Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicole Sachiko. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One deeply underappreciated facet of being a service provider is the kind of crazy stuff that happens from time to time. It could be anything from a disgruntled client attacking an employee or waking up to find out a celebrity gave you a shoutout on TikTok – the sudden, unexpected hits (both positive and negative) make the profession both exhilarating and exhausting. Can you share one of your craziest stories?

I was living in San Francisco at the start of my business. At this time I was still working full time and organizing with clients after work and on weekends. I had a consultation with a neighbor who seemed very excited to tidy. He briefly mentioned his wife having mixed feelings about the experience – a red flag that I did not see as a warning at the time.

When I came to their house, the air was very tense. As they talked to each other I got the sense that he was very interested in changing some things while she wanted everything to stay the same. After some discussion, we came to the decision to organize the garage. Together we worked on categorizing everything and placing like items in matching bins. I quickly realized I wouldn’t have the chance to coach them about minimalism due to them yelling at each other. It was quite awkward to be in the middle of this couple just screaming and yelling at each other. This went on throughout the session up until the end when we finished organizing the garage. I left that house feeling really disappointed in myself because I didn’t fulfill my job. On paper we finished tidying the physical space of the garage but had no opportunity to uncover the causes or solutions for the chaos.

I was really thankful this situation happened early in my career because it helped me learn a lot about myself and my business. When I screen clients, I look for someone who is committed to the process, wants change, and is open to feedback. I also conduct all sessions on a one to one basis now so each person can really focus on their goal without distractions of their partner. The most important thing I learned is to create an environment where the client can thrive and grow. I find clients succeed when they start with easy categories like clothes.

Nicole, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

What makes me so passionate about organization is the story of my childhood. I grew up in a hoarder home until the age of 18. It was a normal everyday occurrence to walk through piles and alley ways of stuff. Whenever we had to eat dinner my job was to move the huge pile of stuff on the table to somewhere else… the table usually got cluttered again before our next meal. When I was about 10 I started to organize the clutter in the living room and bathrooms only for it to get messy again. I had the realization that no matter how much organizing I did, I was not the cause of the clutter. Things would return to the way they were despite my efforts. As a result of feeling out of control of my environment, I decided I would focus on just my room – the only place I could “control.” My room was my sanctuary. I didn’t have a lot of friends growing up so I found joy in cleaning, organizing, and design. My room was the only space that had clear floor space. I found white blackout curtains and light wooden furniture – creating a theme for the room. One year our house was so cluttered we actually had to have Christmas in my room just to open presents. Growing up in this kind of environment I always questioned what were these things, what was all this stuff? That combined with my early experiences of traveling helped me realize that I value experiences more than material items. That the possessions I have in my life have purpose, add value, and give me joy, while also not allowing myself to be attached or identify my self worth through stuff and status.

I went on to study Psychology and Health Education in college. It wasn’t until after college that I came back to my family home, only to realize everything was the same. After some discussions, my parents and family decided to work together to organize and declutter the house. When we finished, it was the first time I could see all of the floors and surfaces. My parents were able to eat dinner on their dining table and even invite friends over for the first time in years. Some weeks later my mom came to me and said that she was so thankful we organized the house. She admitted that there was no way she could have done it alone and that she hadn’t realized how big of a burden all of that stuff was until it was gone. This was the moment I realized I had the opportunity to help people change their lives for the better.

My lifestyle today embodies everything I value in regards to my business and personal life. When I coach clients about minimalism it comes from a place of understanding and empathy. Simply having less and living more mindful allows for our possessions to make life easier rather than hold us back. I give clients the opportunity to reevaluate what is meaningful to them and why. Do these things in your life help you fulfill your dreams and give your life joy on a daily basis? When we streamline our life at home it enables us to be happier, to be more open to others, and to enjoy life on our own terms.

Tidy Lifestyle services are tailored to each unique individual. There are three main services we offer:
1) one on one coaching where clients gain the skills to tidy
2) organization for the client, which is best for quick solutions
3) virtual organization coaching is offered to anyone anywhere in the world

Our goal is to get your home in order so you can live your best life because you deserve it! We focus on these core items:
1) decluttering and downsizing
2) setting up a storage system around your routine
3) coaching you about tidying
4) coaching about habits/healthier practices

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The most valuable way to get new clients is to stay active in my local community. I try my best to talk to my neighbors, offer free advice in online communities, and offer free resources on apps like NextDoor.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think my personal story is a huge contribution to my success today. Many clients feel comfortable with me because I can empathize with their experience and struggles.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tidylife.style/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolesparksjoy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TidyLifestyleOrganizingServices
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBV2ue27mDUFfUCk0g49T9w
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tidy-lifestyle-professional-organizing-services-san-diego-2
• Other: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Tidy+Lifestyle+Professional+Organization+Services/@32.8242404,-117.3891746,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0xacc549350ed7cf41:0x2d253fa34ee8fe13!8m2!3d32.8245525!4d-117.1089784?shorturl=1

Image Credits
Nicole Sachiko