HOMEWORTHY

Success—and the contentment that can come from it—are often hard-won. So, it sure helps to have a great start right out of the gate, long before putting your nose to the grindstone. “Our home was a sanctuary of art, music, and intellectual curiosity,” shares Annie Rogers, recalling her Michigan childhood. “A grand piano dominated the living room, and my dad’s towering steel sculptures filled the backyard. Thanksgiving and Christmas tables were always filled with artists and musicians. The evenings would often go late, with my dad’s piano improvisations filling the air.”

Growing up in a literate, cultured household, it’s not surprising that Rogers went on to earn a degree in English at the University of Michigan. But when she set off for Chicago after graduation, she wasn’t sure what she would do with her life. To pay the bills, she took a job selling yellow page ads over the phone. “That was a humbling experience, to say the least, but I found my footing in media and advertising with an entry-level role at Starcom Worldwide. This was a pivotal moment, as I began networking with industry veterans across TV, print, and radio. This led me to an opportunity to work at Turner Broadcasting during the digital revolution, which was a game-changer. Witnessing the seismic shift in consumer behavior, as news and content became instantly accessible with platforms like CNN.com, ignited a new passion for digital media and really anchored my career.”

Rogers later pumped up her CV with a successful stint at Google managing teams in their retail sector. “I spent more than four years witnessing a transformative shift in the retail industry. Retailers, inspired by Amazon’s lead, began monetizing their valuable data and online properties through advertising. Today, retail media is one of the fastest growing ad channels, growing by more than 20 percent each year. By 2027, it’s projected to rival social media and surpass television advertising.”

In 2023, after a six-month battle with cancer, Rogers’ beloved father died. She was devastated. Then, a restructuring at Google left her without a job. But she rebounded, taking a position at Target. “The opportunity to join Target, a retailer I admired for its customer experience, allowed me to leverage my media expertise while also learning about merchandising. At Target, I’m leading a team responsible for selling Target’s valuable data and ad space to a wide range of brands, including Levi’s, Hanes, Carter’s, and Graco.”

Clearly at home in the corporate world, Rogers is no one-hit wonder. Inspired by her father’s maverick, entrepreneurial spirit, she has launched her own venture—Mise en Place, a home organization service. “Mise en place is a French culinary term that means ‘everything in its place,’” explains Rogers. “I possess a meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to keeping my home organized. Friends and family would always comment on my organized closets or kitchen, frequently asking me to help them. The demand for these services was evident.”

While plenty of home design services celebrate stylish interiors, offering tips on how to achieve a look, not many deal with the nitty-gritty of keeping a home functioning at its best. And when they do, the advice issued can be too one-size-fits-all to be truly helpful. Rogers takes a different tact.

“When I organize a home, I see it as a personal journey,” she says. “I want to understand the unique rhythms of each family— the way they live, the things that bring them joy. I spend time getting to know the kids, their interests, and how everyone interacts within the space. This helps me create a plan that’s not just functional but also feels authentic. I believe in creating a space that’s sustainable. I want to leave you with a system that you can maintain after I’m gone. It’s not about a perfect, pristine home. It’s about a home that works for your family’s lifestyle.”

The most pleasing homes aren’t pristine. And as Rogers knows well, careers are rarely crystal clear either. Looking back at her professional life, she muses, “Not having a clear path forced me to keep an open mind for what’s next. It’s been a journey of exploration and growth, fueled by a willingness to embrace the unexpected.”

Follow Rogers on Instagram @mise_en_place_chi.