Words by Hannah Tapping
From trading floors to tranquillity: a journey of transformation and resilience.
In the world of high finance, where stakes are perpetually high, life often pivots on a knife’s edge. This was the life Victoria Clark once led, navigating the frenetic energy of trading floors, where every second counted and every decision could shift fortunes. However, the narrative of her life took a dramatic turn after a traumatic event, propelling her from the intensity of the financial world to a profoundly different, yet equally challenging, vocation—helping others reclaim order and peace in their homes and lives.
Victoria’s story begins in the bustling financial hubs of London and Madrid, where she and her husband, once key players in the high-octane environment of money brokering, thrived amid the chaos. The trading floor was a battleground where screams of buy and sell orders were the norm, and the pressure to perform was relentless. Yet, they found a certain exhilaration in this life, feeding off the adrenaline that came with the territory.
Their life, however, was not without its darker moments. Victoria’s husband endured a harrowing experience which, coupled with the cutthroat nature of their profession, left lasting scars, necessitating a move from the fast-paced trading floors of Madrid to Cornwall’s calmer shores where they would find respite, peace and a chance to heal.
Victoria’s journey of transformation began as she sought to find meaning and stability in her life. She channelled her energy into creating a new venture, ByVictoriaClark, a company dedicated to professional organising and decluttering. This shift from managing financial portfolios to managing household chaos was more than a career change; it was a lifeline. “The foundation of my business was laid on the principles of empathy and understanding,” explains Victoria. “Drawing on my own experiences of upheaval and distress, I wanted to bring order and serenity to others facing similar chaos. My business is not just about tidying up spaces; it’s about transforming lives, offering support where it’s needed most, and bringing a sense of peace to those overwhelmed by clutter and disorder.”
Her clients range from those who have inherited property filled with generations’ worth of belongings and those who are simply overwhelmed by the demands of maintaining multiple residences to those who are looking to declutter before putting their property on the market. “When you move house, it’s so much easier if you can declutter before,” says Victoria. “Reducing unnecessary items not only cuts down on moving costs but also simplifies the process, making new spaces more inviting and functional from the outset.”
Victoria’s approach is deeply personal and compassionate. She often finds herself working with clients who are in dire need of help, ranging from elderly individuals unable to maintain their homes to families coping with the aftermath of a loved one’s death. Her work with Age UK and other local charities highlights her commitment to making a tangible difference in people’s lives, regardless of their financial situation.
Perhaps one of the most poignant aspects of Victoria’s work is the personal stories she encounters. From helping a client to regain control of her home after losing a loved one to assisting another overwhelmed by hoarding tendencies, Victoria approaches each case with dedication and compassion. “I was able to help a client with mental health problems who was living in terrible conditions, surrounded by filth and neglect, yet yearning for dignity and normality. It took patience and perseverance, but by approaching the task with dignity and respect for someone who was clearly struggling I was able to help transform their living space, providing not just physical order but emotional relief as well.”
Another story involves a client who had lost his wife and was living in a house so cluttered he could barely move around. Victoria’s intervention not only restored the functionality of his home but also his sense of independence and pride. It’s stories such as these that underscore the transformative power of her work and the profound impact it can have.
While the work is rewarding, Victoria tells me that it’s not without its challenges. “I am often faced with mental health issues, sometimes resistance from clients, and the emotional burden of dealing with traumatic situations,” she explains, “sometimes it takes a lot for inner resilience and commitment to keep going, but I find solace in the progress I help others achieve, whether it’s through decluttering a space or offering emotional support during tough times.”
As part of her service, Victoria helps her clients to donate unwanted items to charity. She works closely with local charities, such as Growbaby Truro ensuring that items find new, meaningful purposes. This philanthropic aspect of her work is not just a byproduct but a core component. She invites charities to reach out to her, fostering a network where decluttered items are redistributed to those in need.
Victoria is a member of the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers: “It’s such a great community to be part of,” she says. “It’s a hugely supportive network (contrasting sharply with the competitive environment of the trading floor!) offering a refreshing change and a source of continuous inspiration.”
Her background in the high-pressure world of finance has equipped Victoria with a unique set of skills—stress management, strategic thinking, and an unyielding work ethic. It’s clear that this blend of corporate acumen and personal empathy makes her a formidable force in the realm of professional organising. “Making the move to Cornwall has seen a profound transformation in me as a person. It has reshaped my understanding of what success and fulfilment looks like. I’m no longer driven by financial gain alone, I now measure my success by the positive impact I can have on others’ lives.”
This story is a powerful reminder that life’s greatest challenges can often lead to its most meaningful transformations. Victoria brings light and order into the lives of those who need it most, proving that true luxury doesn’t always lie in material wealth but in the peace and comfort of a well-organised, harmonious home. “It is a practice that goes beyond aesthetics, fostering a sense of peace, purpose, and connection, which in turn allows my clients to live with intention and clarity.”
