to be in charge of NEAT Dallas - Frisco, and we can’t wait for you to get to know her.
Keep reading to find out why she makes such a great addition to the team!
NM :: Congrats on your launch, Valerie! What made you want to run NEAT in Dallas?
VW :: I have always been drawn to organizing, I almost can't help myself! When I see something out of place, I just need to set it "right." I love that my impulse happens to help others and make their lives easier. I like to think of organizing as my super power and I am saving people's time.
NM :: Sounds like you've been organized for a while, what did you do before you realized your superpower?
VW :: I was an Interior Designer and I ran a non-profit called The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. I absolutely loved the final installation of a design project, which is what helped me to discover that I wanted to be a professional organizer.
NM :: And we're so glad! What do you think will be your favorite part of running NEAT?
VW :: I'm looking forward to meeting other women who like to organize. I am so excited to help grow the Dallas Team!
NM :: Speaking of Dallas, what makes your city unique?
VW :: Everything is bigger in Texas, and Dallas takes that to heart. Dallas is home to the biggest cowboy in Texas – "Big Tex" – a 52-ft. tall statue at the Texas State Fair. And speaking of cowboys, our Dallas Cowboys' Stadium could fit the entire State of Liberty and its base with the roof closed! The Galleria of Dallas also hosts the country's tallest indoor Christmas Tree. With all of these big things in Texas, I like to think the only thing bigger is our hospitality.
NM :: Sounds like such a great place to live! How long have you been in Dallas?
VW :: Since I was 3 years old! I have lived in several suburbs around North & East Dallas, but now I call Savannah, Texas home.
NM :: Since you've spent most of your life here, you must know the area pretty well! What are your favorite places to shop in the city?
VW :: I love The Dallas Design Center which showcases some of the most amazing furniture collections. I like to visit Highland Park Village Shopping Center which was developed in 1931 and has the distinction of being the first planned shopping center in America. NorthPark Center houses some of the most amazing sculptures from the Nasher Collection. And of course, The Container Store which happens to be headquartered in Dallas!
NM :: Gotta love TCS! What about your favorite places to eat?
VW :: Dallas is so big that even our local joints have several locations. My favorite areas to eat are the Dallas Design District, Uptown, Highland Park Village, The Plaza at Preston Center, and The Shops of Legacy. My go to Saturday lunch is Super Chix – it's like Chick-fil-A, but with beer and wine!
NM :: Sounds like we'll be visiting soon! Since you're an organizer, you must have a pretty NEAT home. Can you show us one of your favorite spaces?
VW :: My daughter's closet is definitely my favorite. What can I say… we're first time parents!
NM :: Oh my goodness. How sweet! And, since nobody's perfect… how about telling us about a space that isn't so NEAT.
VW :: My dresser drawers! My daughter loves to imitate me and she sees me getting ready in the mornings, which involves me removing clothes from the dresser. Now her favorite thing to do is to pull everything out of my dresser and then put it back the way she sees fit. Sometimes she even leaves me a surprise for the next day!
NM :: Maybe one day she'll learn how to put clothes back as well as you! So, what should people expect when they hire you to get them organized?
VW :: Enthusiasm! I'm here to do what I lvoe to help you love your space more.
NM :: And what's your favorite product to use while organizing?
VW :: The Hyacinth Basket with Leather Handles from Water Works. The basket is so gorgeous and is the perfect size for pantries or bookcases.
NM :: Do you have any hidden talents we should know about?
VW :: My resourcefulness. After years of solving design-related problems, I tend to have a trick or two up my sleeve.
NM :: You'll certainly be flexing that muscle with NEAT Dallas! Now that you're a business owner, do you have a bussiness that you admire?
VW :: Amazon! They started simply selling books online and grew to completely change the way people shop! I know I hardly go a day without ordering somethinng from Amazon Prime.
NM :: We've learned so much about you, is there anything else we should know?
VW :: I'm pretty handy around electronics, so you might see me tackling a lot of cord management.
NM :: Sounds like Dallas is certainly lucky to have you!
We are eager to see Valerie tackle all the BIG spaces in Texas and bring NEAT to the Lonestar State. Join us in welcoming our newest addition!
xx,
the NEAT girls
