The launch of Monarch Home is just a few weeks away and I have been working so hard on of the details leading up to this big day! On Instagram, it may appear that I woke up one day and decided to start a wallpaper line. In its simplest form, I guess that is true, but there has been 15 years of trials and successes that lead to me to believe that this was possible. Today on the blog, I thought I’d share that story from start to finish! This feels a tad bit scary and vulnerable as I haven’t revisited these memories in quite some time!
Everyone needs someone to believe in them to know that something more is within reach. I have a loving and supportive husband, 5 kids that I treasure more than anything, friends and family near and far, and of course, all of you. You’re a huge part of this story, so let’s start from the beginning, shall we??
Let’s start from the beginning…
I’m not going to get into my childhood on this post as I’m still working through a lot and I’m not sure I’m ready to dive in there. Let’s start at age 19, where I married my husband Craig! Craig and I met and eloped in 2006 and started our family in 2008. In 2010, I had another baby and started a blog with my friend as a creative outlet and to pursue my passion for home and design,
In 2011, Craig and I moved with our two kids from Arizona to Buffalo, NY for him to pursue dental school at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. If you know anything about dental school (and most doctorate programs), it requires your full dedication and it’s not always possible to work and complete all of the demands of school. I was blogging, coaching gymnastics, taking photography clients, flipping furniture and also running my Etsy shop selling vinyl decals to contribute to our family during this time. Fun fact: the vinyl sticker shop still exists and is run my amazing mother in law! The designs have evolved over time, but this is the small but mighty shop that supported our family!
HOW Classy Clutter CAME TO BE
While I loved these jobs, I was always trying to find more time to dedicate to my passion project -Classy Clutter. Classy Clutter was a blog turned business that I ran with my friend Savannah who lives in Mesa, Arizona. We had been best friends for many years and became so passionate about DIY and Design after we got married. We had the crazy idea to blog every single day to share our latest budget-friendly DIY projects and room renovations. A few years into this adventure, Instagram came on the scene and truly changed our lives!
While we continued to blog everyday, we also started sharing our DIY content on Instagram. Our following grew pretty quickly and the connection with our audience was deep. Our projects were going viral with millions of views on our blog as well as on Pinterest which felt absolutely crazy at the time. Even to this day, some of the projects I did in my 1,100 square foot rental in Buffalo over 10 years ago are some of my most popular and viral projects to date. You may still see them floating around Pinterest! Our Buffalo rental home even landed a spot in HGTV Magazine in a spot next to Amber Lewis!
After Craig finished dental school, our family of now 6 moved to Prescott, AZ, about 2 hours away from Savannah and both of our families. It was so nice to be closer to home and Savannah and I were dedicating every free minute to growing Classy Clutter.
How We Grew Classy Clutter
In those few years, Classy Clutter evolved from our passion project to a full-on business. I don’t want to say this happened by accident because I have worked 10 hour days for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t something we ever knew was possible when we started. Truthfully, we were some of the OG influencers before influencing was even a thing! Remember, there was no Instagram at the time! Our niche of DIY and design wasn’t nearly as prevalent as it is today. We weren’t the only self-taught women to use power tools to make furniture and build our dream houses, but we were some of the first to share about it online and start working with sponsors.
It is really special to reminisce about our first few years of accepting sponsorships because it was SO new for everyone. We learned quickly how to partner with brands we used and loved to fund our home renovation projects as well as make a full-time income for BOTH of our families! It was a ton of work and at times, very stressful to feel like we were doing this on our own. But we LOVED it – and both still do!
Classy Clutter continued to grow – and so did our families! Savannah and I each had babies, moved homes, and Craig and I did eventually move back home to Mesa, Arizona. Savannah and I spent a few years living 15 minutes from each other which was a really special time I will never forget! Our business was thriving! We were lined up with sponsorships, projects, online course, launched our own self-funded home decor and furniture line, and hired employees!
SUCKER PUNCHED
A weird title right? While our business was thriving, from 2017-2019, a series of devastating trials came. I honestly can’t even talk about all of them but my entire world was turned upside down. In 2017, I got pregnant with Oliver and it was the hardest pregnancy out of all 5. I was sick for 8 months straight. I broke my foot at 26 weeks which put me on EXTREME restrictions including zero weight bearing, no walking, no standing etc. A little difficult when you have 4 other children to care for. I then had preterm labor from 32 weeks (a pattern for my pregnancies) but we were able to keep Ollie in there until 36 weeks and my healthy baby boy was born (with my rehab boot in the stirrups – haha!) 14 days after his birth, Oliver came down with Pneumonia and RSV. We had to call 911 and he was taken by ambulance to the hospital at midnight on New Years Eve 2018. By the grace of God, Oliver recovered, my foot healed and life returned to normal, for the most part.
