Hello, I’m Michelle!
The spark to my sparkle
How my pearly layers make me shine…
I’ve always been captivated by the visual stories that shape our surroundings, and so have crafted my career around beauty, function, and clarity. With a BA (Hons) in Fashion Promotion and Illustration, I began my journey at iconic British high street retailer Marks and Spencer as a Visual Merchandiser. I followed this with several years working for an independent jewellery designer. I developed a keen eye for detail and a LOVE for the art of design – skills that I now bring into every space I curate.
Later, I transitioned to the Higher Education sector, where I gained extensive experience in staff training and development. I loved guiding teams and colleagues through the challenging aspects of the job at hand, with an approachable, supportive style that made every step that little bit easier and more enjoyable. I made it a priority to bring a spark of fun into even the toughest moments!
Now, combine all that with my passion (ok, obsession!) for decluttering (along with my expert training under Professional Organiser Dilly Carter of the BBC’s Sort Your Life Out), and you get the ultimate blend: visual and spatial expertise, a nurturing coaching approach, and a wealth of insights on how living with less can transform your life for the better.
Today, I help others embrace simplicity and curate beautiful, functional homes that truly elevate their daily living.
The zen to my den
How I found my chic (under all my clutter)
As a child of the eighties, I loved leafing through the Argos catalogue with my siblings, dreaming of toys we’d seen advertised on TV (iykyk). We didn’t have loads of money, and so treasured what we had. I fondly remember My Mum’s ‘Major Major’ clear-out decluttering sessions, often ending with a car boot sale. I’d squeeze myself into a car packed full of stuff, to help with the sale.
Shortly before my 25th birthday, I moved out with my boyfriend. I’d always been eager to get on the property ladder and with just a couple of car journeys, the moving day was a breeze! Thanks to my small inventory of possessions from my dinky family bedroom, settling into my new space felt exciting rather than overwhelming. And even after my relationship ended and I bought a house with my brother, I still only needed a small transit van for the few additional items and furniture bits I’d accumulated.
Fast forward five years, and circumstances led me back ‘home’ for a while. The transition wasn’t smooth as my possessions had multiplied, and I faced utter chaos when moving out. Despite my efforts to prepare, I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of stuff I had accumulated. Then, after a tumultuous 2 years of multiple property purchases falling through, I eventually moved out again, to a one-bedroom apartment of my own. Happy days…
But first, amplified chaos!
Instead, my new one-bed flat only amplified the chaos. Despite being the space of my own that I’d dreamed of, it quickly turned into a messy battleground. Stuff piled high, boxes and bags of unused home décor with nowhere to go, and miscellaneous items cluttering every corner. The thrill of decorating clashed with the reality of limited space, leaving me constantly stressed. And I was too embarrassed to invite friends or family over. My love for interior design transitioned to an overwhelming cycle of acquisition, without the space, making my so-called sanctuary feel more like a very messy storage unit.
Luckily, after a year or so of living in chaos, I saw the light and realised that the all this stuff was holding me back, and it simply had to go – which marked the beginning of my journey toward a simpler, less cluttered life.
Read the full story in my blog post!
And so, Chelle Chic Living was born!
How you too can get your chic on, with my help…
Once I’d finally made it to the other side, and after many years of OBSESSING over the art of decluttering, I created Chelle Chic Living. My mission? To help other thriving, space-challenged women transform their homes into spaces they can truly relax in, spaces that spark joy and elevate every day life. I believe that the right environment has the power to lift us up, inspire us and support us in becoming our best selves. And it’s not about mindlessly decluttering everything; it’s about curating a home and life that reflects who you are, and where you’re headed.
Together, we’ll dig into the layers (physical and emotional) to reveal your sanctuary underneath, one carefully considered piece at a time. So, if you’re ready to find your chic amid the chaos and create a cosy space you can’t wait to come home to, I’m here to guide you every step of the way!
Best wishes,
Michelle x
