We want to welcome Erica Miller of Memphis, Tennessee to the NEAT team. We are thrilled to have her. Let’s find out more about what makes her so NEAT.
NM : Why do you want to run NEAT in your city?
EM : I’m looking forward to introducing the 901 to the NEAT Method name!
I’ve been following NEAT for awhile now and admiring from afar so I am eager to let the people of Memphis get to know the brand and their products.
NM : What did you do before NEAT?
EM : Before diving into the world of home organizing, I spent the last 15 years in the classroom as an elementary and early childhood teacher. I have taught a multitude of 2nd graders, Kindergarteners, and Preschoolers. As a teacher, I definitely put my organizing skills to good use managing and running a classroom full of kids :)
NM : What makes your city unique?
EM : Memphis has something for everyone. From the sports fanatic to the music lover, to the outdoor enthusiast, to the eclectic foodie, M-Town has so much to offer! The city embodies a rich history and a diverse culture that allows it to stand out and shine. The surrounding suburbs invite a bit of a slower pace and lend to an ideal place to raise a family. Memphis is a perfect mix of hustle and bustle, with a side of southern charm.
NM : How long have you lived in your city?
EM : I have lived in Tennessee all my life - from Knoxville to Nashville - to making Memphis “home” over 18 years ago. I moved to the Bluff City to attend Graduate School and pursue a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Memphis. Most of my adult life I have spent here, it’s been a great place to settle down and raise a family.
NM : What are your favorite places to eat in your city?
EM : Memphis is known for a lot of things, and food is at the top of that list! Here are a few of my favorite spots around town: Itta Bena downtown overlooking famous Beale Street, Coastal Fish Company nestled along Hyde Lake inside Shelby Farms Park, and Southern Social located in the historic part of Germantown. Each of these restaurants are known for their distinctive dishes and specialty cocktails. And of course I saved the best for last…Memphis BBQ! There are so many delicious BBQ places in town and it’s tough to narrow down my “favorite” but some notable places to try include The Rendezvous, Central BBQ, and The Commissary.
NM : What do you think is going to be your favorite part of running NEAT in your city?
EM : It’s me…Hi! I enjoy meeting and connecting with people. I’m excited to start building those connections and growing relationships within the Memphis community. I can’t wait to get started helping people transform their spaces into beautiful, well-organized, and functional areas that will hopefully bring a smile to their face:)
NM : Show us a picture of your most organized space and tell us what it is.
EM : The most organized and kept place in our home would probably be our mudroom. I realize that sounds counter-intuitive, but as a busy mom of 3 kids, this space serves as our command center day in and day out and their everyday items must be accessible and organized for things to run smoothly in our world. This built-in houses backpacks, coats/jackets, shoes, and the baskets at the top provide a catch all for important items like sunglasses, umbrellas, books, lunchboxes, etc.
NM : What about your least organized space? What the heck happened?
EM : Oh mercy! I cringe just opening up this messy kitchen drawer…clearly I need to invest in some drawer dividers! I have a confession though. I don’t like to cook. I do like to eat and I will gladly accept any dish that is put in front of me; however, I suppose since cooking is not a favorite pastime of mine, I just assume let the kitchen utensils hide away in the drawer since they aren’t utilized much…
NM : What can people expect when they hire you to organize their home?
EM : Clients can expect a level of polished professionalism and friendly service with a smile:) And because I have a teacher brain, this acrostic might help them know what to expect when hiring me…Erica…
E nthusiastic
R eliable
I maginative
C onfidential
A + Satisfaction
NM : What is your favorite organizing product?
EM : I absolutely love our Acacia Turntable! Talk about the best of both worlds, beauty meets functionality. This product can be used in a pantry, kitchen cabinet, inside the refrigerator, on a bathroom counter, in a linen closet, in a laundry room, the options are endless! It truly is so versatile, which makes it my favorite.
NM : We agree. A turntable is definitely a go-to in every home. Do you have any hidden talents that we should know about?
EM : I’m not sure you could call it a “hidden talent” but I have completed several ½ marathons and just this year ran my first FULL marathon. Training for the marathon and running 26.2 miles was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, yet definitely one of the most rewarding. Memphis hosts the St. Jude Marathon each December (I’ve done the St. Jude Half Marathon twice) and the race brings in runners from across the nation for this incredible event to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital located right here in The Bluff City.
NM : We'd say that's considered a talent and we are very impresed! Anything else we should know?
EM : The beach is my “happy” place! My husband and I enjoy traveling to parts of the Caribbean and Mexico. We try to get away, just the two of us, at least once a year. Last March we stayed at a resort in Jamaica and it was truly paradise. My kids are all beach bums as well, and they enjoy going to our place in Blue Mountain Beach, FL often throughout the year. Fall Break (in October) and Easter are our favorite times to go down there. The 30-A area is only about an 8-hour drive from Memphis, so it’s relatively easy travel wise for our family of five to make the trek. My friends and I even carve out time every May to go to the beach for our annual “moms trip.”
That sounds amazing. We fully support a love of the beach! Congratulations on launching Memphis. We’re so excited to have you join NEAT!
xx
The NEAT Team