6 months later, I received the worst news of my entire life and I was changed forever On June 2, 2018, my little sister, Brittany passed away in her sleep. She had taken her antidepressant and mixed alcohol with that medication, by accident, which caused her to stop breathing in her sleep. I was shattered to my very core. Even typing that out for the first time, just feels like reliving a nightmare. NOTHING prepares you for that call. From 2018-2019 my family attended FIVE funerals for close family and friends. The loss was so heavy I didn’t know how to go on. I found new faith, learned to practice gratitude and began extensive personal development work to salvage what was left of my broken heart. These two years began to change me forever.
Here’s when it all changed…
During that time, I wanted to move closer to friends and family. We moved from Prescott back to Mesa, a mile from my childhood home, into my DREAM home. Less than a year later, the pandemic hit. 2020 brought a lot of challenges the entire world but for Craig and I personally and professionally, we experienced our own set of challenges, unrelated to the state of the world.
When Craig was presented with an amazing opportunity in Knoxville, Tennessee, we knew almost immediately that we wanted to sell our dream home in Mesa to make it happen. Of course, I felt very torn about leaving knowing that it would be almost impossible to manage our Instagram account and business from across the country.
Since I was the one moving, I made the extremely scary decision to leave the business to Savannah and start my a new business alone. Over our 10 years experience with blogging, I was confident that I could rebuild another business but BOY was it scary! I also felt called to share my struggles with grief and battling anxiety which felt very off brand for Classy Clutter but again, something I felt called to share on my own account.
That sounds crazy even as I write this. And yes, it was absolutely crazy to leave everything I had built to start fresh. Instagram was extremely saturated with influencers and DIYers, but without a doubt, I felt called to just try. I nervously created the handle @mallorynikolaushome and started posting my own projects, experiences, and more of my personal life through our cross-country move and finding our dream home in Tennessee.
I truly never expected what happened next.
Over the next two years, I found myself. I found my home decor style. I grew into the mom, wife, friend. and business-owner that I knew I could be. I don’t know why it took moving to Tennessee to find this version of myself, but man, I’m SO glad I’m here. In a word, I feel free. I have changed. Through trial and error, hurt, failure and a whole lot of faith and prayer, I genuinely feel like I’ve stepped into who I am “supposed to” be.
Going out on my own forced me to find my own unique style and my voice. In a partnership, you naturally have to run things by each other prior to sharing online – even to simply avoid overlapping your posts. This wasn’t a bad thing, but I didn’t realize how much I was muting my own personal sense of self online with this filter. There were parts of myself I wasn’t sharing and having my own account gave me a sense of freedom to share more candidly.
As a result of this clarity, I was able to build my account from the ground up into what it is today.
Savannah has since rebranded from Classy Clutter, but you can find her at @SavannahKayDesigns. I’m proud of her for continuing to grow the business we built from the ground up over 13 years ago. And of course, we are still friends!
My next big leap!
On September 13th, I’m taking that leap once again with Monarch Home. A few years ago, launching a wallpaper line felt so far-fetched. Not just because I didn’t have an audience of my own, but because I felt like my style isn’t exactly on-trend most of the time and I was concerned that there wasn’t an audience for it. It’s not what you see everywhere on Instagram – I know that. But it’s so purely me.
I feel so proud to launch with a product that is so authentic and aligned with my taste. I love each and every one of these designs so much. I’ve put my heart and soul into every detail that I just can’t WAIT for you to see!
If you’ve been here since my OG blogging days, will you please leave a comment below? In fact, it would be so fun if you could tell me when you started following me for a little ride down memory lane.
Thank you for indulging me in telling this story that I’ve never written down before. Thank you for being here. Thank you for trusting me.
Mallory,
I started following you about the timer you started with on your family room with the strange fireplace. I have loved watching you change every room in your home and definitely your warm spirit. You show us your genuine and pure kindness. It’s just a joy to watch you! One of my favorite influencers hands down!
I started following you when Remington avenue posted your handle. You were in your first Knoxville house and working on all the trimwork around your fireplace in the living room at the time. I remember the powder bath transformation blew me away with how different the rooms could look with just paint. And then you got the grand piano and that room just changed with the paint color. It was so vibrant. I couldn’t stop following sense.
