For Katelyn Wimsatt, Emily Rose, and Melissa Barnett, what started as a casual conversation has grown into a thriving small business helping Owensboro residents bring order — and peace of mind — back into their homes.
The trio behind The Sorting Sisters is family at its core. Wimsatt and Rose are sisters, while Barnett is their sister-in-law, married to their brother — a dynamic they say has strengthened both their business and their ability to connect with clients.
The group launched their organizing business in late summer 2021 after realizing they shared both a passion for organization and a desire to work together.
“We were just spending time together when the idea came up — what if we started a business of our own?” Wimsatt said. “We’ve always loved organizing, so it felt like a natural fit. From there, it really just took off.”
What began as a home-organizing service has since expanded to include decluttering, office organization, and refresh visits for returning clients. About a year after launching, the sisters added packing and unpacking services, a move that significantly boosted demand.
“We had a connection with a moving company that suggested we consider offering packing and unpacking services,” Wimsatt said. “It made a lot of sense — when things are packed in an organized way, it makes the entire moving process smoother. We added that about a year later, and it’s really taken off since then.”
The business was built from the ground up, with the sisters spending months researching, developing a plan, and establishing their brand before taking on clients. At the time, they saw a gap in the local market.
“At the time, there wasn’t really anything like this in Owensboro that we were aware of,” Wimsatt said. “We saw it as an opportunity to bring something new to our community, especially since this is home for all of us.”
In the years since, The Sorting Sisters has grown largely through word-of-mouth referrals — something the owners say has been both rewarding and sustainable. However, they are now working to expand their reach through a renewed focus on digital marketing.
“We’ve had to put social media on the back burner at times because we all have kids,” Rose said. “But now we’re being more intentional about how we market ourselves and working to get our name out there more.”
Beyond the practical benefits of organizing, the sisters say their work often has a deeper impact on clients’ well-being.
“What we’ve found, especially with decluttering services, is that many clients feel overwhelmed by their spaces,” Wimsatt said. “Seeing that weight lifted off of them is incredibly rewarding and really motivates us to keep going.”
While organizing can be seen as a luxury service, the sisters believe it plays an important role in improving mental clarity and reducing stress.
“It really helps people’s mental health,” Wimsatt said. “It’s stuff that’s hard to do on your own.”
Looking ahead, The Sorting Sisters plan to continue growing while staying rooted in their community-focused mission. They are currently exploring additional services, including donation pickup for clients who want help removing unwanted items.
“One of the services we’ve talked about is having a donation haul-off service,” Rose said.
They have also recently partnered with Big John Moving Company, a relationship they say has strengthened their packing services and opened new opportunities for collaboration.
“I think one of our goals is just to keep that relationship,” Wimsatt said. “We love working with him, and that partnership has really launched us.”
Ultimately, the sisters say their goal is simple: to keep helping people while building a business that supports both their families and their community.
“I think our main goal is to continue growing the business while helping as many people in our community as possible,” Wimsatt said.
Clients can learn more or get in touch through the business website at thesortingsisters3.com, by emailing [email protected], or by connecting through their social media platforms.
