February is our anniversary month. This year the Femme Network turns 4!
Each Feb we feature a woman who stands out from the rest. Someone who sets the standard for the rest of the year, someone extraordinary.
This Feb we are honored to feature Mary Carlomagno – owner of Order.
Mary is the owner of Order which specializes in clutter control, urban apartment solutions, office spaces and shopping addictions. Mary’s philosophy is simple, do not let clutter control your life. Her easy going approach, sense of style and strong communication skills create an atmosphere where organizing is fun.
Mary has extensive television experience including appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, the Today Show, Fox and Friends, Dayside, The God Squad, CBS News and Good Housekeeping TV. She has been interviewed on National Public Radio, the Joan Hamburg Show, Martha Stewart Living and by Leeza Gibbons.
Her approach has been featured in Real Simple, Woman’s Day, Quick and Simple, For Me, Newsday and the Daily News. Mary writes frequently on the subject of getting organized for magazines and newspapers including the Washington Post, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Pink Woman’s World, Body and Soul and Figure. She is also an expert columnist on care.com and a regular contributor to Design NJ.
Her first book Give it Up! My Year of Learning to Live Better with Less is published by HarperCollins. Her second book, Secrets of Simplicity is published by Chronicle Books.
She lectures to corporations like American Express and Ameriprise, to advanced learning organizations like Media Bistro and professional organizations like the Association of Administrative assistants and Business Networking International.
Femme of the Month – Standard Interview Questions
Femme Information
Full Name: Mary Carlomagno
Title: Author, speaker, owner of order
Company: order (www.orderperiod.com)
Age: 42
Home town: North Plainfield, NJ
Place of current residence: Hoboken, NJ
Favorite Food: Eggplant Parmigiana
Favorite TV show: 30 Rock
Most Inspirational Quote: Be the change you wish in the world- Gandhi
Interview
What was the most inspirational moment for you in 2009?
Appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Program was an unexpected highlight
What is your personal goal/mission in life?
No, I was nursing a three month old and a little fogged out!
How do you live out that mission in your business and personal life?
I balanced being a working mom really quickly
How did you get your start in business?
I was always organizing my closet and other’s people as well. And as a 17 year publishing veteran, a journalism minor in college, writing would always be a part of my life too.
What peaked your interest about your current career?
I always wanted to own my own business, be my own boss and I was good at organizing…
Tell us about a turning point in your life or career that has gotten you to where you are today?
When my shoes fell on my head in my closet—this was my wakeup call.
What are your career goals for the future? How do you see your work/business progressing?
Television
What are some of the challenges as a female in your line of business? And how do you overcome it?
I work with mostly women, so it is good to be in a women dominated field!
What is your favorite part about working in your line of business?
Making my own hours so I can spend time with my family
What is your least favorite part about working in your line of business?
If I don’t work and pitch and push, I don’t get paid- no surfing the net for me!
How do you balance your career with your personal life (and motherhood if applicable)?
I had to learn to ask for help and accept it when offered
What do you do for fun?
Travel, drink wine, cook, read, do yoga and spend time with my boys
Who is the person who most influenced your life and why?
My mother, the consummate homemaker is still inspiring and challenging me to be the best daily.
Who would you recommend to be a Femme of the Month?
Vivian Farmery, she is the owner of a non profit called just tell and I learned about her organization from a friend – I am inspired by selfless people doing work to better humanity.
She helps teens that are sexually abused and gives them a voice.
I also really admire a life coach friend Nancy Colasurdo, she writes for FOX business and helps people connect with their creativity, She is wonderful!