WOW!! Thank you so much for sharing your story!! I LOVED ready your story!! Sorry for your losses, trials and heartaches! Thank for sharing! So many Great things I read! It hasn’t been too long since you found your style, gives me hope! How you have grown many businesses, gives me hope, especially when you said it was saturated, gives me hope! Love you so much, you are so Amazing! I’ve been following sometime during Classy Clutter days.
I have been following you when you were making your move to Tennessee. Your talent is inspiring and I enjoy watching you make over your beautiful home. Thank you for sharing your life with us!
This right here is why I follow you! You keep it real and honest and true to your heart. ❤️ I honestly can’t remember when I started following you but it has been for a long while now. Your an inspiration and love warching your boys and family grow.
P.S. we are closing on our new home Sept. 12th and I am so excited to see the wallpaper collect!!
Fun following you and Savannah… not sure how I found Classy Clutter but I did right before you both branched off on your own. Your style is not my style but I LOVE following your journey and even if I would not put in my home it is STUNNING in yours. The world is full of colorful creatives and THAT is what needs to be appreciated. And I DO! You are a female force too….which is also a point of connection. You are very different than I, in so many ways, but i personally like to live in a diverse world and try not to seek people that just ratify my tastes and my values. Anyway….you are great and wishing you even more success in your home line as it develops! Will be following and doing my part to like and comment to help speed your success!
Love the authenticity and heart behind your account! I started following, I think, when you were doing the backyard at the Prescott house.
I’ve been a follower since your first Prescott home!
So proud to see how far you’ve come and can’t wait to see how far you will go! Monarch Hone is beautiful so far! Xoxo
I started following Classy Clutter at the tippy end of your time in Prescott. Love what you do but I’m especially grateful for the light of Christ that is within you that you share with the world!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us! I started following you on instagram when I first joined (I think it was 2020?). However, I recognized that picture of the pull out pantry! I totally saved that on pinterest years ago! 🙂
Hi Mal,
What a beautiful post about you! Thank you for sharing pieces of your heart with me- us! Nothing to be afraid when it’s your truth and love that you have experienced! I appreciate your realness. I have been following you when you lived in Arizona, the home that you sold before moving to Tennessee. What a fun journey it has been to follow you! I am always in awe of all that you create for you, your family, and friends! You inspire me to take my time to clean, organize, paint, and hope to wallpaper some day. You have little babes running around and so do I, so if you can do it, so can I. You are exactly where you need to be in life and sharing it with us. Also, thank you for sharing the signs that your sister is still “here” showing you that she loves you with all the butterflies that come around you and your stunning home! I commented the other day to you on instagram, that l want to be like you when I grow up and I meant that! Thanks again for sharing, I feel inspired to keep finding myself and being love to those around me!
Thanks for sharing! I have been following for a couple of years. I homeschooled my three sons…and survived! 😉. I look forward to watching more of your projects.
Congratulations and Best of Luck with your new endeavor! I have been following you since the Classy Clutter days! I love how you have grown and shown more of your style. It’s been a fun to watch!
You are amazing and so talented at everything you do! Also extremely resilient and I love everything that you share and your process. I think I’ve been around since 2017? Love love love everything you and Savannah do!
Thank you for sharing your story. 🤍
Started following you early 2022.
Thanks for sharing your story! So happy that you are where you are today. ❤️ I started following you/found you on IG sometime while you were briefly at the first Tennessee home. I live in Huntsville, AL and mention you a lot to friends taking about what you’ve taught me or a project you’ve done – honestly, I quickly refer you to as the Knoxville chick on IG 🤩. I absolutely love your home. I have a somewhat traditional style as well. Even if my style isn’t AS formal as yours, I always learn by watching and I absolutely adore what you do! Just be yourself. Those are the best influencers to follow. ❤️
I started following you when you and Savannah decorated Jordan Page’s cabin! Love following you and Savannah!
Congratulations in all your success through trials. It says so much about your character and faith. Your projects are so fun to watch and your honesty is a bright spot on Instagram.
I found you on Instagram when you were Classy Clutter, and I’ve loved following your Tennessee homes! I love your style and appreciate you sharing your story. Congratulations on your wallpaper line!
I loved reading part of your story. It’s been great seeing you blossom.
I had seen some Classy Clutter posts on Pinterest but I started really following along when you and Savannah redid the rooms at Aspen Hill Lodge. I was captivated and inspired. I own both programs you two put out and reference them regularly.
