CWDW Interviews...Fay Wolf

I had the pleasure of "meeting" Fay when I saw one of her videos on Apartment Therapy. I was all like "hey, she seems cool. let me check out her website." So I did. And I discovered that she did a lot more than make awesome Apartment Therapy videos.

I set up a phone call with her (she was running this awesome pay-what-you-can summer special so how could I say no?) and basically she helped me set a lot of things in motion.

You know how you know what you should be doing, but don't do it?

She is the one that makes you do it.

And she makes you laugh too. And she may make you cry, but in a good way. 

Fay Wolf

Professional Organizer. Creative Coach. 

Heart Curator ™. Practicing Art-Maker. 

CWDW: You have one of the best mission statements out there:

I help artists move through inner & outer clutter, crystalize clarity, and get shit done.

Reading that gives me goosebumps. For serious. Can you explain that some more? What is this clutter you speak of? Is there anything special about artist clutter?

FAY: Thanks.  The clutter I speak of ranges from stuff that is literally blocking the way to clarity (piles of un-filed papers, clothes busting out of the closet) to the stuff that holds us back from being our best selves (guilt, fear, low self-image).  Artists are some of the boldest souls out there.  The things we usually have to say with our work is honest and real and often scarier than some other jobs out there.  So sometimes cutting through some of the inner clutter to actually move forward with projects can take an extra push.  In the physical clutter realm, artists do have "special" clutter.  For example, paper.  We often have lots of different income sources - and thus more complicated tax returns.  So sometimes, a little extra effort there is required.

How did you end up with such a badass job?

In short, I made it up!  And then I did it!  I've been an artist all my life.  In 2006, I decided I didn't want to be a struggling one anymore, so I opened a professional organizing business called NEW ORDER.  Over the past year, I've transitioned the business into something that combines my experiences as both an organizer and an artist, and the personal paths I've found to clearing clutter and releasing my heart and my work out into the world. 

How do you balance your own inner and outer clutter?

I'm certainly still learning every single day.  But I have managed to create a productive and largely clutter-free life for myself.  I make choices about where things go and about how I want to feel.  Sometimes those choices change and sometimes I have a messy desk.  But with outer clutter, it's about maintenance and items having a home to go back to.  As for inner clutter, I practice self-care, self-love, and guilt-free living.  There are good days and bad.  But mostly good.  It takes work.  And it's worth it. 

How has your journey as a heart-curating, professional organizer informed your work as a singer-songwriter?

Having a hold on clutter has meant that my projects get done.  And they usually get done in a way that's beautiful to me.  Being organized means that when I'm actually writing a song, the in-progress files are somewhere I can find them.  (I'd never remember what I write otherwise.)  And the heart-curating aspect makes me accountable to practice what I preach.  Sometimes I cringe before releasing a new song or asking for feedback from someone.  But I know I need to keep taking risks and keep taking action.  Because history has shown that the release brings me joy. 

What are you working on now?

Last month I released the Your Love EP, my third album in as many years.  So I'm taking a little break from recording and the pressure to do anything else.  There are some new songs naturally brewing and I'm really excited to not know what's next.  Meanwhile, I'm working on my heart-curating lovefest of a business.  Working with folks individually and in groups, plus creating lots of content to share with the larger world.  It all feels very artistic.

Have you ever felt a little lost? If so, what helped/helps you find your way?

Indeed.  Listening to Eckhart Tolle.  Long saunters around my neighborhood in Los Angeles.  Confiding in friends.  Cleaning out my car.  Looking back at what I've already created.  Giving thanks for the people I've met along the way.

What/Who inspires you? What/who delights you?

Honestly, my clients both inspire and delight me.  Sometimes I can't believe my job is a job, because I get so much goodness out of it.  Also, sugar inspires and delights me.  And I probably need to shut that down.

I'm so happy that Fay agreed to do this! Thanks Fay!

A bit more about Fay:

Fay Wolf is a singer-songwriter, actor, professional organizer and heart-curating creative coach.  Her songs or her face have been featured on several tv shows, including Grey's Anatomy, Pretty Little Liars, 2 Broke Girls and Bones.  Meanwhile, Fay helps other artists move through inner and outer clutter, follow their hearts and get shit done.  Her work and tips have been featured on Apartment Therapy and in LA Confidential Magazine.  You can find her online at faywolf.com and faywolfmusic.com.