Life & Work with Kathleen Hammon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Hammon.

Hi Kathleen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Seven years ago, my life took an unexpected turn. I had been overworking, feeling overwhelmed, and neglecting the signs of burnout. As someone who was naturally anxious, it had reached a point where getting out of bed became a daily struggle, and my anxiety was formally diagnosed as Panic Disorder.

With the help of my family, I made the difficult decision to put my professional career on hold and begin therapy. This marked the start of my journey to healing. I found that the missing piece for me was self-care. As I explored various methods, the one that truly resonated with me was organization. Decluttering became my journey of self-discovery, self-improvement, and self-acceptance.

Marie Kondo said it best, “Organization, as a form of self-care, is both proactive and preventative.” It empowers individuals to face future challenges and opportunities with confidence. It’s a way to let go of the past and make space for a better future. I developed systems and routines that not only reduced my stress but also became the foundation for my reentry into the workforce. These systems allowed me to reclaim time for the things that truly mattered to me.

Last year the Universe let me know that I was not where I needed to be. I was let go from a job that I came to realize had not been a good fit. Initially, however, I was devasted. Navigating the uncertainties and looking for my next move, the subject of the organization kept emerging.

Over brunch with my best friend, while processing the recent events, she saw an opportunity and asked, “Are you ready to start your organization business?” I took the plunge and founded Higher Shelf Organization. My goal is not just to assist people in getting organized but to become the support that I longed for during my own journey. Working on yourself is hard and no one should do it alone.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable and honest with yourself and even more to correct your course where needed. I struggled significantly with challenging societal norms. Equating busyness with worthiness was a big one for me. I had to learn to prioritize my well-being, and what truly mattered to me, and grant myself permission to take a break when needed—recognizing that my worth isn’t solely tied to how busy I am.

I struggled with letting go of self-judgment and the judgment of others. We constantly compare ourselves to “norms” that don’t exist. It required a shift in perspective to celebrate who I authentically am and to release the pressures from others and my own expectations.

These shifts were liberating, allowing me to break free from comparison and re-envision my own definition of success in every aspect of my life. As I continue to evolve, these lessons in self-compassion and authenticity have become fundamental pillars not only in my personal journey but also in the ethos of Higher Shelf Organization.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Organization is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Your space should reflect your soul.  Higher Shelf Organization specializes in organization from a self-care perspective, tailoring systems to empower and assist you. We offer support in decision-making, facilitate the removal of unwanted belongings, and set up systems that help establish order and clarity.

We operate with respect and non-judgment, delivering hard truths when needed but always in a supportive and loving manner. We are here to guide and cheer you on this journey. We believe in function over perfection and our commitment is to collaboratively come up with long-term solutions, not short-term fixes.

Our services range from free consultations to guided in-home sessions, virtual coaching, downsizing, moving and unpacking assistance, estate and yard sale support, and small business services. We provide personalized, sustainable systems, and help you identify what matters most for your growth and well-being, extending beyond the physical spaces to declutter your head and heart.

How do you think about luck?
What we put out into the world often comes back to us. The more aligned I’ve become with my values, the more aligned circumstances and people have come my way. And, when I deviated from that alignment, I experienced a shift in the opposite direction. I like to view all life events as purposeful—shaping us into who we are while adding depth and meaning to our journeys. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those experiences, “good” and “bad.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.highershelfco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highershelfco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/highershelforg