For years, Sol Martins had built a career around business, administration and finance. Then she became a mum, and everything changed.
With less time, more responsibilities and a growing sense of overwhelm, Sol began to see her surroundings differently. As she worked to create a more organised home for her family, she realised just how much our environment can affect how we feel and function.
"I had always been naturally organised, but becoming a mum made me realise how much our environment can impact how we feel," Sol said. "I started thinking about how I could use something I was naturally good at to genuinely help other people."
That realisation eventually led Sol to train as a Professional Organiser and turn her personal experience into a business of her own, Living Happy.
Originally from Brazil, Sol now calls the Mid North Coast of NSW home. With more than 25 years of professional experience, she brought valuable business knowledge to her new venture.
Through Living Happy, Sol helps people declutter, organise and create spaces that feel calm, functional and easier to maintain. Her services include home organisation, downsizing, unpacking and virtual support, as well as helping small businesses become more organised and efficient.
But for Sol, the business has never been simply about organising people's belongings.
"I wanted to help people feel less overwhelmed, more in control and more comfortable in their own homes," she said.
Turning that purpose into a sustainable business, however, came with its own challenges.
"There is marketing, pricing, financial planning, systems, business strategy, understanding your numbers and finding the right clients," Sol said. "When you're a sole business owner, there isn't a team sitting beside you to bounce ideas around with."
Having built Living Happy organically, Sol knew she needed more structure, confidence and a clearer strategy to grow the business. That's when she discovered VERTO's Self-Employment Assistance program.
Through personalised coaching with VERTO Business Coach Kahrina Richardson, Sol had someone outside her business to challenge her thinking, ask the right questions and help her make more informed decisions.
"I didn't want to try to figure everything out on my own," Sol said. "Having someone who could look at my business objectively and help me work through things has made a huge difference."
The program has also helped Sol step back from the day-to-day work and focus on the bigger picture, including exploring ways to expand her virtual services. Sol currently offers online sessions, giving clients the opportunity to learn practical organising strategies they can apply at their own pace, while creating an additional revenue stream for the business.
Another important outcome has been Sol's growing confidence in putting herself and her business out there.
"One of the things Kahrina helped me understand is that having a great service isn't enough if people don't know it exists," she said. "Talking about my business isn't just about selling. It's about making sure the people who genuinely need my help know that I'm here."
The moments that mean the most to Sol are often found in the feedback she receives from the people she helps.
"I'm particularly proud of the relationships I've built with my clients and hearing how a transformation has changed not just their space, but how they feel in it," she said.
For Sol, that is what Living Happy is ultimately about: creating spaces that support people rather than add to their sense of overwhelm.
Looking ahead, Sol hopes to continue growing Living Happy across the Mid North Coast while expanding her online organising services to reach clients beyond the local area. She is also focused on continuing to develop her skills and finding new ways to provide thoughtful and practical support tailored to each client's individual needs.
Ultimately, she wants to build a well-established, sustainable business known for being practical, compassionate and non-judgemental, while providing the financial independence and flexibility to be there for her family and continue doing work she enjoys.
For other small business owners considering Self-Employment Assistance, Sol's advice is simple.
"Running a small business can feel very isolating, especially when you're trying to make all the decisions yourself," Sol said. "You don't have to already have all the answers. You can bring your questions, challenges and ideas to the program and work through them with someone who understands business."
For more information about the Self-Employment Assistance program, contact VERTO on 1300 483 786 or visit www.verto.org.au/our-services/self-employment-assistance.
To learn more about Living Happy Professional Organiser and Sol's services, visit www.livinghappyorganiser.com/.
