Mardi Gras might be over, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate! We are thrilled to welcome Felicia Schimpf – she’s launching NEAT New Orleans! Keep reading to find out why this woman from The Big Easy is certainly easy to love!
NM :: Welcome to the family Felicia! What made you interested in launching NEAT Nola?
FS :: Organization has always been a part of me. It is a huge part of my lifestyle and truly makes me happy. I cannot wait to bring that NEAT happiness to New Orleans.
NM :: How long have you lived in New Orleans?
FS :: Born and raised! I attended college at Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers) and moved back home after graduating.
NM :: What makes New Orleans so unique?
FS :: With names like Tchefuncte and Tchoupitoulas there is no question as to how unique New Orleans is. In fact, unique is the perfect word to describe the city. New Orleans thrives on rich history and deep traditions. There is a festival or celebration for just about any occasion, about 130 of them a year-from Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest to the Oyster Fest, the city is full of life. The food cannot be matched-crawfish, jambalaya, etouffee, and red beans and rice to king cake, beignets, and snoballs. I truly believe that the people of New Orleans are the most friendly, fun, and welcoming people you will find anywhere. Laissez les bons temps rouler!
NM :: What did you do before NEAT?
FS :: After graduating from college with a degree in advertising and marketing, I went on to work for a startup marketing technology company. A couple of years later, I got my teaching certification and taught technology courses at a brick and mortar high school. After my daughter was born, I taught social studies courses online. When my son was born, I decided to be a stay at home mom. Two years later, here I am!
NM :: As a new NEAT girl – we’d love to see your most organized space!
FS :: Our pantry has constant traffic and is used by everyone in my family. It is important to keep this space tidy so everyone knows where to find something and where to put it back.
NM :: What about a space that isn’t so NEAT? What happened there?
FS :: This is our guest room closet. My husband took it over and uses it for equipment and gear. Since he is in and out of it so much, it is almost impossible to keep NEAT!
NM :: What are your favorite places to shop in your city?
JS :: Elle, Candy Apple, Suella, Hazel Lane, Niche Modern Home, and The French Mix
NM :: What about the best places to eat?
JS :: This is such a tough question! Good food in New Orleans is endless. If I have to pick…Ox Lot, Gallagher’s, Hambone, Drago’s, Commander’s Palace, Tableau, Brennan’s, and Red Gravy.
NM :: What do you think is going to be your favorite part of running NEAT in your city?
FS :: New Orleans is full of life and has the friendliest people. I cannot wait to get to know new clients and help bring simple and beautiful solutions into their homes.
NM :: What can people expect when they hire you to organize their home?
FS :: You can expect the same honest and judgement free approach, sharp eye for detail, and personal sense of style. I believe that once your life is clutter free, you will have a new appreciation for living a NEAT life.
NM :: What business do you admire and why?
FS :: Everyone has people in their lives who they draw inspiration from but my grandparents are some of my biggest role models. My grandfather immigrated to the United States from Mexico at the tender age of fourteen with a third-grade education. He was the youngest son of nine children and a widowed mother upon arrival. It was not long after when he met my grandmother. They married a few years later. By age 30, they launched their own business enterprise with an $800 investment and a family of six. What began as vison fifty-three years ago, became a prosperous tile and stone contracting company. In spite of many obstacles along the way, they achieved longstanding success by way of dedication, honesty, hard work and perseverance.
What an amazing story! Now we know where your drive comes from. Congrats on launching New Orleans, we can’t wait to see how you make your grandparents proud!
xx
the NEAT girls