Thank you for sharing your work and growth. I’m here for it! <3
I have been following you since classy clutter with Savannah. I remember telling my husband when you started your new Instagram, how scary it must be having to start from scratch. I shared your post during those early days of the new IG account! I have loved following you and watching you and your family grow. You have been an inspiration to many! I can’t wait to see this new adventure!
Been around since before Instagram! I’ve always enjoyed everything you do and it’s been fun to watch you move, travel, and grow into your style. You’re awesome!
I found your account when you were reupholstering your Great Grandma Pearl’s chair❤️. I fell in love with your style and your beautiful family. I have been cheering you on ever since❤️
I don’t remember when I started following you, but I think about that first lunch date with some of the OG AZ bloggers at Joes Farm Grill OFTEN! That was the day I realized that you were more than just a talented designer- you are sweet, and fun, and motivating, and one of my favorites to follow! ❤️ xoxo
Thank you for sharing your journey! I found you when you were doing your piano room here in the TN home!
Hi! I’ve been following you and Savannah on Classy clutter since you moved to Mesa! It’s been fun seeing both of you have personal brands take off. I’m so happy for you that you feel that you found yourself and you feel confident and happy- that’s the best freedom ever. Can’t wait to see your wallpaper line come to life❤️
I started following you when you on Instagram when you were in Prescott, but I had soooo many of yours and Savannah’s projects pinned before that. I just didn’t know it was you! You are amazing and I have loved to follow along as you’ve grown and overhauled all of your amazing homes. Good luck with the wallpaper line! ❤️
Congratulations! I’ve been following along since before Ollie was born!
Dear Mallory,
Thank you for trusting us with your story and allowing us to find faith and hope for ourselves through your journey. I could not tell you exactly how I came upon your IG account, but it started with your first house in TN. And I have been in awe and inspired ever since.
Grateful for you,
Jean
Congratulations on your new line! Your home is truly a work of art and I love that it is all you! I have been a faithful follower since your Prescott days and have loved watching along.
I started following you right when you moved to Tennessee! Thank you for posting your story. For the past few years i’ve been, like you said, piecing together your story little by little. You are my favorite to follow on Instagram. Your style has truly helped me find a passion for home decor and really explore the things I love without feeling like it may not be the “it” thing. Thank you for being you and sharing your story. You inspire me everyday without even knowing it ♥️
Can’t wait to see what you do next! I’ve been here since your first Tennessee house and have learned so many DIY tricks following you. You’ve helped decorate my new house!
I love it so much! But you forgot my favorite part of the story: Buying a house and painting it white, only to have the Heavens hand you your DREAM house right down the street four months later, and hopping over to THAT one! 🥰 Dreams really do come true, and you deserve all of the dreams that have become reality over the years xoxo
My husband built me a similar “pantry” in your Buffalo house! We came across the project on Pinterest and it was exactly what we needed! I didn’t know it was you until years later but how cool!!
Thank you for sharing your story and being vulnerable. It’s a hard thing to do! I started following you when you worked on Jordan Page’s cabin and have enjoyed seeing both you and Savannah grow.
I started following you after you moved to Tennessee. While your style is not my style I appreciate it and I learned many things from you. The funny thing is when I talked with my daughters it’s; did you see what Mallory did. Then we laugh because we talk like you are our friend or our neighbor! Best to luck on your new adventures.
Your friend,
Kim from Washington State
Thank you for sharing your story. I found you through Instagram mid 2020 and absolutely adore your style-your home is stunning!
Thank you for sharing Mallory. I have been a follower since your move back to AZ. It’s been so fun watching you grow and your family grow. My husband always asks if my new home ideas are from you. ❤️ I can’t wait to purchase wallpaper for our bedroom! ~Ali
Oh, Mallory! I wish I could give you a great big hug. First, I’m SO sorry for all the tremendous losses you have had in such a short period of time. I want you to know that I will be praying for you. Secondly, thank you for sharing your soul with us. I know it’s scary because it puts you out there to be criticized, but God wants to use ALL of our good parts & bad to help people navigate life. I know you have your hard days, but I’m glad you share them with us because it makes us feel seen & human. YOU INSPIRE me SO much! I know that God has plans for me too, but I get fearful sometimes to put myself out there. You truly inspire me everyday. You are fearless. You are brave. You are courageous. And you make me feel like I can be too. Just know that everything you do matters, even the small simple things that seem insignificant, ARE significant. You are significant. You are a daughter of the King, and He is well pleased with you. Thank you for fighting through you struggles, your tears, and your fears. You are a difference maker. Keep creating. Keep sharing. Keep doing what your heart is calling you to do. I pray one day that I can meet you & tell you in person what you have done for me in my life. Can’t wait to see what God will do through you & this amazing story. You’re amazing!! p.s. God gave me butterflies during a very dark time in my life & every time you post or share the butterfly it connects me to God & what He is calling in my soul. 🦋 Thank you, Mallory……thank you!
