Success Story: Declutter Organize Breathe

Declutter Organize Breathe Transforms Lives One Space at a Time

Location: Northern California | Humboldt County | Arcata

Business Type: Professional Organizing Services

Small Business Center: North Coast SBDC

Assistance Received: Business Planning and Technical Assistance

California State Assembly District: 2  

California State Senate District: 2  

Visit Declutter Organize Breathe online

Kaleigh Tuso’s journey into entrepreneurship began through an unexpected source of inspiration, the overwhelming task of planning her wedding. Her natural talent for organization was reignited during this wedding planning process. After leaving her job as a classroom teacher, she gave a lot of thought towards her next step. She realized that she had been voluntarily organizing for friends and family for years. Eventually, she would turn her passion into a professional organizing business. Kaleigh launched Declutter Organize Breathe, specializing in creating functional and effective organizing systems for both residential and commercial spaces.

As with many new entrepreneurs, she faced the challenge of navigating business formation, planning, and growth strategies without prior experience in running a company. That’s when Kaleigh connected with the North Coast SBDC, where she began working with an advisor who provided consistent guidance and support throughout her business development journey. North Coast SBDC Business Advisor Melanie Barnett provided regular check-ins and accountability that helped build her confidence as a business owner.

“Starting a business is a big endeavor, especially when you have limited funds and resources,” shared Kaleigh Tuso, Owner of Declutter Organize Breathe. “The SBDC has provided me with invaluable guidance and support as I pursue my business. In the beginning, I had monthly check-ins with an advisor. Each time we met via zoom, I had a new list of questions and at least one accomplishment to share. Knowing I had someone there to help me make positive decisions for my small business helped build my confidence as an entrepreneur.”

The North Coast SBDC provided ongoing business advisory support, with advisors offering practical and tangible guidance such as encouraging Kaleigh to attend Chamber of Commerce events to build her network. In addition, the most impactful aspect of the technical assistance for Kaleigh was having her advisor, Melanie, to bounce ideas off of and provide realistic, achievable tasks as her business evolved and grew.

Today, Declutter Organize Breathe has developed into a thriving business, helping individuals and businesses reduce their clutter and their daily stress by creating customized organizational systems.

Kaleigh continues to leverage SBDC resources, meeting with her advisor every few months to explore new ways to expand her offerings and further support her community.

“I still use the business advisory resources and meet with my advisor every few months to check in and learn new ways to expand my offerings and to further support our amazing community,” Kaleigh added, emphasizing the ongoing value of the partnership.

Kaleigh Tuso is a Professional Organizer, Productivity Consultant, and Task Management Body Double. She is currently working on her Master’s degree in Applied English, focusing on the connection between narrative storytelling and clutter healing.

Visit Kaleigh online here, to learn more about her professional services.

And, if you’re in Humboldt County and interested in starting your own business or transitioning from a skill into a professional service like Kaleigh, connect with the here to access their business planning and advisory services.

9/26/2025