We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tracy Paye . Check out our conversation below.
Hi Tracy , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Overwhelm.
I think a lot of people are silently struggling with overwhelm. Everyone seems to have so much on their plate emotionally, mentally, spiritually, physically, or financially, and sometimes all of those at once.
Some just hide it better than others. I’ve noticed that for many, especially women, it’s hard to admit when they’re overwhelmed at home and need help. There’s this pressure to keep it all together, even when it’s too much.
I like to think of what we do at Miss Organized as being “overwhelm management specialists.” It’s not just about organizing things, it’s about helping people calm their minds so they can think clearly, make decisions more easily, and move through projects faster with less overwhelm.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My first memory of organizing was at 12, in my friend’s cluttered bedroom. She wanted to hang out, I wanted to clean. I guess she didn’t find decluttering as fun as I did, and the hangout invites stopped coming. That early passion stayed with me, and in 2003, six months after discovering professional organizing on a television show, I launched Miss Organized and have been helping people simplify and thrive ever since.
I’ve always been passionate about helping people create order and balance in their lives, both in their bodies and their homes. Before becoming a professional organizer, I worked as a personal trainer, and today I still coach people in fitness and lifestyle habits that support their overall well-being.
What makes my work unique is blending fitness and home organization so they work together. Healthy bodies give the energy to care for the home, and organized homes support health and fitness goals.
I help people create homes and bodies that support their best lives. Every space and every habit can work together to give energy, focus, and momentum, and I love guiding people to thrive in both.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was at a cheer meeting when I was seventeen.
We were all sitting in a circle having a discussion, and I was usually the quiet one. I didn’t speak up much or share my opinions in group settings. But for some reason that day, I did. I don’t even remember what I said, but I remember the moment so clearly. The room went silent. Everyone stopped talking and actually listened.
I was shocked that I spoke and even more shocked that people cared to hear what I had to say. It was the first time I felt the power of using my voice, and I didn’t quite know what to do with that feeling. But looking back, I think that moment planted a seed. It taught me that my voice has value and that sometimes real power isn’t about being the loudest in the room, but about speaking with purpose when it matters most.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me more about faith than success ever could. It’s easy to have faith when the bills are paid, the work is steady, and the roof over your head feels secure. But real faith shows up when all of that is at risk, when you don’t know how things will work out but you choose to trust anyway.
Those moments forced me to rely on something bigger than myself. They stripped away the illusion of control and taught me that peace doesn’t come from having everything go right, it comes from believing I’ll be okay even when it doesn’t. Success never taught me that, only struggle did.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends are the ones who have seen me at my worst, and that’s usually when I’m not taking care of myself. As both a home organizer and fitness coach, I’ve learned when I let my physical health slide, everything else starts to feel heavier too. But when I’m getting good sleep, drinking plenty of water, eating nutritious food, and lifting weights, everything just flows. I feel stronger, happier, and more alive, like I’m operating at my best.
Self care isn’t a luxury for me anymore, it’s a necessity. It’s what keeps me grounded, clear headed, and able to show up with energy and purpose for my family, my friends, my clients, and myself.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
If there’s one thing I would regret not doing, it’s stepping on stage for another fitness competition. I started competing in the late nineties and took first place at my very first show, winning the title of Miss Fitness San Diego in 1998. From there, I went on to compete in four more shows and ultimately became a competitor at Miss Fitness USA.
Every year I tell myself, this is the year I’ll get back to it, but life and plenty of excuses have gotten in the way. Still, I refuse to let that dream go. Competing gave me discipline, focus, and perseverance, all tools that have served me well in my personal and professional life. I don’t care if it takes me until I’m 65, I will get back on that stage.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.missorganized.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missorganized
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/missorganized/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missorganizedsandiego/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/miss-organized-san-diego-14
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MissOrganized
- Other: Podcast on Buzzsprout
https://themissorganizedshow.buzzsprout.com/
Image Credits
Yulia Za
