How do you become a professional organizer? This is a question I get all of the time! I have not always been an organizer, but I am so happy to have ended up here. Here is how I became an organizer (the short, kind of, version)
I actually started my career as a social worker helping victims and perpetrators of domestic violence live a better life. I then spent nearly a decade managing counseling practices in Washington, DC and Denver, CO.
I think the big shift came for me when I had my daughter a little over 5 years ago. I was terrified and overwhelmed by stepping into the role of motherhood and felt completely inadequate and ill prepared (at times I still do!). It became clear to me that in order to manage being a mom I had to focus and make some drastic changes to my life.
I get very stressed and anxious by clutter in my home (It used to be WAY worse…kids have a way of making you be more realistic on that front!). For me, this was a very physical reaction, like an anxiety attacks, panic…etc. It felt like no matter how much I tried, I could not keep my house clean to my standards AND work a demanding job AND be a good mom AND self care. It was all way, way too much.
I started researching, healing and making systematic changes to my life. I got help from a therapist to work through my anxiety, heal some wounds, take some personal accountability and lean more into my true self. I stopped taking on so much (calendar clutter) and gave myself permission to be imperfect and rest…so hard! I systemized how my household operated from grocery shopping to paying bills; how we flow in the house. I rid myself of all the toxicity (people, stuff, mindsets) so I could be as fully present as I could for my kiddos. I began prioritizing my exercise and self care rituals over everything else, and I still do
I decided to make this a career to help other people live with less stress. Let’s make our homes happy places for connection and relaxation instead of a stressful storage area for our overabundance of things and overbooked lives. I invested in organizing coursework, began connecting with some of the most amazing, empowering women and launched HARMONie.
We have helped over 20 people/families in our meager two years in operation. Many of them start as small projects and end up being our client for the long term while we work throughout their entire house. Thank you so much for supporting my small business and following our journey!
