We recently had the opportunity to interview Malgorzata Kowalska, Founder, Manager, and Professional Organizer at Home Harmony LLC. Besides, Malgorzata is an experienced Violinist with a demonstrated history of working in the International Music Industry.
Malgorzata is passionate about personal and professional growth while contributing to colleagues and company success. In this insightful interview, Malgorzata shares her career journey over the years and how she envisions to take her business forward with her expertise in combining well-being and interior organizing.
The Beginning
We started the interview by asking, “Can you share a specific moment in your business journey that significantly altered its course and set the stage for future growth?”
Malgorzata Kowalska shared, “My goal has never been to focus on a specific growth agenda, but rather to evolve, adapt, and improve as opportunities arise. Nevertheless, my company’s journey took a significant turn, after my dear friend, who happened to be one of my very first clients, introduced me to the ClutterBug philosophy and encouraged me to obtain the certification.
The philosophy was the missing piece that seamlessly bridged the gap between customizing organization for individual styles and incorporating psychological elements.”
Adaptability Amidst Challenges
We were curious to learn more about the factors that Malgorzata Kowalska focuses on to overcome the adverse situations in business. So, we asked, “What adaptations were necessary to navigate through challenges?”
Malgorzata Kowalska shared, “In my opinion, every business journey inevitably encounte
rs challenges and difficult phases, particularly in the early stages. It is important to be patient, stay consistent regardless of the outcome, build resilience, and think for the long term rather than monthly. Developing a company’s culture, building customer trust, and establishing a business in the market, all take time.
However, after spending some time in the market, and completing transformations of various living spaces and workplaces, I have come to realize that due to the lifestyle people tend to embrace and cultivate in the UAE, having lifelong nannies and housekeepers is common, not necessarily every client maintains clutter-free living spaces themselves.
Therefore, bridging a gap between accommodating this aspect while also meeting each client’s individualized organizing style needs, which may not always align with their housekeepers’ perspectives and capabilities, was challenging.”
Staying Ahead Of The Curve
Fast-paced technological advancement has redefined the way businesses perform. So, we asked, “What strategies do you employ to stay abreast of the latest industry developments and technological innovations, ensuring your business remains competitive and cutting-edge?”
Malgorzata Kowalska replied, “As the world continuously evolves, from dynamically changing algorithms and latest trends, to mention a few, to storage solutions emerging regularly, I think adaptability is a crucial skill that helps us to stay abreast. On the other hand, it is vital not to attempt to be something or someone you are not. It is important to know your strengths, understand what niche is aligned with your company’s purpose, vision, and principles, and maintain consistency.”
Spark Behind The Journey
Eager to learn which circumstances inspired Malgorzata Kowalska to start her business, we asked, “Could you elaborate on the inspiration behind starting your business?”
Malgorzata Kowalska replied, “I would have to say, I have been organized ever since I remember, however, I have never dreamed of doing it for a living until the beginning of 2021, when I came across shows such as ‘The Home Edit’ and ‘Tidying up’ with Marie Kondo. I believe that was the moment when the seed was planted, although it was not yet ready to be harvested.
Back at the beginning of 2022, I found myself at a crossroads, career-wise, and personal life-wise; I was not ready yet to jump into the unknown of entrepreneurship, but as Ralph Waldo Emerson once said – ‘What we fear doing most is usually what we most need to do,’ and I must say, it has been the second best decision I have ever made, right after moving to Dubai back in 2014.
My passion for interior organizing has significantly evolved over the years; the time of COVID-19 led me to gaining certifications in Interior Design and Diversity in Primary Care. This experience inspired a vision to combine interior organizing with raising awareness about mental health and the strong link between clutter and our nervous systems. I decided to help people not only to declutter their living spaces and organize their physical belongings, but also promote mental well-being through my company.”
A Culture Of Flexibility
How do you decide whether to adapt your strategy or maintain the current course when the industry landscape undergoes significant shifts?
“When the industry landscape undergoes significant shifts, I decide whether to adapt my strategy or maintain the current course by first evaluating the effectiveness of my existing strategy in the new context, assessing if my strengths and capabilities align with the changes or if improvements are needed. I look for new opportunities arising from these shifts, considering if my current strengths can capitalize on them or if new tactics are required.
I remain flexible and tailor my strategies to meet changing circumstances. I also evaluate the risks of changing course versus staying the same, balancing the drawbacks with the advantages of adapting. By monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of my actions, I stay in sync with industry changes, staying resilient and responsive to current business needs.” Malgorzata shared.
Unique Offerings
We further asked, “What unique offerings does your company bring to the table in the competitive industry?”
Malgorzata Kowalska shared, “I think the number one is the philosophy it follows; the ClutterBug philosophy which has been created by Cassandra Aarssen, Canadian professional organizer and the host of HGTV’s Hot Mess House. The philosophy helps individuals to identify their organizing style by embarking on a whole discovery of their inner selves, thus adopting the maintenance of a clutter-free mindset and life, allowing them to focus on what truly matters.
Getting to know their organizing style is the key to a clutter-free life, therefore, before taking on a project, I get to discover and understand what are my clients’ styles, needs, habits, and where they find their inner peace; is it in visual abundance or visual simplicity? Is it in the micro or macro-organization? At the end of the day, organization isn’t one size fits all, therefore, it is essential to get to know individuals’ styles. By recognizing and respecting these differences, I can tailor my services to bring harmony and balance into their lives, providing personalized solutions that meet their distinct needs and promote lasting organization.
“The company’s newly launched service is specifically tailored for newlyweds, focusing on merging their organizing styles and households seamlessly to prevent conflicts over clutter and household management. Understanding each other’s organizing styles strengthens the foundation of the relationship and emphasizes the importance of mental health, which is often overlooked and neglected nowadays.
Interior organizing is not just about decluttering; it is a lifestyle that nurtures sanity. Outer order alleviates sensory sensitivity, reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, nurturing stability, balance and peace. In a culturally diverse country like the UAE, intercultural marriages are common, making it a priority to offer services to newlyweds blending different cultures, religions, or customs while maintaining individuality in their second home.” Malgorzata added.
Preparing For The Future
We ended the interview by asking, “What future-proofing strategies do you have in place to ensure your business remains resilient and forward-looking?”
“To ensure my business remains resilient and forward-looking, I prioritize continuous learning; consistently expanding my expertise in psychology, the nervous system, mental health, problem-solving, and maintaining up-to-date with the latest industry advancements and trends.
This approach enables me to continue providing valuable assistance and keeping up with the ever-changing needs of businesses, to my community and clients.” Malgorzata shared.
Follow Malgorzata Kowalska on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and visit their website https://www.homeharmonydxb.com
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