I wanted to take a moment to share some news that is both challenging and bittersweet. It’s with a heavy heart that I must announce the closing down of my business, Organised HQ.
Thirteen years ago, my journey began with the creation of The Organised Housewife, a venture aimed at inspiring and motivating people to find joy in their homes. It’s been an incredible ride, and your support has meant the world to me. As our paths intertwined and our community grew, I found myself inspired by the connections we’ve forged and the positive impact we’ve made together.
As the world shifted through the challenges of the past couple of years, I responded to the call of the times by expanding The Organised Housewife’s offerings building my shop, Organised HQ. This expansion brought about the need for warehousing, an expanded team, and a greater investment of my time. The commitment was huge, and I found a lot of joy in building Organised HQ.
However, I also struggled which I have not shared publicly. Last year, I encountered burnout in a way that I never anticipated. The demands of the business consumed my every spare moment, leading me to a point where my own well-being was compromised. I resolved to find balance, yet the journey proved much harder than expected.
In striving for that balance, I found myself trapped in a cycle of checking sales to ensure they met our required daily goals, and relentlessly promoting products. This pursuit took a toll, causing what was once a passion to shift into a feeling of burden. The Organised Housewife, a space of joy and inspiration, was slipping away from me, replaced by the demands of the business side.
Yet, amidst all this, I’ve held another secret close. In the essence of trying to work out why I was feeling constantly tired and unmotivated, I was told I had severe depression. There were days I couldn’t leave my house, moments when I lost joy in things I once cherished. Cooking, cleaning, even sharing my own face on Instagram – overshadowed by the fog of depression. I felt lost, detached from the vibrant spirit that once fueled me. Although, I have recently learnt a lot of this has to do with hormonal imbalances, but yet it has pushed me to the edge.
I want you to know how deeply I appreciate your presence and support over the years. Your encouragement has been a beacon of light, guiding me through the highs and lows of this journey. Your stories, your messages, and your continued connection have meant more to me than words can express.
However, the changing economic landscape and, more importantly, my need to prioritise my health have led me to this incredibly difficult decision. It’s time to wind down Organised HQ, a project I poured my heart into. This decision is not one I take lightly, and I want you to know that it comes from a place of deep reflection and care.
As we move forward, I want to share my plans with you. First, we’ll be having a warehouse closing down sale, online and perhaps in person if there is product left, as I really don’t have the room at home to store it. This gives you a chance for you to purchase our beautiful products that have adorned so many homes.
Following this, I will be taking a step back, possibly for several months, allowing myself the time I need to heal and regain my strength. I am committed to returning to The Organised Housewife, reinvigorated and ready to embrace what lies ahead when the time is right.
Please know that this isn’t goodbye forever. I am so very grateful for your presence in this journey, and I hope to welcome you back with open arms when the time is right.
Thank you for your understanding, your support, and the countless moments of joy we’ve shared. Let’s continue to spread love, inspiration, and positivity, knowing that our paths may cross again in the future.
With heartfelt gratitude,
7 comments
Hi Kat
Congratulations on looking after yourself and knowing when enough is enough. I have loved your site ever since you first started way back when. If ever I need inspiration I look to you 🙂 Lately I have looked less and less as I could see the changes were sales focused – I know as a business that is what you need to make money, but I preferred when I felt a friend was showing me organisation tips – not trying to sell me stuff. I am really glad you will be back one day and hopefully doing what you love. Do it for you – not for all your followers (who I am sure only want the best for you). Take care of yourself, and best wishes for the future xx
You’re so courageous for taking this step! You and your health are your no. 1 priority.
Take all the time you need to heal. I’ll be here when (or if) you come back, in whatever form you want.
Lots of hugs and love
Thank you for all the hard work, wonderful advice and beautiful products you have inspired us with.
I look forward to seeing you on the other side. Fill your bucket with everything that brings you joy and gives you peace. It’s really really hard making big decisions when you have nothing left to give. Your health and your family are your priority right now. Congratulations for chosing you. We will always be here supporting you ??
Thankyou for all your hard work, passion and drive. Thinking of you and hoping some time away from T. O. H helps to improve your health. Take good care and thankyou for your honesty in sharing this personal news.
Hi Kat,
I’m so sorry to hear this news, Its not easy going through what you are going through.
As someone who has experienced first had of seeing someone they loved go through this its very hard to face it head on. What you have just said is such a big thing and all I can say is, your amazing and your a true inspiration to everyone.
Your cook book is my go too for every day and everything I have purchased I have loved! Plus your amazing emails on everything!
Kat, please return one day to us all! Your such an inspiration to us all!
Make sure you take the time for yourself and make sure you receive the help you need around you.
I will always support you and shall be here waiting as your loyal customer ? take care x
Dear Kat, I still remember the day when I came across your blog all those years ago, particularly because it was Australian and locally based to me here in Queensland! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with your followers over all these years. I know that I have returned to your blog many times for hints and inspiration, particularly when I became a new mum and again recently in preparation for my first school lunches next year! You are so very brave for sharing your story with us all; thank you. What an incredible role model you are to your family and your children – and to us all! – by gently reminding all of us about how important it is to place our health first. I truly hope you can take the space you need with your support network to focus on regaining your strength. All the very best to you on this journey X
Dear Kat, Greetings from the US! You are a very talented and encouraging person:) I have enjoyed so many things on your website over the years. Personally I have experienced a depth of suffering I never had imagined I would in the past 6 plus years. I will be praying for you and your family. Psalm 121. May you experience the hope of His love, presence, and peace…