Hello, I'm Lilac, the creator of The Tokyo Mindful Organizer. Tokyo has been my cherished home since 2011, but my journey has woven through many different corners of the world.
From a young age, I grew up seeing my grandmother and mother meticulously organise their homes, create meals from scratch, and even sew their own clothes. As a result, I learned the value of cooperation and contributing to household chores as a child. This early exposure to order and proactive help extended into my teenage years, when I naturally gravitated towards organising parties and events for my friends.
My curiosity and love for expression led me to study Communications Sciences, with initial dreams of becoming a journalist. For a short time, I worked as a reporter, an experience I cherished for the opportunity it gave me to share stories and connect with people. However, the demanding and often unpredictable schedule wasn't sustainable for me in the long run.
While my career as a reporter was brief, it cemented my love for clear communication and understanding people's needs. This passion ultimately guided me to the fast-paced environment of TV production, where I worked as part of an Executive Producer's crew, and where organization and communication were paramount.
After, I pursued my interest in business by studying Marketing and working for various corporations, including well-known restaurant chains, spa salons, and gym chains. During this time, alongside my corporate roles, my entrepreneurial spirit led me to create my first startup: one of the pioneering e-commerce platforms in South America.
Later, I took on the ambitious project of creating and owning a restaurant. I was involved in every aspect, from designing the initial concept and crafting the menu to meticulously overseeing the interior decoration, establishing efficient operations, and managing all aspects of the logistics.
Before making Tokyo my home, I lived and worked in New York City, an experience that broadened my horizons and allowed me to connect with people from all over the globe.
In 2013, I established Trustworthy Housekeeper in Tokyo. Through this cleaning company, my dedicated team and I proudly served expats and families across the 23 wards of Tokyo. This role granted me a deep, firsthand understanding of the practical needs and unique challenges of those building their lives in this vibrant city.
Life took a beautiful, transformative turn in 2016 when I became a mother. This precious responsibility brought a new perspective and a profound awareness of the importance of a nurturing and organised home environment. As I embarked on the incredible journey of raising a new life, I unfortunately lost the father of my child and faced the challenge of raising my child primarily on my own.
Navigating those early years of motherhood, particularly without close family support in Tokyo, became a pivotal period. It led me to discover the grounding practices of Zen meditation and breathwork. These became essential tools for finding balance, resilience, and well-being during a demanding time.
Today, I’m deeply grateful to share a joyfully balanced life here in Tokyo with my now 9-year-old son and my partner. This foundation of personal peace and happiness is a wellspring for my work, fuelling my passion to help others cultivate similar harmony in their own lives and homes.
"These became essential tools for finding balance, resilience, and well-being during a demanding time."
The profound link between a calm mind and an organised life isn't just a service I offer – it's the very foundation of my approach, a truth I've discovered through my own transformative journey. My passion for sharing this understanding has led me to immerse myself for years in studying diverse organisation methods from around the world, ranging from the elegant simplicity of Western and Asian Minimalism to actionable techniques like the FLY Lady method, the focused approach of Project 333, the 3-box method, the 12-12-12 challenge, the 30-day minimalism game, the 90/90 rule, Swedish cleaning, Noriko Ida's approach, and the systematic efficiency of the Japanese 5'S methodology. This extensive exploration included the inspiring time-honored techniques used by Japanese mothers, as well as the wisdom of figures like Motoko Hani and “Fujin no Tomo.” It was an amazing journey of discovery that solidified a fundamental truth for me: No matter our origins, all humans share a deep-seated desire to declutter, tidy, and organise their homes, lives, and minds, striving to create a personal space.
This understanding reinforced my own deeply held belief that my heart is my true home—a feeling that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences. It's this very feeling of seeking peace and belonging within our personal space that I am passionate about helping others achieve.
So, when people ask me where I'm from, I find it hard to give a simple answer. Having lived in so many different places, I feel a beautiful blend of cultures within me, offering diverse perspectives and possibilities. But one thing I know for sure is that my heart is my true home, and I believe everyone deserves to feel that sense of belonging and peace within their own four walls.
"But one thing I know for sure is that my heart is my true home, and I believe everyone deserves to feel that sense of belonging and peace within their own four walls."
As an immigrant myself, I deeply understand the unique adjustments and occasional loneliness that can accompany building a life in a new country. I speak English and Spanish fluently and am constantly learning and improving my Japanese. I vividly remember the challenges of caring for a newborn without family support nearby and the difficulty of navigating everyday life, especially during those times when I needed a helping hand or felt unwell.
This profound understanding is the very foundation of The Tokyo Mindful Organizer (tokyomindfulorganizer.com). I created this business to offer support and guidance to individuals and families in Tokyo, especially expats, fellow families, and new mothers.
Drawing upon my diverse experiences—from the corporate world to understanding the practicalities of running a household in Tokyo, my personal journey as a mother and a global citizen—I am here. As a fellow human, a mama, and a neighbour, my expertise is dedicated to helping you relax and organise your life, mindfully.
I look forward to connecting with you and supporting you in creating a home and a life in Tokyo where your heart truly feels at peace.
Welcome to The Tokyo Mindful Organiser. Feeling overwhelmed by clutter, struggling with your schedule, or longing for a more peaceful state of mind in your busy Tokyo life? I'm Lilac, and I offer personalised organisation services that address your needs on multiple levels. From creating a harmonious home environment to optimising your time and cultivating mental clarity, plus providing dedicated support for mothers, I'm here to guide you toward a more balanced and fulfilling life in Tokyo.