FAQ

Everything you probably want to know before you reach out.

Honest answers about how I work, what things cost, and what to expect from start to finish.

Quoting + Invoicing

  • Every project starts with a short conversation — a quick call or a few messages back and forth. I'll ask about your timeline, scope, and any specific details that affect the work. From there I'll send a written quote within 24–48 hours that breaks down the service fee, estimated hours, and any expected goods or vendor costs. No surprises, no vague estimates.

  • The starting price reflects my labor fee for a standard scope of the service. Physical goods, groceries, vendor payments, and third-party bookings are billed separately — always at actual cost plus the applicable procurement or coordination fee (which varies by category and is spelled out in your quote). You'll never see a markup you didn't know about.

  • Yes — for any project that involves sourcing goods, booking vendors, or significant planning time upfront, a deposit is required before work begins. Deposit amounts vary by project size but are typically 50% of the total estimated fee. The deposit is applied to your final invoice. Nothing gets booked or purchased until your deposit is confirmed.

  • The remaining balance is due upon project completion or delivery — before final files, itineraries, or deliverables are handed over. For longer engagements (retainers, large events, multi-week projects), we'll agree on a milestone-based payment schedule upfront so there are no awkward conversations at the end. Invoices are sent with clear line items so you always know exactly what you're paying for.

  • Scope shifts happen — and that's okay. If the project grows beyond the original quote, I'll flag it before proceeding and send a revised estimate for your approval. You'll never be invoiced for work we didn't agree on. If something needs to be cut to stay on budget, we'll make that call together.

  • Cancellations made before work has begun are eligible for a full deposit refund. Once sourcing, planning, or vendor coordination has started, the deposit is non-refundable — it covers the time and resources already committed. Any vendor or supplier payments that have been made on your behalf are not refundable and will be passed through at cost. Full details are in the service agreement you'll receive before any work starts.

Business + Operations

  • Small businesses, independent operators, founders, and growing teams across a wide range of industries. If you're running something real and you need someone who can come in, get up to speed fast, and actually help — that's the work I do best. I'm not a fit for large enterprise engagements that require a team; I'm a fit when you need one sharp, reliable person who gets it done.

  • It starts with a structured intake — either a working session or a detailed questionnaire — where I learn how your business currently operates. I map the workflow, identify friction points, redundancies, and gaps, then deliver a written findings document with a prioritized action plan. You'll know exactly what to fix first, what can wait, and what you might be overthinking. Most audits are completed within one to two weeks depending on complexity.

  • You buy a block of hours each month — typically 8 to 20 hours — and I'm available for whatever comes up within that scope. Think advisory calls, document builds, research, competitive checks, project management, or just a second brain when you need one. Unused hours don't roll over, but I'll always give you a heads-up if we're approaching the limit so we can prioritize. Overflow hours are billed at $125–$150/hr for retainer clients.

  • Yes — I adapt to your environment, not the other way around. Whether you're running on Google Workspace, Notion, Asana, Slack, or a combination of spreadsheets and good intentions, I'll work within what you already have. I'm not here to sell you a new system; I'm here to help you get more out of what you've got.

    And if you need recommendations on how to improve the system you have, I can do that, too.

Travel + Events

  • Yes — for travel and event projects, I handle bookings directly using either your payment method or a prepaid arrangement we set up together. All vendor and venue payments pass through at actual cost plus a 10% coordination fee. You'll receive confirmations and a full summary of every booking made. Nothing is confirmed without your sign-off first.

  • That's exactly what day-of management is for. I build contingency options into every plan — backup vendors, alternate timelines, and a clear escalation path if something shifts. When things go sideways (and in events, something always does), I handle it so you don't have to. My job is to keep the experience seamless from your side, even when it isn't behind the scenes.

  • The more lead time, the better — especially for multi-vendor events like retreats, trade shows, or large parties. Ideally:

    • Large events (retreats, conferences): 8–12 weeks out

    • Bachelorettes, milestone parties: 4–8 weeks out

    • Weekend trip itineraries: 2–4 weeks out is usually fine

    That said, I'm no stranger to a tight turnaround. Reach out even if the timing feels tight — I'll tell you honestly what's achievable.

Kitchen + Eats

  • I shop for everything needed for the session — using your preferences, dietary needs, and any restrictions you share during intake. Groceries are billed at actual market cost plus a 20% sourcing fee, itemized line by line on your invoice. You'll know exactly what was bought and what it cost. I shop at quality grocery stores and source the best available for the price — no corners cut on ingredients.

  • Yes — dietary needs, allergies, preferences, and household quirks are all part of the intake process. Whether it's gluten-free, dairy-free, halal, vegetarian, picky kids, or a partner who won't eat mushrooms, I build around your reality. The more detail you give me upfront, the better everything turns out.

  • A half-day Meal Prep session includes grocery shopping, full cooking and prep, portioning, labeling, and kitchen cleanup before I leave. You'll typically end up with 4–6 meals or components depending on the menu we agree on. I'll send you a simple reheating guide so nothing goes to waste. The kitchen will be like I wasn’t even there — that's a promise.

  • No — I work with what you have. During intake I'll ask about your kitchen setup, and I'll adapt the lesson to your equipment. If a specific tool would make a real difference (and you don't have it), I'll let you know ahead of time so you can decide whether to grab it. I bring ingredients and any specialty items needed for the dish.

Home + Life

  • Physical goods — decor items, gift box contents, trip kit supplies — are purchased on your behalf and billed at actual cost plus a 25–30% procurement fee. That fee covers my time sourcing, comparing, and acquiring the right items so you don't have to. You'll see an itemized breakdown on your invoice. A sourcing deposit is required upfront so I'm not fronting costs out of pocket.

  • Absolutely — and I require it. Giving me a clear goods budget upfront makes for a better outcome. I'll work within it, flag if something you want pushes against it, and offer alternatives when needed. I'll never exceed an agreed goods budget without checking with you first.

  • It depends on what you need, and we'll agree on the scope before I arrive. Standard Home Prep typically includes light tidying and organizing, restocking essentials (groceries, household basics), fresh linens if needed, and making sure the space feels welcoming and functional. It's designed around the scenario — coming home from a hospital stay looks different from prepping for houseguests, and I'll tailor it accordingly.