10 Questions For The Organizer Gal Owner Michelle Paxton

The Organizer Gal offers time-, money- and living-space management services. Owner Michelle Paxton has a background in accounting and finance. The business, started in 2010, also offers cleaning and de-cluttering detail by connecting clients with charities willing to take away their unused items such as the Salvation Army. The business will also post clients' needs on FreeMesa or Craigslist and eliminate storage units.

Los Gatos Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

Michelle Paxton: I'm neat and organized, sort of structured.

Patch: What has helped you succeed and gain experience?

Paxton: Having some guidelines and structures to be efficient/effective in any aspect of your life is important. I definitely think, well, know it's a personality trait, a gene, my niche and something I enjoy doing! With a finance and accounting degree and background, it's organizing numbers. I like having systems, planning and being organized as much as possible.

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?

Paxton: Well, I've been doing this my entire life not knowing I had a talent, and started my business in 2010. Wanting to start my own business, and being the entreprenerial type, it was the time to do it.

Patch: What inspired you?

Paxton: Doing what I love to do and getting it off the ground with my old partner was a blessing in disguise. I saw the need in the community, and in the past I had to organize offices before I could do their books/accounting.

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the Town
of Los Gatos?

Paxton: Getting the word out there about my business and myself through marketing and advertising, etc. Spreading the word that Michelle Paxton, the local here, is also The Organizer Gal, a professional organizer. It's also been challenging explaining to the public what a professional organizer does. 

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the town of Los Gatos? 

Paxton: I grew up here and love helping people in my community, supporting local businesses and families.

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

Paxton: Its core values and objectives!

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset?

Paxton: Me, my clientele and a local business owner that is not going anywhere. Too many people come and go to the Bay Area. I've been here for 40 years this year.

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

Paxton: , Farmers Market, and other coffee and juice spots, and of course the trails for my outdoor activities.

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

Paxton: My degree and background in finance and accounting. It's organizing numbers. I'm good at what I do and love it! I'm also very loyal and "for every minute spent organizing, an hour is earned."