Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Sachiko.
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Before I could remember, my house never looked or felt the same as the houses of my neighbors, friends, and extended family. I did not learn until I was a teenager that the label for our home was a hoarder house. Everyday I would walk through alleyways of piles of stuff on every surface and every floor of every room. It felt difficult to meet my basic needs because I had to jump through three or four different tasks just to be able to sit down or eat a meal with my family. I remember every weekend my mom would be cleaning and organizing in the limited amount of time she had free. Despite her best efforts, nothing ever stayed organized. The physical clutter impeded on daily life for myself and my family while also affecting my mental health.
As a child, I felt like I was stuck in a vicious cycle of feeling depressed and out of control. At this time in my life I did not realize that the state of our home: the clutter, disarray and cognitive overload ironically matched my own state of being: lonely, overweight, and with little self worth.
My bedroom was my haven. It was the only room in our entire house that was free of clutter on every floor and surface. It was the only room I felt safe and comfortable in. When I went to college I finally had the capacity to take care of myself. I began to discover what intrinsic happiness meant to me and how I wanted to spend my time: studying child development and psychology, exercising, eating healthy, and socializing. Every activity and goal I had for myself was directly supported by my physical environment, my home.
The life-changing event of becoming a professional organizer was when the pandemic hit. At that time my parents were about 70 years old and got sheltered in place in their hoarder home. I knew that when the pandemic started it wasn’t a question of if, but when. When would a box fall on them? When would they trip over and fall only to get seriously injured? I felt it was my responsibility as a daughter to help my parents live safely.
After many conversations, my parents, siblings, and I all decided to work together to help clean my parents home. We managed to declutter their entire three bed, two bath house. For the first time ever in my life, I was able to easily see out windows, sit on furniture, place items on any surface, and walk freely. At first, I noticed small lifestyle changes for my parents. My mom would clean with ease and cook more elaborate meals. Eventually they began to invite friends and family over. For the first time ever my parents were able to babysit their grandchildren from the comfort of their own home. This is one of many new activities that they still participate in today, years later.
A few months after the clean up, my mother came to me and said words I will never forget. I remember she said how she never realized how bad the house was until all the stuff was gone and that there was no way she could’ve done it without me. It was at that moment that I realized how powerful organizing could be. Organizing had the power to change my parents’ life. If I could positively impact any person on this planet – what a gift to help the people who gave me life itself.
I went on to get certified with a globally known organizer named Marie Kondo. I chose Marie’s program because I identified with her as a Japanese female entrepreneur. Growing up in a Japanese family there was an intense pressure for perfection. There was also the belief that showing any emotion was a sign of weakness. As an adult curating my own values, I learned that being genuinely curious, interested, and vulnerable with others was a valuable way to connect. It was through her tidy program that I let go of my own perfection and made my biggest childhood dream come true – having a business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Perhaps one of the biggest struggles with being a solopreneur is working alone and sometimes being your own worst enemy. At the beginning of my business, I had no boundaries. I took on as many clients as possible to get as much experience as I could. At one point, I worked 14 days straight and realized it wasn’t sustainable. If I want to take care of clients, I must first take care of myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Tidy Lifestyle Organizing LLC?
I have a background in Psychology, minor in Health Education, Certified KonMari Consultant with Marie Kondo, and been in business for four years. I believe organizing is a combination of physical change and mental health. The purpose of all of our things is to support ourselves and our activities, not hold onto things out of attachment, guilt, or fear. What sets me apart is my experience of growing up in a hoarder home. I can empathize personally with what it feels like to be overwhelmed, lost, and out of control. I offer solutions based on each individual whether that is a home or office consultation, in-person tidy session, or donation pick up and drop off services. I tailor my services to the clients needs.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I’m incredibly receptive to feedback and growth. I know I don’t know everything, and I don’t pretend I do. It’s important to me to always be open and learning. The more I grow, the better I can serve my clients, loved ones, and community.
Pricing:
- $186/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tidylife.style/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolesparksjoy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TidyLifestyleOrganizing
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tidy-lifestyle/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBV2ue27mDUFfUCk0g49T9w
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tidy-lifestyle-organizing-services-san-francisco
