Liz Williamson and her smiling team wear matching shirts that say “Chaos Coordinator” on the front page of Lifestyle Management Co‘s website. That’s because it’s their goal to help you take back control of the chaos in your home with professional personal assistants that handle everything from laundry to pantry organization overhaul.
As women we’re no stranger to the conundrum — if we are giving our all at work, sometimes our home management starts to slip. That’s where Lifestyle Management Co. comes in. The company has been featured in national publications like Yahoo Finance and Business Insider, and now has three different locations: Charlotte, Raleigh and Wilmington, to serve clients all over the state.
Liz started six years ago with only a magazine ad and a natural knack for organization. She has now climbed the ladder to become the owner of all three Lifestyle Management Co. locations. How did she get there?
“My mentor and business partner is always giving me sound advice. The best advice she ever gave me is to know your worth! When I first started, I always felt like I should give discounts, or I would be scared to tell my hourly rate. She reminded me that my time and knowledge are valuable!”
Liz Williamson
We asked Liz 20 questions to see how she got to where she is now. Here’s what she had to say:
- As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to do something related to fashion! - What was your first job?
Lifeguard at the local pool. - How did you get into the business you’re in now?
My mom actually saw an advertisement for the company in a magazine. She suggested I reach out and see what it was all about! - How many years has it taken you to get to where you are today?
Six years that have FLOWN by. - What’s the best advice you ever got? And from whom?
My mentor and business partner, Sarah Benken, is always giving me sound advice. The best advice she ever gave me is to know your worth! When I first started, I always felt like I should give discounts or would be scared to tell my hourly rate. She reminded me that my time and knowledge are valuable! - What advice would YOU give?
My biggest piece of advice is to always maintain some type of work-life balance, that is best for you. As a business owner, there’s always something you can be working on, and sometimes you feel guilty when you aren’t working. It’s okay to have a cut-off time or set boundaries so you can enjoy time with your family, get in your 30-minute workout, or just have a glass of wine! You only live once, and work will always be there. - What’s one of the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome (or even just walk away from)?
Covid has probably been the biggest challenge for me. All three of my locations closed within a week and stayed closed for almost four months. There was nothing I could do and I felt pretty helpless. The other challenge with Covid was rebuilding my business once we could open up safely. It was almost like starting from scratch. - What do you think your company is doing right when it comes to women in the workplace?
Our company gives women who don’t necessarily fit in the 9-to-5 mold or have been out of the workplace for a while, a chance to get back into the workplace. The majority of our staff members are moms and want something to do while their kids are at school but not many jobs work with that time slot. We give them the opportunity to get back to having something that is their own but also fits in with their family life. - What’s the number one mistake you think women in business make?
I feel women let others influence them too easily. So many people give you their thoughts or suggestions, without even asking. It can really make you question your path or feel like you need to change what you are doing. - How can women support one another professionally?
I think women can support one another by letting go of the judgment that’s easily placed on others, and trying to understand the position or situation that each person is coming from. Take time to listen to your coworkers — maybe you’ve been in a similar position to give them advice. I think we are so quick to judge, and we don’t put ourselves in others’ shoes to know what they are going through. - How do you start and/or end your workday every day?
I always start or end with some form of exercise. Even if it’s only 20 to 30 minutes I have to spare. I count it as my “me” time each day. It helps me mentally tremendously. - What’s the highlight of your business?
Meeting so many amazing people and hearing their life stories. - Do you have a five-year plan for your business?
Yes, we recently launched a rebrand to better reflect the company we’ve grown into becoming over the last 10-plus years. Our next plan will be to continue expanding to new areas and providing resources for others interested in starting their own personal assisting firm. - What pandemic change in your business will you keep going forward?
The shift of things moving virtual has really been amazing. We hold team meetings via Zoom, training videos are recorded and sent out to the team, and all client/staff documents can be handled digitally. We spent a lot of our downtime really fine-tuning our processes and procedures. - Where’s your favorite place to go to dinner (and what do you order?)
I love any pizza place! - For workwear: Dress or pants?
Pants for sure! We are always on the move. - What’s your daytime drink of choice: coffee, Diet Coke, etc.?
SpinDrifts, I am hooked. They also make great cocktails. - What do you do for “me” time?
Retail therapy is my weakness. - Do you have goals or dreams of retirement?
My goal would be to live in another country for a couple of months out of the year. Hopefully, that can happen before retirement! - What’s one more thing you’d like people to know about your professional journey?
It certainly hasn’t been easy, but you always have to keep trying, pushing for more, and knowing that there is always a solution to your problem.
For Liz, coordinating chaos is a hobby, a calling and now a successful business venture. Learn more about how she and her team can help you take control of your home and life here.
