We’ve always serviced the Silicon Valley area, but now we have a NEAT girl dedicated to that region. Please welcome Hiroko Cruz! She’s the new owner of NEAT Silicon Valley and we cannot wait for you to meet this new addition to the team.
NM :: What made you decide to run NEAT in your city?
HC :: For close to a year, I’ve been the lead organizer for NEAT in Silicon Valley so I’m really excited to have the opportunity to now run it! I’ve always dreamed of a job that involved helping and working closely with people and leading NEAT SILICON VALLEY is a perfect fit. I’m really excited to help individuals and families create functional and beautiful spaces in their homes.
NM :: What did you do before you ran NEAT?
HC :: Before becoming a lead organizer, I was a stay at home mom to my 8 year old son and 6 year old daughter. Prior to that, I was a career litigation paralegal.
NM :: Sounds like you’ve always had to be organized! How long have you lived in SF?
HC :: I’ve lived in the Bay Area since 2006 and it’s now officially the longest place I’ve ever lived.
NM :: What makes the city unique?
HC :: The diversity! There are people here from many different backgrounds and around the world. I grew up in various countries and have always been part of international communities, so I love it! And we can’t forget the the diversity in climate. Depending on which direction you drive, you can find yourself on a sunny beach or a snowy mountain! It is pretty incredible.
NM :: Sounds like you found your home! What are your favorite places to shop in SF?
HC :: I love a good deal so I find myvself drawn to Nordstrom Rack, Marshall’s, T.J. Maxx, and the San Francisco Premium Outlets. Of course, my obsession with organizing and homes often leads me to The Container Store and Home Goods. However, in reality, I end up shopping mostly online because my children don’t enjoy shopping as much as I do!
NM :: We understand that! Do you have any favorite restaurants in town?
HC :: This is a tough one since my favorites change so often and are highly dependant on my mood. I enjoy TOWN in San Carlos, Korean food in San Jose, Go Fish Poke Bar in Redwood City, and I find Sushiritto in Palo Alto delicious and unique (a sushi burrito #onlyincalifornia).
NM :: As an organizer…we just have to ask. What’s your most organized space?
HC :: My favorite organized space is my utensils drawer. I know it seems crazy to line up silverware, but it only takes me a couple of seconds and I love the feeling of calm I experience whenever I open this drawer.
NM :: Gorgeous! What about your LEAST organized… what happened there?
HC :: It’s embarrassing, but organizers are humans too… This is my catch all corner in our spare room. Whatever doesn’t have a home elsewhere seems to have landed here. I’m sure I can deal with it in an hour with some bins (the plastic sweater boxes from the Container Store would be great). One of these days….
NM :: What do you think is going to be your favorite part of running NEAT in your city?
HC :: I’m looking forward to meeting amazing people and helping them create simple, functional, and beautiful spaces so that they can truly enjoy their homes and lead a stress free NEAT life!
NM :: What can people expect when they hire you to organize their home?
HC :: Open communication and a commitment to implementing their vision of an organized space. I might be the expert organizer, but at the end of the day it is their home and life – the organization has to be customized to each individual’s needs.
NM :: Besides organizing, do you have any hidden talents that we should know about?
HC :: I love to sing karaoke (even though I’m not that great) and I can fold an amazing paper crane.
NM :: What blog do you think we NEED to follow now and why?
HC :: As I mentioned, I love deals, so I follow The Points Guy and Mommy Points. By following these blogs, I’ve been able to earn lots of reward points which I’ve used to fund my love of travel with my family.
NM :: What business do you admire and why?
HC :: I respect and admire businesses that have amazing customer service (Amazon, Zappos, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, etc.). Going above and beyond to take care of your customer is the best way to foster loyalty.
NM :: Anything else you think we need to know?
HC :: It’s been reported that the average American spends 2.5 days every year looking for lost items and that $2.7+billion a year is spent replacing such items. I think Benjamin Franklin got it right when he said “[f]or every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned.” I can’t wait to help people get organized, gain time, save money, and live a NEAT life!
We can’t wait either! So glad you’re a NEAT girl now – welcome to the family.
xx
the NEAT girls
