Welcome

Hi, I’m Melissa - the founder of With Arla and a lifelong lover of systems, space, and making things work beautifully.
 

I help people get organized in a way that’s thoughtful, personal, and deeply functional - not just tidy for a day. My approach blends structure and creativity to build systems that actually stick, especially for busy lives. With a background in project management and tech, I think in processes. But I also think in feelings, rhythms, and what it really means to live well in your space.
 

Before all this, I was a 23-year-old aspiring actress who moved from NYC to LA with nothing but a few bags in the trunk of my Camry - and a whole lot of ambition. My roommate and I had no furniture, no cookware, not even bowls (we ate cereal out of cups!). We made do with what we had—cardboard box tables, hand-me-down kitchenware, and the sheer thrill of starting something new. It was one of the most joyful, adventurous years of my life.
 

That season taught me something I never forgot: how little we actually need to feel good, and how easily stuff can either weigh us down or support the life we want. I’m not here to preach minimalism for its own sake - but I do believe in curating a home with care. I believe in buying things you love, not just “for now.” And I believe that an organized space can be a kind of freedom - financial, physical, mental.

Today, I bring that same mindset to my work with clients. Whether it’s a single closet or a whole home, I help people design spaces that reflect their lives, not someone else’s rulebook. It’s not about perfection - it’s about intention.
 

Let’s make room for what matters.