Palmetto State Gets NEAT
The Corporate NEAT Girls were in Chicago last week training our new class of NEAT girls and we can’t wait for you to meet them! Today we are thrilled to introduce Lee Benton launching Charleston, South Carolina! Read more about her to see why she’s a perfect fit!
NM :: Welcome Lee! Tell us what inspired you to want to launch NEAT Charleston!
LB :: Having experienced the value in living a NEAT and organized lifestyle myself I feel inspired to help others accomplish the same.
NM :: What did you do before you launched NEAT?
LB :: Prior to joining NEAT, I managed a boutique real estate firm in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.
NM :: What makes your city unique?
LB :: Charleston is an incredible, historic city that manages to balance preserving all the qualities for which it is known — its picturesque coastal setting, historical architecture, and hospitality — while also fostering a creative culture that makes it one of the most notable culinary and arts destinations in the nation.
NM :: How long have you lived there?
LB :: I’ve lived in Charleston a total of 17 years. I moved to Charleston in 1995 to attend the College of Charleston. After graduating, I moved back to my home town in Virginia before finally choosing to settle down back in Charleston in 2005 after meeting my future husband.
NM :: What are your favorite places to shop in your city?
LB :: We’re lucky that in Charleston there are many great places to shop. When I’m looking for inspiration for my home, I always pop into GDC, Celadon, Fritz Porter, South Windermere Antiques or Indigo Market. For super cute kids’ clothes and accessories I head to Sugar Snap Pea and Pink Chicken on King Street.
When shopping for myself, I love to shop at The Skinny Dip and Beckett Bouque to check out local designers; for fun vintage accessories I go to Candy Shop Vintage; Mac and Murphy for stationary and Noddy for unique and fun Southern goods.
NM :: What are your favorite places to eat in Charleston?
LB :: Our go‐to neighborhood (family friendly spots) are Mex‐1 and Home Team BBQ. For fun dinners out with my husband or friends I usually head to Melfi’s, Leon’s Oyster Shop, orXiao Bao Biscuit. And last but not least for the best cheese boards and wine selection in the city I head to goat.sheep.cow.north.
NM :: Show us a picture of your most organized space and tell us what it is.
LB :: It may be a small space, but I just love my kitchen silverware drawer. It neatly displays my grandmother’s silver and every me I open the drawer it reminds me of her.
NM :: What about a picture of your least organized space… what the heck happened?!
LB :: Ugh. It would have to be the closet in our guest room. It is such an odd shape. It has become a storage area for random items that are not used on a regular basis including luggage, bags (and more bags!), work supplies/files, my wedding dress, wrapping supplies, kids’ artwork and who knows what else!
NM :: What do you think is going to be your favorite part of running NEAT in your city?
LB :: I’m most looking forward to seeing client’s reactions to their new NEAT spaces.
NM :: What can people expect when they hire you to organize their home?
LB :: When people hire me they can expect someone who is non‐judgmental, efficient, and personable.
NM :: What business do you admire and why?
LB :: It may sound like a shameless plug, but I’m most inspired by Big Tide Charters, my husband’s in‐shore fishing charter business. Six years ago he turned his true passion for fishing into a full‐time business and I admire him for taking the leap of faith to live out his dream and for mastering his craft. He is my inspiration for starting Neat Method in Charleston.
NM :: Anything else you think we need to know?
LB :: No one should feel shame or judgement in having a disorganized home. The fear of judgement shouldn’t stop you from reaching out for help when you need it.
Thanks for letting us get to know you better! We are so excited you’re a part of the NEAT family now.
xx
the NEAT girls
We are Ashley and Molly, the founders of Neat Method.
Lets face it – we obviously love to organize and are a little…or maybe we should say a lot type-A. This perfect storm created The Neat Life. Welcome! We’ve seen it all, heard it all, organized it all, and are always obsessed with seeing a perfectly NEAT space. Even if a clutter free space doesn’t tickle your fancy as much as ours, we guarantee you will be entertained by our antics and drive to make the world a NEAT-er place!
