In Her Shoes: From Organized Spaces in NYC to Miles on the Pavement featuring Michelle Loh

Can you share with us a little background about yourself and what you do as a professional home organizer?

I moved to NYC about a decade ago and now I’m a professional home organizer, a running coach, and a toddler mom living in the city with my husband and our dog. My work is all about helping busy people regain calm and order at home through decluttering, smart space planning, and simple systems that are actually realistic to maintain.

Outside of client work, you’ll usually find me listening to podcasts, cooking for my family, running in Central Park, or squeezing in a little TV when the stars align. I also coach runners through the Game Changers program, which uplifts women of color coaches - something I’m proud to be part of and that’s shaped how I lead with empathy and practical support.

What inspired you to start your own organizing business?

Two big things. First, I love that organizing can genuinely transform someone’s daily life - less chaos, less stress, more time and mental space. Second, I grew up in a cluttered environment, so I understand firsthand how overwhelming it can feel when your home doesn’t support you.

What was your career or life journey like before becoming a founder?

Before I pivoted into organizing, I worked globally in international relations and communications - lots of moving parts, high stakes, and managing complex priorities. Then I spent time as a full-time parent when my baby was born, since we don’t have family in the city and I wanted to really experience new parenthood in all its messy, beautiful reality. Both chapters sharpened my project management skills and taught me how to stay calm under pressure!

What does a typical day look like for you as a founder, from managing client work and everything in between?

There’s truly no “typical” day. If I could spend all my time organizing, I happily would - but running a business means wearing every hat: client sessions, follow-ups, marketing, admin, finances, scheduling, operations, networking… all while coordinating childcare and family life. Some days I’m in a client’s space creating a system that clicks instantly, and other days I’m behind a laptop doing the less-glamorous work that keeps the business running. It stretches me daily, but I’m grateful for work that feels meaningful and human.

Running is a big part of your life. How has being a runner shaped the way you approach entrepreneurship, especially during challenging or uncertain seasons?

Running teaches you to focus on what’s right in front of you: one mile at a time.

Some days you feel strong, some days you don’t, but consistency matters more than perfection. Entrepreneurship is the same - show up, adjust, keep going. And just like a long run, you learn to trust that the hard parts don’t last forever, and finishing is almost always worth it.

What is your favorite pair of shoes right now, and what shoe style do you find yourself reaching for most in daily life?

This warmer Spring weather has made me extremely loyal to my New Balance sneakers. Day-to-day, I’m reaching for practical, comfortable shoes that can handle city life. And for running, I’m currently in Brooks Glycerins. Also: I declutter my shoe collection pretty regularly, because even shoe lovers deserve breathing room.

What does “being in your shoes” mean to you at this stage of your life and business?

It means building something I care about deeply while also being showing up for my family in the most hands-on, everyday way. It means choosing progress over perfection, and designing a life that supports my values. It also means remembering that everyone’s carrying something, and leading with empathy, especially as a woman of color navigating entrepreneurship and wanting to create space for others to feel supported, seen, and capable.

What has been the most challenging part of building your business so far—and what has surprised you the most?

The hardest part has been juggling everything as a mom and a founder while trying to make sure the rest of life doesn’t fall apart in the background. And honestly, marketing has been its own learning curve - organizing comes naturally to me, but consistently talking about it publicly is a different muscle. The biggest surprise (and joy) has been how deeply grateful clients are. People often think organizing is just about neat bins, but what they’re really getting is relief, and witnessing that never gets old.

What advice would you give to women who are thinking about starting their own business but haven’t taken the first step yet?

Start by getting close to the people who are already doing it.

Reach out to founders who inspire you - you’d be surprised how many will share real advice and encouragement. Give yourself permission to ask for help, especially in the areas that aren’t your strengths. And use resources like podcasts and books to normalize the learning curve.

For readers living in small spaces, what are your top three tips for organizing NYC-style apartments in a way that’s realistic and easy to maintain?

1. Keep systems super simple. Your setup should work on your most tired day. If it takes too many steps, it won’t last. 

2. Let the space be the limit. Small apartments are brutally honest - if it doesn’t fit comfortably, it’s a sign to pare down. Keep what you use and love; release the “just in case” overflow. 

3. Go vertical. Use walls, backs of doors, under sink space, and high shelves.

If you’re feeling inspired to bring a little more order and calm into your own space, I highly recommend learning more about her work. You can visit her website or follow her on Instagram to explore her services and discover how thoughtful organizing can transform the way you live and work.