Meet Kara Salazar | Professional Organizer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kara Salazar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Having completed my Master’s Degree in Education, I encountered challenges securing a teaching position in my local area. While I could have accepted a role as a teacher’s assistant, this wasn’t the path I wanted to pursue. During my program, I took on organizing jobs for extra income, and as I continued to search for teaching positions, I became increasingly busy.
Consequently, I decided to put teaching on hold and transitioned to working in organizing and personal assistant-type roles. The positive feedback from clients I worked with regarding starting my professional organizing business further encouraged me to take the next step. I have never looked back since. This work is incredibly fulfilling, and I enjoy helping clients find serenity in their homes and spaces. I don’t regret the pause in my teaching career, as the skills gained during my master’s program are invaluable when working with clients. Additionally, I appreciate the flexibility that comes with being my own boss and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which is paramount to me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After many years of part-time residential organizing, Sorted was born. Starting a business was initially daunting, but through hard work and gaining momentum, I created Sorted to take my business to the next level. Professional organizing is profoundly personal work. It involves entering other people’s homes and going through their belongings, so trust is essential. I built my business on a “no judgment” mantra to ensure clients feel comfortable and not judged in their homes. I provide support and guidance to help reduce anxiety and achieve organizational goals. I understand that organizing doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and that’s okay. What works is reducing clutter, establishing organizational systems, and maintaining the habit of returning items to their proper places. I help clients reach that level of home maintenance. I also strive for sustainable practices, keeping as many household items from going to the landfill as possible. Working in different households, I come across many donations and recyclable items. I try my best to get things rehomed, recycled, or provide resources to clients to resell. Furthermore, I am a proud member of NAPO, the National Association of Productivity and Professional Organizers, and I value the recognition and support they provide to their members. They have a code of ethics that I follow and use throughout my business practices.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend visited town for a week, we would see some live music, preferably at Red Rocks Amphitheater. My husband and I are huge live music fans and make a point to see live shows regularly. I’d also take my friend hiking in Vail, Breckenridge, or Golden and then have lunch at a nice spot afterward. One of the things I love about living in Denver is the different neighborhoods with fabulous boutiques and dining options. Tennyson Street is a favorite – it’s walkable and has much to offer. So, shopping would definitely be on the agenda! To mix things up, I would plan a spa day at Woodhouse Day Spa or The Ritz Carlton for a luxurious experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I enjoyed watching ‘This Old House’ on PBS in my teenage years—the “before and after” sequences always captivated me. I admired how individuals could transform their homes into beautiful masterpieces. I firmly believe that one’s home is their sanctuary, and it should be treated as such. I used to joke with my mom that perhaps I was a carpenter in a past life, as I was fascinated with fixing things and how making minor adjustments could result in a more organized space! While I may not possess handyman skills, I excel at organizing and maintaining a beautiful home. This passion for organizing and maintaining a beautiful home has been a part of me since childhood. However, I didn’t fully embrace this passion until I decided to start my own business. I also found myself drawn to watching ‘Hoarders’ and became intrigued by the organizers, such as Geralin Thomas and Dorothy Breininger, who assisted people in transforming their homes. Then, I thought to myself, “I could do that!” Various influences, friends, and family have significantly supported me to get to where I am today. I must also acknowledge two clients, Jennifer C. and Natalie G., who have been my most ardent cheerleaders, offering unwavering motivation and support for my mission.

Website: https://www.sorted-home.com

Instagram: @sorted_llc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sortedhomeorganizing

Other: kara@sorted-home.com

Image Credits
Christina Kiffney Photography