Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Johnson.
Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I remember when Marie Kondo’s Book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up first came out. My coworker was so excited to share it. I laughed at her. I thought, “Really, someone wrote a book about folding clothes?” Fast forward a few years (Spring 2018), and I’m watching Marie’s show on Netflix. My frequent AirBNB guest comes downstairs and says, “Oh no! You’re watching that!” I nod. She continues, “You’re going to go crazy!” Boy, was she right! Not only did I start the method at home …by the fall, I was attending the Konmari Consultant Training seminar and meeting Marie herself! Can you tell I’m so excited to help others?
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Covid Covid Covid! So to become certified, you need to have at least 2 clients, and 1 has to commit to the whole process. I had my first client, and we were doing great. Then covid hit and not being able to enter someone’s home made organizing a challenge. I began to wonder if I still wanted to pursue certification. Once Covid settled down, people were more open to having me enter their homes. I was encouraged by my first clients to keep going. In Oct 2021, I had passed the whole certification process and was recognized as a Certified KonMari Consultant.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I have always had an artistic flare and loved to stage/decorate spaces. I can organize and stage a personal space for someone, but that may only last for a while. With a history of working in retail and healthcare, I’ve learned that patience, empathy and teaching are important skills I have acquired along the way. Not all do I want to help someone with their home, but I also want to give the guidance and skills to maintain it. The KonMari method does just that. My favorite example is the Pantry. I received a lot of requests for that area even though I should start with clothing (KonMari method). But guess what? A few months later, the Pantry is a mess again. Working with the client and coaching them with new ideas of ways of keeping the space, helps them make changes to succeed in maintaining the area is my goal. My first client, the one I had to pause with due to Covid about 2/3 into the process, maintained and could continue independently because she learned and understood the process.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Patience and understanding. I loved taking a home with poor storage and creatively finding solutions for the client.
It’s tough and very intimidating to let a stranger into your home. The client can feel vulnerable and exposed. Creating a light and non-judgemental atmosphere is so important.
Pricing:
- 3 hr sessions
- $100 first session
- Bundle pricing offered
Contact Info:
- Instagram: tidylifedreams
- Facebook: tidylifedreams
Image Credits
Arlette Tabo (took my photo)
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