From The Straits Times    |

#HerWorldHerStory is a collection of 60 women sharing their successes, passions, challenges, inspirations, hopes and dreams. Together, they give a snapshot of what it is to be a woman today.

Every month from March till August, we present 10 women navigating their lives now – and in their own words. This is Eve Wee-Ang’s story…

Hair Hongling, using Kevin. Murphy Makeup Benedict Choo, using Cle De Peau Beaute

I used to have a closet of sexy clothes in my 20s, but even if I could fit into them right now, would I want to keep them? Me – a mother-of-two in my 40s? Nah, I’ve moved on. I felt so happy when I cleaned them out. That’s the feeling I get when I help people to declutter as a certified Konmari consultant. But this wasn’t my biggest “clearance”.

Four years ago, my family downsized from a 2,400 sq ft home in Shanghai, where my husband works, to a 1,000 sq ft space. That was when I first read Marie Kondo’s best-selling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Though some may not agree with her methods, they resonated with me. Oh my, I felt so free when I purged unwanted things. This sparked my desire to become a Konmari consultant.

I was certified last October, taking seven months – one trip to London and another to Singapore – for my course. Last April, I dragged my husband and two children with me to London to take up the course taught by master Konmari consultants. The two-day Konmari Consultant Certification Seminar costs US$2,100 ($2,915), and I met Marie Kondo who was in London to sign autographs.

I took on two practice clients – one in Shanghai, and one in Singapore – before passing the certification exam to become Singapore’s first Konmari consultant. Those who engage me are mainly stay-home mums who seek solutions for their kitchen and children’s items, and working professionals who require decluttering of their wardrobe.

I had a client who was reluctant to get rid of her body-con dresses as they were a reminder of her once slim figure. I told her about my sexy clothes that I got rid of. She finally understood and donated all of hers. I was so proud of her.

I’ve also healed in ways that I’ve never anticipated. Last year, my mum joked about having me to tidy her house. A month later, she passed away in a car accident. I finally tidied her house after her passing.

Going through her belongings, I realised with much comfort that she had taken my advice and surrounded herself only with things that made her happy and sparked joy. She had lived a life cherishing, and being cherished.

This article was first published in Her World’s April issue. Grab a copy today!