Followed you since House 13, right before your move to Tennessee! You inspired me to start my own Instagram page and really dive into DIY! Your transparency with losing a sibling and then a parent, helped me to navigate the death of my brother, and later my Mama. I can’t thank you enough for being so real and so passionate about your life and riding the waves of grief. I am praying big prayers for you and your next venture! Thank you with my whole heart for being you and inspiring my life so much!
I’ve been with you from Classy Clutter to now in Knoxville! You and Savannah were so cute together. I’m blown away by your skill set and humbled by your authenticity. I still don’t understand how you do it all but I’m definitely along for the ride. Keep going!!!
The Buffalo check wall on Pinterest is when I started following. I think 2017ish. Love your content and messages. Thank you for sharing your story. 🩷
I’ve followed since before you had Ollie. I remember praying for him (and your family) when he was hospitalized.
Started following you when you painted the Prescott home Navy!
Proud of you! I’ll follow you anywhere.
Hi Mallory!
I started following your account t when you were working on the Harry Potter room in your old house. You’ve inspired me so much in my own home by showing it’s ok to find your own road with home decor and style that’s not always what’s trending. After watching your projects I also realized I could tackle so much myself without having to ask someone else to do it for me and it has been a much needed outlet as a stay at home mom. I appreciate your realness so much. Thanks for sharing your story and I can’t wait to see your new wallpaper! Congrats on this huge milestone! -@thiscraftymama
I have followed you since Buffalo! So inspiring to watch your style evolve and to watch your family grow.
I adore everything that you do! Been following you since the Prescott house & have been floored each time you move, start new and create amazing, jaw dropping spaces! Each time i think this is my favorite thing you’ve done…you do it again! You are so talented and so real. I have used a lot of your choices as inspiration in my own home. I’m here for all of your new ventures. So proud of you!
I’ve been following since you moved to Prescott. You have always been such a breath of fresh air on instagram and honestly I love that you share your heart as well as your style!
What a wonderful story of faith! I have loved your style for years. Congratulations on the new adventure!
I’ve been consistently following since Ollie was a few months old. Thanks for sharing your family with the world
hi there I have moved back to Texas but lived in Knoxville from 2002 to 2014 which was the best place to raise my four kids in fact, my oldest son, Benjamin and his wife and child live in Thompson station. He actually met his wife at FBC Concord in Knoxville. I started following you when you bought your first house in Knoxville , and I’ve been following you ever since. and I just love the fact that you are friends with some really great other Instagram women who make beautiful spaces.
I found you the year you moved to Tennessee.
Love your style, in awe of you. Thank you for being real.
Congratulations to you on all you’ve accomplished thought triumphs and tragedies. You are an inspiration and I enjoy following your journey. I somehow found you when you were painting the black bookcases during the one room challenge I’m glad to be here and able to cheer you on ♥️♥️
I love the black and white foyer tile you have done! It’s definitely classic and very you
You are such an inspiration. I just love everything you do. Thank you for this vulnerable blog post and allowing us all to see inside your dreams and hard work. You are amazing.
I only started following you right as you were moving into your Tennessee home. I really enjoy your style of home decor and appreciate all that you share. Thank you for sharing with us!
I admire your tenacity and strength. I started following your account when you were still partners with Savannah. It was the black beams in the kitchen of the Arizona house that caught my eye. I love the way your turned that house into a beautiful gem. I remember being in awe of the moulding you were doing in that kitchen and I messaged you and asked how did you learn that. I was surprised you actually took time to respond and it meant a lot. You’ve remained one of my favorite accounts. And it partly because of your resiliency, it’s aspirational. You and Craig have built something amazing and you both seem very deserving. Thank you for sharing your story. Can’t wait to see the wallpaper.
I started following in 2017 when you were pregnant with Ollie!
I started following you about the time you moved to Knoxville- watched all the work on that first house and you admiring the one you have now. Also, Craig going viral rolling around the back yard was a hoot!
Living just 15 minutes from Knoxville myself make me feel like you’re showing how beautiful East TN is, as well as the beauty you’ve brought here.