We had the good fortune of connecting with Libby Huffines and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Libby, do you think college was worth it?
There’s so much more to the college experience than just a degree. For me it provided invaluable opportunities for personal, spiritual and relational growth, all of which have shaped me and continue to impact my life and career. Personally, I learned independence, as do most 18-year-olds who move out of their parents’ house for the first time, thus making college a valuable season of maturing for me. Both in and out of the classroom, I had numerous opportunities to identify my strengths and weaknesses, allowing me to capitalize on my strengths and further discover and develop my gifts, including a passion for organization and helping others deal with clutter. My four years of college also gave me the chance to refine and strengthen my faith before being thrown into the “real world”. Having the space to choose to live out my Christian beliefs in college gave me the growth necessary to now confidently prioritize my faith each and every day in my career. Finally, the relationships I formed in college through housing, classes and campus involvement continue to enhance both my personal life and my career. Whether it be the deep, lifelong friendships of old roommates who are now major advocates for my business or the casual connections of classmates from the Mays Business School, I know I have people cheering me on to success solely because of a shared college experience. Even now just being associated with communities such as the Aggie Network or the national sorority, Pi Beta Phi, has carried me far and provided opportunities to instantly connect and build trust with clients also sharing these ties. Now, sometimes I catch myself thinking that if I had started my business sooner I might have made more money or been farther along by now. However, I wouldn’t change having those four years to solely focus on my education, personal growth and relationships. I recognize college is not for everyone, but for me it made a tremendous impact in shaping my life and career, making it worth every penny and ounce of effort.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is to not overly compare myself to others in the organizing industry. It’s good to be aware of competitors and industry changes as those things are often the best teachers for a growing business, but I can’t let comparison consume me or rob me of finding joy in my work. Ultimately, I must do what I feel called to do and focus on giving my faithful clients the best Libby and Labels experience possible rather than becoming distracted with the ever-changing trends surrounding the professional organizing industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite things to do in Dallas usually revolve around people, food and the outdoors, so that would be the focus of my Dallas itinerary for any visiting friend.
MONDAY
Morning: Pick up friend from the airport, hopefully at Love Field because it’s way more convenient
Lunch: Flower Child on W Lovers Lane
Afternoon/Evening: Head over to the Fort Worth Stockyards. Yes, I know it’s not technically Dallas, but let’s be real, if someone is visiting Texas, they probably want to see some Texas-y things like cattle and cowboy hats.

TUESDAY
Morning: Check out the Reunion Tower Observation Deck for some great city views
Lunch: Eatzi’s Afternoon: Walk the Katy Trail and gather some friends for Happy Hour at the Katy Trail Ice House
Evening: Pick up an easy to prepare meal from Central Market on the way home

WEDNESDAY
Morning: Head up to Plano to shop and walk around Legacy West
Lunch: True Food
Afternoon: Head back south to rollerblade the Northaven Trail and grab an afternoon treat from Steel City Pops
Evening: Drive over to Globe Life Field in Arlington for a Rangers baseball game and Dollar Hotdog Days

THURSDAY
Morning: Enjoy coffee at Cultivar in East Dallas
Lunch: Resident Taqueria
Afternoon: Walk around and explore White Rock Lake
Evening: Grab dinner at Smoky Rose and head over to the Cool Thursday Concert Series at the Dallas Arboretum

FRIDAY
Morning: Shop and walk around at the Dallas Farmers Market
Lunch: Eat barbecue at Pecan Lodge
Afternoon: Explore and shop around Deep Ellum
Evening: Pizza at Cane Rosso
Night: Gather a bunch of friends to hang out on the HG Supply Co rooftop on Lower Greenville

SATURDAY
Morning: Brunch at Oddfellows in Bishop Arts
Afternoon: Explore Klyde Warren Park and ride the trolley around Uptown
Evening: Gather some friends for dinner, drinks and music at The Rustic

SUNDAY
Morning: Attend my church, Northway Church, which was one of the places damaged by the tornado in October 2019
Lunch: Grab sandwiches from Meat Shop on W Lovers Lane
Afternoon: Walk around a nearby Preston Hollow neighborhood and maybe pop into an open house or two
Evening: Drop off visitor at the airport!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give a shoutout to Emily and Justin Barina of SWAN Moving Services, a locally owned and operated moving company. Through their friendship, collaboration and referrals, Libby and Labels has experienced tremendous growth over the last couple of years and has had the privilege of working alongside their team to provide clients with a smooth, turnkey relocation service.

Website: https://www.libbyandlabels.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/libbyandlabels/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LibbyandLabels/

Image Credits
Allison Freet