Meet Melissa Foster | Founder and Owner of Happy Home Organizing

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

Hi Melissa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Ever since I can remember, the only thing I even wanted to do was be a teacher. My whole life was dedicated to teaching. Pulling my sister, my cousins, my stuffed animals into my “classroom” (which was my room) as a kid. Making them memorize lyrics to songs and sing with me during music class, read out loud with enthusiasm from all my favorite books, and even complete extra worksheets I had collected from school that the teacher no longer needed. When I graduated from college and stepped foot into the classroom, I was ecstatic. After 3 years of teaching on the east coast, my boyfriend at the time and I decided to move to Colorado after visiting and falling in love with it. We chose Fort Collins packed our cars and never looked back. Except holidays and summers of course. Fast forward 7 years, my now husband and I had bought a house, rescued the 2 cutest boys under the sun (Franklin our American Staffordshire Terrier and Teddy our Mini Schnauzer) and built the life we had always imagined. I was working my dream job teaching 3rd grade…except something was missing. I found myself struggling to feel that excitement I had once felt as I stepped into my classroom ready to take on the day. The realization that your dream, the thing you had worked so hard for, might no longer be your dream was scary, so I started talking to my friends and family about the thought of possibly leaving the teaching profession. They were super supportive, telling me I could do anything I wanted. When they asked what I thought I wanted to do, I didn’t have an answer.
I started looking for jobs during my free time and found that although I liked part of this one or something about that one, ultimately nothing piqued my interest enough to apply. I began to think what it was that brought me joy in my day-to-day life. I knew that I wanted to teach in some capacity, felt fulfilled when I was able to help others learn and grow, and loved when everything was in its place. If only I could help other people be more organized in their life to feel the calm I felt after creating an organized space, to give them back more time in their already overpacked lives. I thought there’s no way that’s a career, started researching, and low and behold Professional Organizing existed! Once I knew that I moved full steam ahead. One of my best friends helped me create a business plan to get my ideas out on paper in a way that made sense. Then COVID.
In a time when we had no idea what tomorrow looked like, I didn’t feel it was the right time to leave my students, my parents, or the classroom. We were already experiencing so many changes having everything we were used to flipped upside down, so I put my business plan to the side and focused on trying to figure out this new normal. Finally in March of 2022 I let my principal know I planned on leaving at the end of the school year, finished out the year, and in June of 2022 I started Happy Home Organizing.

What should our readers know about your business?
Happy Home Organizing aims to turn chaos into calm through decluttering and home organizing, aiding with packing and unpacking before or after a move, as well as supporting clients while navigating life’s many transitions. What sets Happy Home Organizing apart is a passion for teaching and a desire to empower clients. By sharing organizational methods and knowledge, the goal is to not only assist clients in getting organized but also provide them with the tools and understanding to maintain that organization. The aim is to enable long-term positive changes and assist clients in leading more organized and fulfilling lives. As I navigate the rollercoaster of owning a small business, I’m most excited to see where this journey takes me next. I’ve learned so much since I started and am looking forward to continuing to learn and grow. I’ve met so many amazing people who have shared their stories and inspired me to push the limits of my comfort zone. I’ve fallen, gotten back up, and refocused on what I truly want for my business.
I want the world to know that Happy Home Organizing is dedicated to building strong, personal connections with clients. I genuinely care about their needs, listen to understand their unique circumstances, and work to find solutions to fit their lifestyles. I am fueled by hearing their stories and learning about their lives all while getting to do something I love. Whether you’re a small business owner, someone with a house full of clutter, or just a curious reader who related to something you’ve read, I’d love to connect. Reach out, it’s that easy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I LOVE Fort Collins and Colorado in general, so I am always eager to have visitors. When someone comes to visit, I believe in a nice balance of go-go-go as well as adding in some relaxation, so they don’t need a vacation from their vacation when they get home. My hope is always that my visitors come when Fort Collins is hosting one of its many events, FOCO MX and Tour De Fat being two of my favorites but if not that, there’s almost always something going on. To show them why I love it so much here are some of the things we’d do to make it as memorable as possible. Travel days can sometimes be exhausting so I usually reserve those for unpacking, meeting my dogs, and cooking for them while watching the sunset from my backyard which is one of my favorite spots. Next day we’re packing our lunches and heading up to Horsetooth for a day of paddleboarding. This gives us time to catch up while still showing them how beautiful Horsetooth is. They’re always amazed it’s so close. From here we’ll grab margs at the Rio and head next door to Slyce for dinner. Now that they’ve had enough time to acclimate to the elevation, we’re up and at ’em early the next morning to hike Arthur’s Rock (yes I know Horsetooth is “the” Fort Collins hike, but I prefer Arthur’s) followed by an afternoon of relaxing in hammocks by the reservoir to get us ready to head to a friend’s house so that my friends from here can meet my visitor because I love when all of my people are together. Next day we’re making the beautiful drive to Rocky Mountain National Park and will spend the day marveling at how small the mountains make us feel while taking pictures, hiking, and checking out the wildlife. On the way back I always like to take people to the Masonville Mercantile because it’s so unique. If you haven’t been, add it to your bucket list. That night we’ll head downtown for dinner at the Whiskey Still where I always order the steak tips with the bourbon cream sauce. The next day they’re getting the full Fort Collins experience as we ride bikes to several of the breweries around town eating at whatever food trucks tickle our fancy as we go. That night we’ll head to the Comedy Fort to catch a show. The next day they’ll want to get all your Fort Collins swag to remember their trip, so we’ll do some shopping downtown and then head to Crown Pub for dinner because you have to try the Pomme Frites with the garlic dipping sauce as a side to whatever else you order. Everything’s delicious. We’ll end the night visiting what I think is the most interesting place in Fort Collins owned by the most interesting person I’ve met in Fort Collins, Swampgas and Gossamer. (Only open Fridays from 6-9). Their final day will start at La Creperie which is my absolute favorite breakfast spot in town. From there we’ll head back to the airport and say our goodbyes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be where I am today without the support of my family, my incredible network of friends, and the other small business owners I have met along the way. First, I’d like to thank my mom for always supporting me and reminding me there’s nothing I can’t do. My wonderful husband, my rock and best friend, who’s not only there to listen, but has also taken this leap of faith with me, giving me the space and courage to chase my dreams. To my friends old and new, your support has meant the world to me. Whether it’s lending an ear, spreading the word about my business, or just being there to encourage me, I couldn’t have done it without you.

Website: www.organizeahappyhome.com

Instagram: organizeahappyhome

Facebook: organize.a.happy.home

Image Credits
Images of me were taken by Mellisa Rasor with Rasor Sharp Photography and Design. All other photos were taken by me.