Member Spotlight: Untangled Spaces
We are excited to introduce you to Lady O, creator and founder of Untangled Spaces! A beloved member of our Belltown location, Lady O can be found inspiring others to think deeper, bigger, and with creativity. Continue reading to learn more about what Untangled Spaces is all about!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do?
In 2013 I was in school studying to become an Engineer. One morning while ironing my clothes, my children found me laying on the floor and called emergency services. After assessment and being told, "Woman, you must be super stressed out." I knew I could be the only one to transform that truth and decided to initiate my first self-love campaign which I called, "Happy. Healthy. Whole."In this radical movement, I was challenged to set aside everything I thought I knew about life, love, family and success and be open to redefining, for myself, what life, love, family and success would be if happy, healthy, whole were the bricks I laid down as my new foundation.
After trial, error and real life feedback, I realized I had developed a philosophy and lifestyle that can be customized and applied to the multifaceted challenges humanity faces. In 2018 developed a coaching arm in my business which zooms in, triages and transforms six specific areas. These have become the prerequisites that are pivotal to professionals living a lifestyle that not only rewards their hard work, but allows them to live one they are truly proud of.
How did you end up with your Company name?
After having several logo ideas turned down by my business coach at the time, I spent hours in front of the computer pulling up images I felt described both the service I provided and the approach I took to relieve my clients pain points.
One day I laid eyes on a ball of colored yarn that transitioned through a spectrum of colors and had an "ah-ha" moment! Because of my intense curiosity of people, the world, how things work, coupled with my ability to be open to all possibilities, I am help my clients discover who they are at their core, become who it is they most desire and live a lifestyle they absolutely love, in the most congruent and enjoyable way possible.It was then I realized, I don't walk in with prescribed templates on what should work, rather, we untangle whats there, mentally, emotionally and physically and from there, decide how best to move forward and in May 2011, Untangled Spaces was born!
Can you share a defining moment or experience in your life that has significantly shaped who you are today?
In 1990 at the age of eight, I worked my first job at a hair salon in Melbourne Tower, located on the corner of Third and Pike in Downtown Seattle -- it's still standing, open, operating and as beautiful as it was back then -- it looks like nothing about it has changed.
Every weekend, I'd get chauffeured from West Seattle in to town for the day by "Joe Metro" and once my shift was over, get my hair shampooed, deep conditioned, then pressed and curled. All dolled up, I'd be paid for my time and run straight over to McDonald's (which is still open and operating on Third and Pine but has since then changed several times) to purchase a happy meal. Not because I enjoyed the food. Not even for the cheap toy I knew I'd find inside.
I'd walk up to the counter with confidence and pride, knowing one of the cardboard containers being filled was headed my way; oh the joy that would spread through my body and the smile that'd smear across my face when my number was called; the moment I've been waiting for all day has finally arrived. The sensation of sliding both my pointer and middle fingers through that golden arch! It was as if it somehow magically became the great purse of promise, a symbol of victory and accomplishment, the largest token of appreciation for a job well done for a little professional girl who was up to BIG things!
In eighth grade I was honored, trusted and hired by my Language Arts teacher to manage her auto detail salon on the weekends which at that time was staffed by a handful of grown men. That building is still standing as well, hasn't changed much and today has Rudy's Barbershop operating out of it. You may be saying, "Get to the point already Lady O!" and I will, just stay with me.
Having these opportunities at such a young age taught me to prioritize discovering what success means to me and to continue to have an unwavering commitment to striving for excellence and cultivating attributes that add value to human connections.
What are some key lessons or insights you've gained throughout your career or personal journey that you believe have contributed to your success?
In as many areas of life possible, I am a huge proponent of attraction rather than promotion being the foremost reason when establishing a connection. From this place, I have come to learn, irregardless of how long, short, simple or intense the exchange, you will almost always be able to identify the benefit, blessing or breakthrough or in short, reason you have crossed paths. I see my professional services as a platform that attracts courageous professionals who are willing, and with my support ready, to embark upon a structured adventure designed with their best self in mind.
What passions or hobbies do you pursue outside of your professional life, and how do they contribute to your overall well-being?
First and foremost, eating HELLA produce: how many colors can I incorporate in each meal and still have it taste good? Second, developing a personalized, all encompassing, weekly workout regimen that tantalizes my mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. And lastly, geeking out in places and spaces that invite me to engage in meaningful dialogue from a place of curiosity. Diving deep in the minds of persons I admire and respect while exchanging perspectives and preferences that tickle our fancies.
What do you usually like to do for a break in the middle of the day to step away from work and re-energize yourself.
I've dedicated all breaks to comforting and nurturing my inner child and this could be anything from walking and blowing bubbles all the way from Belltown to Chinatown / International District by myself to being completely enthralled in a candid conversation with a complete stranger or old acquaintance. I will be transparent and share, I have lost count of the amount of times I've been told, "Lady O, I saw you dancing and singing through the town the other day!" I love maneuvering through streets that are highly populated, tapping into my environment in real time and marveling at the current season, scenery and goings-on in the city.
