We recently had the chance to connect with Amélie Saint-Jacques and have shared our conversation below.
Amélie, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One thing that I think is misunderstood about my business is how many people think that organizers can magically make everything perfect just by buying enough storage containers and rearranging your stuff. Probably because that’s how it often looks on TV! But in real life, the biggest change you can make will be by decluttering first, and I can’t do that for you – I can do that *with* you. You need to be involved in the process of organizing, too, because the systems and solutions we set up need to be adapted to your lifestyle! I always make sure to work within your budget and to suggest only realistic changes. (Plus, keep in mind that the “big reveal” on TV shows can be unrealistic and staged, whereas my colleagues and I organize for real life.)
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am one of only a handful of people to be both a member of NAPO as well as certified by Marie Kondo! I’ve been a Board member of my local NAPO Chapter for the past four years. I love being able to continue to receive education and training through both associations, as well as participate in the industry alongside my colleagues. I also love helping people declutter and organize their home so that they can live the life they want! I’m always tweaking my website and sharing updates on social media and through my newsletter so that I can reach even those who are not my clients.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
This is an interesting question, because it’s similar to what I end up asking my clients! We often hang on to things that represent who we were, even though we are no longer the same person. It can be hard to come to that realization, but once we do, it’s often easier to let go of the item that has been outgrown. Good examples might be notes from university, clothes that I wore when I was younger and thinner, or sentimental items in general. Sometimes, taking a picture of the item makes parting easier, but my favorite approach is one that leads with gratitude: do not feel guilt about letting the item go, but instead feel gratitude for what it brought into your life and how you have grown since then.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I love travelling, and I used to think that because I am a wife and mother, I have to travel with my husband and kids. And we can never travel enough to satisfy the itch! But I recently came to realize that I can travel by myself, too – always waiting for someone else is a limiting belief. Of course, certain needs must be met – the members of my family cannot feel neglected or slighted by my trip, the timing and finances have to be right, and I have to be going somewhere they do not really care to go. I’ve come to see that not everyone feels the pull of wanderlust as I do, so it’s okay to satisfy some of that by myself on occasion. I went to Fiji by myself in 2025, and I will be going to Japan on a business trip in May 2026!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is very much the real me, but it is not ALL the real me. I am an introvert and HSP (highly sensitive person), so I do tend to be quiet and reserved in public. I actually think that this is helpful in my line of work, because it lets my clients listen to their own inner voice more attentively when they make decisions about what to keep and what to let go. The calmness I bring to a session can also be soothing and just what they need to feel in the moment, instead of being overwhelmed by the clutter.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When have you had to bet the company?
In a way, I feel like I bet the company every day! I am a one-woman show, so my reputation is all that I have to go on. That being said, I have a strong sense of ethics, and client satisfaction is a top priority for me, so I think the company is in good hands.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amelieorganizes.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amelieorganizes/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/am%C3%A9lie-saint-jacques-70258b18/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliesaintjacquesprofessionalorganizer
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