In 2018, Melbourne woman Sharon Hallett travelled to London to learn the trick to tidying and ‘sparking joy’ from a woman who needs no introduction: Marie Kondo.
Sharon accidentally stumbled across Marie’s book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying, four years earlier and “the results were life changing”.
She’s since used that know-how to propel her business Hello Organised, where she helps her clients simplify and organise their homes and lifestyle through workshops and personal consultations.
Speaking to Mamamia, Sharon shares how she turned her life-long passion for creating “harmonious” and beautiful spaces into her livelihood.
Tell us about Hello Organised…What is it?
Hello Organised is a Melbourne based professional organising service helping you declutter and organise using the KonMari™ method.
We focus on your ideal lifestyle to create spaces that spark joy.
What were you doing before you went into business for yourself?
Corporate background in Human Resources.
What made you want to start your own business?
Following my passion with KonMari and creating harmonious living spaces.
How did you come up with the name?
It took some time, I wanted something friendly and approachable. Lots of handles are already taken by people who never intend to run an actual business, making it harder to land on a business name.
What’s the single best piece of advice you got?
Choose joy in all that you do! Let go of the rest.
What’s the one bit of advice you would give yourself if you were starting again?
Back yourself earlier and have courage to follow your heart. There will never be the “perfect” time to make the jump.
At Mamamia we have an expression “flearning” – failing and learning. What have been your biggest flearnings since you have started your business?
Not following my instincts and being fearful due to a heavily ingrained “worker bee” mentality.
What do you do when you’re feeling like you’re in a hole emotionally (or financially)?
Being of a ‘certain age’, I reflect on the times when I have pushed through life’s challenges, when it would have been easier to retreat. There is evidence that when I have purposely pushed through I was able to achieve more than I ever expected. I try not to hook into deficit thinking (not easy).
What’s the biggest misconception you had about starting your business?
That I had enough time to dedicate to it! Work commitments, family commitments, financial commitments, they don’t just stop.
Getting my first paying client and seeing the satisfaction they got from creating a harmonious home.
What can you recommend to women who might want to get their own hustle going?
Be kind to yourself, especially if you have other commitments and responsibilities that keep you from doing what you really want to do. Don’t compare yourself to others, especially those who may have a larger financial ‘cushion’ to support them. Lady Hustle as young as you can, energy and good health are not finite.
To find out more information about Hello Organised you can head to their website or follow them on Instagram @helloorganised.
Been thinking about taking control of your life and becoming your own boss? Interested in becoming a Lady Startup yourself or know someone ready to chase their own bus? You’re invited to join Mia Freedman for this online course where she will personally take you through every step and give you every resource to go from idea to launch. Enrolments are open for a very limited time starting now. Find out all about the Lady Startup Activation Plan here.