The Magic of Joy
Simplify your life and clarify your mind! Many people feel overwhelmed and stressed surrounded by all their possessions.Someone might be
lacking gratitude and appreciation for her belongings and someone else might be missing joy in
their life.
Things that speak to your heart and spark joy make your home happy and your life simply serene
Interview with Helena Zachariassen and Michelle Scholl
“Life truly begins after you have put your house in order” Marie Kondo
Michelle and Helena met back in 2013. As young mothers and both having recently emigrated to Switzerland, they got to know each other through a shared passion for sports, people and personal growth. Soon it became clear that they both had even more in common, a need to help and inspire others!
Helena Zachariassen (left) is originally from Finland, lives in Zurich with her husband and 2 young children and is the Founder of My Happy Home. She is a KonMari Consultant in training as well as a lifestyle coach.
Michelle Scholl (right), from the Netherlands, lives in Zurich with her husband and 2 young children and is the Founder of Simply Serene. She is a certified KonMari Consultant since December 2018. Simply Serene and My Happy Home are both KonMari tidying Consultancies, supporting, inspiring and guiding people to organize their living spaces (and lives) according to the KonMari Method™, by simply choosing joy.
How did Simply Serene and My Happy Home come about?
Helena: My own tidying process was such an amazing experience of finding true and pure joy and everything in my life consequently started falling into place. A couple of years ago I turned 40 and reading the book ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’ by Marie Kondo, was the final nudge to creating my own business. I hope that my clients will also benefit from my experiences in finding the right balance between work and family life as well as finding harmony and joy in our everyday lives through the right amount of tidiness both in our homes and in our minds together with healthy nutrition, exercise and rest.
Michelle: My journey also started after reading Marie Kondo’s book and tidying my own home. The effect and results of this process, and the way it reflected on my life, blew me away. It helped me choose and value what really matters to me and what truly brings me joy. It gave me a sense of lightness and calm, awareness and gratitude in living with only those things that I love.
Starting a business is always a challenge, what has been your biggest hurdle thus far?
Helena: Getting people to understand the true purpose and philosophy of the KonMari Method™. It’s so much more than just tidying. Depending on where you are in your life, you might be in for an amazing life transformation, if you are ready and allowing it to happen.
Michelle: Coming from my background as a social worker, the biggest challenge for me has been becoming an entrepreneur. Setting up my own business and all that comes with it. At the same time, it has brought me incredible joy and learning experiences, and has made me feel very proud of my achievements.
What did you do before starting your business?
Helena: I hold a Masters in sociology and social psychology from the University of Helsinki, as well as a professional coaching certification. During the past 20 years I’ve worked in different fields of the corporate world, mainly in international business consulting with a special interest in career and personal development and growth. This is what I love the most; inspiring and helping others living a life to their fullest potential. Six years ago, my life truly changed as I became a mother for the first time. This incredible growth journey never ceases to surprise me. It’s a true gift of joy and challenge at the same time.
Michelle: I have a background in social pedagogy. As a social worker I worked for 15 years with vulnerable children and their families in the most distressing circumstances. I experienced that asking for help and accepting someone into your home takes a lot of courage and can only be responded to with respect, discretion, and without any judgment. Honing my skills of engaging and listening carefully, guiding where needed. These families have shown me the greatest joy in the simplest things in life.
What would you say is the biggest advantage of the KonMari Method?
Helena: If you’re feeling overwhelmed with clutter, either at home or in life in general, we can support in getting your home more organised, simplifying your life, clearing your mind and living more lightly. It may not be apparent until you try it but going through your belongings and at the same time your whole life might lead to substantial, lasting trans – formations.
Michelle: The KonMari Method of tidying allows you to simplify your life and clarify your mind. Many people feel over – whelmed and stressed surrounded by all their possessions. Someone might be lacking gratitude and appreciation for her belongings and someone else might be missing joy in their life. Too much stuff can simply distract you and keep you from living your ideal life.
The process starts with visualizing your ideal lifestyle and is based on tidying by category and allows you to revalue your belongings, with emphasis on being mindful, introspective and forward looking. It’s about choosing joy, finding out what you love and striving towards living your ideal lifestyle.