Some of my go-to activities outside of those would be, curating funky outfits from pieces I've fallen in love with over time that when worn, have me feel fully self-expressed.
How has being a part of a coworking space helped you personally and professionally?
Coming from the Columbia Tower Club, I was looking for a space that allowed me to be all of who I was, personally and professionally. The Pioneer Collective has not only fulfilled that requirement, this space has consistently afforded me the opportunity to demonstrate the power of coaching: coaches aren't paid for coaching, dreams that come true are PRICELESS!
True story, one day while sitting at the island in the kitchen, I overheard the owner (Chris) mention needing a haircut and always forgetting to schedule one. He had his laptop in tow so I challenged him to add a recurring calendar reminder that would prompt him to do so. With no hesitation he accepted the call to action and the next time I saw that man, he had a haircut! Some time had passed since we'd seen one another and in catching up, Chris mentioned needing to find a new barber and how he didn't think he'd have the time to seek one out.
In true Lady O fashion, I turned on my Empowerment Thinking Cap "smarter not harder" and encouraged him to utilize the most powerful marketing tools available to man. If he sees a haircut he likes, ask who cut it AND ask a few folks around the barber shop he already uses for recommendations. The next time I saw Chris, not only did he have a fresh cut, he shared how simple and smooth it all played out, he stuck with the same shop but simply chose a new barber. In response I said, "I have to read you something!" I ran, grabbed my coaching binder and read him this, "Change doesn't have to be slow, hard, not even incremental -- everything you want is closer than you think..." and he totally agreed!
It's moments like this I appreciate most. In showing up to complete my professional obligations I am afforded organic encounters that build trust and emphasize my approach being tried and true.
If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be, and why?
"Listen here girlfriend! Do not make ANYONE special -- this includes all family members, friends and magnetic connections. Understand: behavior is behavior. Therefore, any behavior displayed that doesn't work isn't going to have a different outcome because of your love and admiration for them."
What has been your most memorable story/success to date?
To be completely honest, if I felt as though I only had one, I probably would've quit coaching some time ago. It has truly been an honor walking alongside all my clients -- the trust built, breakthroughs achieved, their commitment and drive to actualizing their dreams and pursuing their passions -- all of it wholeheartedly fascinates and inspires me!
I've assisted a Fitness Coach transition from being unhoused to designing the lifestyle of his dreams: living one block away from his fitness studio, increasing his profit by 20 percent, decreasing his work hours, traveling internationally quarterly, having the luxury to complete two hours of physical therapy daily, and the cherry on top, doing a handstand on a beach in Thailand!
I've supported an Anthropologist, PhD student overcome her fear, doubt and academic fatigue to continue pursuing her degree, which required a firm decision to relocate to the south, purchase a van and drive across country to complete her research on breastfeeding.
I've helped a closet therapist and phenomenal chef dump her career as a first-class server, place an ad in Psychology Today, rent office space, and ignite assisting children and adults on their healing journey. In her words, "When we can be compassionately curious with ourselves, the stored/protected unconscious begins to emerge and we then have the opportunity to practice new ways of being in the world that feel good to us. Healing is the process of creating space for and integrating aspects of ourselves that need honoring." She also decided to spoil herself by cooking, sharing and enjoying gourmet meals in her home with those she loves and would like to build connection with.
I can go on and on and on but the key take away is this: coaching is not for everybody. Coaching is great for people who want to go from good to great. Coaching gives clients a secret weapon, a competitive edge their un-coached peers do not enjoy. Clients take bigger actions, set bigger goals and think bigger when they work with a coach and are more likely to win at the game of life, again and again!
How can people get in touch with you or learn more about your work?
I LOVE this question -- directly connecting with me! The lost art and practice of voice-to-voice communication and formal greeting etiquette means the world to me so I've made the bold business decision to rely on it as my primary communication tool, preserving email and text simply as conduits to advance and coordinate my earnest efforts to get on the phone or in front of the person I am hoping to speak with.
Dear Reader,
If you've made it this far, as a special thank you for giving up your precious time to learn more about one of your fellow TPC Members, if you would find value in and benefit from brainstorming / strategizing a current goal, opportunity, obstacle and / or challenge, I'd like to offer you a two-hour coaching session at no cost, as a gift from me to you!
To redeem this offer, learn more about me, the work I do and anything else you may want to ask, share or connect about, you can schedule a time to do so by going to Calendly.com/LadyO and scheduling a time that works for you; I can't wait to see your name on my calendar!
Thanks TPC Staff for being rockstars!
Your Happy, Sappy Seattleite,
The Girl, xo Lady O
