We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tina Hazen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tina below.

Hi Tina, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

Yes, in 2008, after one of our 8 moves with my husband’s company, I had a decision to make. I had just left my favorite nursing job as an RN at an eye surgery clinic in Houston, TX. The opportunities in the new location were slim, but I yearned to do something meaningful. Should i go back to school? Should I get my masters? Should I work at the local hospital? Should I do something totally different?

With a busy family with 3 children and a dog, I usually slept very well. But one night I couldn’t sleep well and began searching online for different ideas and options for work. Somehow, in my search, I found NAPO, which was, at the time, The National Association of Professional Organizers. It is now The National Association of Productivity and Organizing. There is a way to look at other organizers websites, which I did for hours. My senses heightened and I KNEW this was for me. I became a Professional Organizer!

I’m very organized and love to help people. Although I knew very little about having and running a business, I knew I could learn. In fact, after all of these years, I still learn every day! Since that time, I have helped hundreds of clients, wrote a book AND now I speak professionally on how important organizing is in your daily life.

My passion is to help overwhelmed people become calm and peaceful again! Life is Messy, but there is HOPE for you!

Tina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a mom, wife, sister, friend, and woman of God. Additionally, I am and RN and a Professional Organizer. My passion is helping women create systems in their homes to reduce stress and take back their peace of mind. I wrote a book called “LIFE IS MESSY- Organizing Strategies for Your Head and Home.” It is different from other organizing books because I am vulnerable and tell my story of having anxiety and adult ADHD. Although it does give many tips and tricks on organizing and creating systems, it is extremely helpful for your mental health. There is hope for you no matter what you are going through.

I also speak professionally on this topic. My keynote, “Life is Messy, How to Control, Cope, and Stay Calm” is always a hit with women’s groups and even in the corporate setting. I weave in real, relatable and inspiring stories that will make you laugh, nod in agreement and maybe even shed a tear.

Follow me on Instagam and Tiktok: thinkinsideboxx

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Absolutely! I grew up in one place. K-12 in the same town. I still have friends from school, who I have known since I was 5 years old. After I graduated from college, I married a man who had a job in that same small town. We were extremely happy. My 2 daughters were born there, and my family was at my beckoned call. We had family, friends a lovely home and my perfect life.

Then, my husband got his dream job in Germany. (Cue the tears!) I was extremely happy for him, but I felt so young, inexperienced and not ready for this international move. My college was a short 90-minute drive from home and although I had travelled twice out of the country, that is NOT the same as living there.

It was a challenge, but looking back on that time in my life, it was a gift to me. We travelled extensively in Europe, and I learned another language. I had friends from all cultures, and it is truly when I “grew up.” We were there a total of 3.5 years, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Last spring (2025) we visited for the first time since we left in 2004. We met with our neighbors and saw our old “stomping grounds.” A lot of our family visited and that would have never happened if we were not there. I’m thankful for the opportunity that arose and that my husband and I did it together!

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Putting myself in my client’s shoes. It’s the “been there, done that” mentality. I understand how the kid’s papers from school can envelop a home, how the mail gets overlooked and how LIFE can throw us curve balls. Maybe it is mental health problems, a death of a loved one, a surgery that has you down, or just you don’t have time to get to the mess?

I understand and I help the client get back on their feet, literally and figuratively. In my book, LIFE IS MESSY, I have interviewed seven amazing women who told me their stories of “their messes.” I also chime in with my story.

I am a people person and absolutely love what I do. Helping clients in their homes and letting people know that they are not alone makes me successful! LIFE IS MESSY but there is HOPE for you!

Contact Info:

• Website: tinahazen.com and thinkinsidetheboxx.com
• Instagram: thinkinsideboxx
• Facebook: Tina Hazen, author/speaker
• Linkedin: Tina (Jones) Hazen
• Other: Tiktok: thinkinsideboxx

Image Credits

Tara Flannery photo for headshot