Toni, 69, Business Owner, Author and Mentor.

I met Toni this summer through a mutual friend and we instantly took to one another.  She inspires me through her business savvy, networking ideas and constant desire to learn and do more in life.

Toni was born with the organizing gene: she can’t help herself. She was continually asked by friends and family to help make order in closets, organize a kitchen or set up filing systems. Since 1992, when she started her business Clearly Organized (www.clearlyorg.com), Toni has helped her clients simplify their offices, homes and lives by smart organizing techniques and building efficient closets and garage storage systems. In addition to running her business, Toni has written two books, Manage Your Time the Lazy Way and Organize Your Stuff The Lazy Way.

Toni always looks amazing and developed a love of fashion at an early age. One of her first favorite outfits was a white linen dress with black polka dots layered under an orange duster, bought not by her mother but her stylish father!  Both her parents helped develop Toni’s great sense of style which is evident today. She always adds a pop of color to her standard uniform of pants, white or colored shirt and long cardigan.  J. Jill, Macy’s brand Alfani, Eileen Fisher and Ralph Lauren are “go to” brands for Toni. She especially admires designer Victoria Beckham and her understanding of a women’s body.

Toni says the hardest thing about aging is running out of steam sooner than she used to, but the opportunity to teach and mentor younger people starting their own business is inspiring and gratifying.

I am to lucky to have her in my life as a friend and mentor!

Stephanie O'Dell