Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Calvo.
Hi Karen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I discovered my love for organizing at a very young age. Growing up in Queens, NY, my mom worked as a home care attendant for a WWII veteran. Every so often, I would help his wife, Mrs. Irene, prepare their home for garage sales. I was only about 10 or 11 years old, but when she handed me a few dollars for my help, it felt like the biggest reward in the world. Looking back, those small moments were the spark that ignited a lifelong passion.
As I grew older, I was officially diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. What some might see as a challenge became my strength. It sharpened my eye for detail and gave me the natural drive to bring order, balance, and structure into every space I touched. What began as a kid lining up garage sale items grew into a calling I could never ignore.
I actually started my business back in 2018, in Virginia long before retiring from the Navy. At the time, I was balancing life as a service member and single mom, but I knew organizing was more than just something I was good at — it was my purpose.
Years earlier, I had earned my master’s degree in forensic psychology and corrections. While I’m proud of that accomplishment, over time I realized that what truly lit me up was creating order out of chaos and helping people feel peace in their homes.
When the Navy restationed me in Jacksonville, I brought my business with me. That’s when I officially launched *Tidy by Karen* and began serving families and professionals in the community. What started as small projects quickly grew into something bigger than I could have imagined — with dozens of five-star reviews and opportunities to blend luxury with real-life functionality.
Now, after proudly serving 20 years in the U.S. Navy, I am retired and excited to continue serving my community in new ways. Through Tidy by Karen, I am able to serve clients full-time while also embracing my most important role — being a mother to my four daughters. I’m also an active member of St. Johns BFF, which stands for Business, Faith, and Friendship. Being part of this group reflects what I truly believe in: community, connection, and serving others.
The Navy instilled in me the values of integrity, service, and dedication, and those same values now guide my business. Today, I specialize in professional organizing and move-in concierge services, with a special heart for military families navigating relocations. My goal is simple: to help clients step into homes that feel finished, peaceful, and truly theirs from the very beginning.
At the end of the day, organizing isn’t just about neat closets or tidy garages — it’s about giving people back time, clarity, and joy in their everyday lives. And for me, that’s the most rewarding part of this journey.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Balancing a 20-year military career, raising four daughters as a single mother, and pursuing another degree — my Master’s in Organizational Leadership at Jacksonville University — all while building a business has come with its share of challenges. There were moments when I felt stretched impossibly thin, trying to juggle home, school, work, and entrepreneurship all at once. At times, it was especially tough because I wanted to expand my business, but constant deployments at sea and running everything on my own as a solopreneur made growth difficult. And when I moved back to Jacksonville, it meant more than just relocation — it was about planting new roots, reintroducing myself to the community, and rebuilding my client base from the ground up.
Even as retirement approached, I stayed focused on growth, earning my Navy Master Training Specialist certification — the equivalent of a Certified Postsecondary Instructor. That training strengthened my ability to teach, mentor, and create systems, which ties directly into my work as a professional organizer. In the Navy, I trained Sailors to master skills and processes; now, I use that same approach with my clients. I don’t just organize their spaces — I teach them how to maintain order, build routines, and create habits that bring lasting peace into their homes. It’s this blend of organizing and teaching that sets me apart, because my clients don’t just walk away with a tidy home — they leave with the tools and confidence to keep it that way.
Every challenge shaped me. The Navy sharpened my discipline and time management. Motherhood and entrepreneurship taught me resilience and adaptability. And now, pursuing another degree and carrying forward skills like my MTS certification not only help me grow as a leader, but also prepare me to take Tidy by Karen— and the impact I make in my community — to the next level.
We’ve been impressed with Tidy by Karen , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Please tell us more about your business or organization. What should we know?
My business is Tidy by Karen — where the motto is Because Tidiness Matters! I help clients transform cluttered, overwhelming spaces into functional, peaceful environments they can actually enjoy. Whether it’s a closet that feels impossible to open, a garage full of “someday” projects, or a move that feels too big to manage, I step in with systems that make life easier, lighter, and more organized.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
I specialize in professional organizing and move-in concierge services. That means I don’t just tidy up — I design customized systems so every item has a place and my clients can easily maintain the order long after I leave. Having moved countless times during my 20-year Navy career, I know firsthand how stressful transitions can be, and I love helping families walk into a new home that already feels complete and peaceful.
What sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart is my teaching background and coaching approach. I’m a Navy Master Training Specialist — certified to train and instruct others — and I bring that same skill into organizing. I don’t just “do” the work for my clients; I also teach them how to maintain it, building confidence and lasting habits. Clients don’t just get a tidy home — they walk away with the tools and strategies to keep it that way. That, along with my military discipline, attention to detail, and heart for service, is what makes my brand unique.
What are you most proud of brand-wise?
I’m most proud that Tidy by Karen is rooted in my values: service, integrity, and community. The Navy instilled those in me, and I carry them into every client relationship. I’m also proud of the trust I’ve built — dozens of five-star reviews reflect not just a clean space, but how my clients feel supported, respected, and cared for throughout the process.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
I want readers to know that Tidy by Karen is more than a service — it’s an experience. My clients can expect judgment-free support, personalized solutions, and results that bring peace back into their homes and lives. Whether you need full-home organization, help with a move, or simply systems to make daily life easier, I’m here to help you reclaim your space — and with it, your time, clarity, and joy.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I draw inspiration from resources like Atomic Habits by James Clear, The Minimalists* podcast, and the *Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast*.The YouVersion Bible App grounds me in faith. Together, they help me grow as a leader, a mom of four, and the heart behind *Tidy by Karen*.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TidybyKaren.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tidybykaren/
- Other: https://form.jotform.com/251167222090145
