As the workforce expands and the world becomes increasingly chaotic, mental health can suffer, and household neglect can be one of the principal warning signs. A study by the World Health Organization conducted in 2019 found that 15 percent of working-age adults were estimated to have a mental health disorder, and that globally, an estimated 12 billion working days were lost annually to depression and anxiety at a cost of US$1 trillion per year.
It was during the COVID-19 Pandemic that local entrepreneur Sabrina McAtee, a contract investigator for Abbott Laboratories who had recently given birth to her second child, realized that she, too, was struggling. “I had postpartum depression, anxiety, my mother-in-law had just come home from rehab from a fall, I was overwhelmed, I had no systems, no minimal routine, and I felt like I was constantly falling short at home,” McAtee said. “I was sick of feeling subpar at best.”
So she decided to go to work. McAtee started binge-listening to Mother Like A Boss, Motherly and Organize 365 podcasts and began implementing their suggestions and systems throughout her own home.
Over time, she noticed a shift. “I felt in control again,” McAtee said. “I was more positive and inspired. I was cleaning, organizing and getting into a routine. Soon after, due to COVID-related cutbacks, I was laid off from my contract position. With my husband’s blessing and with all my newfound knowledge, I made the decision to start my own home management business.
“I wanted to offer other people what saved my household and sanity. I had never come across a company that offered comprehensive home management services — and I knew there was a real need for it.” And thus began Clear Path Home Management, a home décor-hybrid company that offers a variety of services for people overwhelmed with finding the proper balance between work, family and maintaining a household.
“If you need a house cleaner, a home organizer, someone to run errands, and a decorator, you’re typically hiring two to four separate companies,” McAtee said. “With Clear Path, you get all of that in one place, with someone equally qualified across the board. That’s incredibly rare. And let’s be honest — it doesn’t take much to start a cleaning business or call yourself an organizer. What was missing in this industry was twofold: one, a true one-stop shop for comprehensive home management; and two, a willingness to go deeper than surface-level fixes — to address the root causes of a messy, disorganized home. That’s where Clear Path stands apart. I’m not just tidying up; I’m helping families reclaim peace, functionality, and joy in their spaces.”
A big emphasis is placed on mental wellness, which stems from the obstacles McAtee has faced both personally and professionally. Ranging from such issues as substance abuse, to single parenthood, death of a spouse, death of a family member, depression, child abuse, elder abuse, chronic illness and injury, anxiety, ADHD, postpartum depression, being overworked, sleep deprivation, and having a child with special needs or learning disabilities, McAtee’s insight into the root cause of these issues lends credibility.
“All of these things explain why our homes turn into mad chaos,” McAtee said. “Cluttered, messy, dirty, untidy, overpowering—it’s not always as simple as chalking it up to laziness or lacking motivation or drive.”
McAtee said this approach is so important to her because it is so relatable. “I know so many overwhelmed families,” McAtee said. “I’ve been told not to tell the public too many details on my personal life because it could hurt my business. My issues could be seen as weak, lazy, or unstable. Quite the contrary, actually. As I said to them, and I’ll tell you now. If I run off 10 pretentious snobs who have these opinions and gain 3 struggling families whose lives my services truly change for the better, then bring it on. I’m in.”
Described as genuine, trustworthy, credible, and highly qualified, McAtee said allowing customers to hear her story and background helps them feel comfortable and understand that she is not someone who will judge their situation.
“I don’t get intimidated or overwhelmed by what I walk into, because I’ve been in their shoes,” McAtee said. “I can talk the talk and walk the walk. Many of my customers also recommend my services simply because they appreciate not having to hire multiple companies across different industries.
“With Clear Path, they can rely on one person they trust instead of starting from scratch and building new relationships with several different providers.”
The Granbury woman certainly has walked the walk, having worked for Adult Protective Services, working with victims of domestic abuse, and has experience with mental health issues in her personal life.
McAtee lost her first husband to alcoholism when he was only 38, and has struggled with ADHD and anxiety herself. Her desire to help others comes from a place of struggle—something she has worked hard to overcome.
McAtee said Clear Path Management has been successful enough to allow her to contribute financially to her household and not have to return to “working for the man,” and said her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is for them to find their niche.
“Stand out,” McAtee said. “Don’t offer what everyone else does. Good help is hard to find. Be very picky about who you choose to bring into your business. Your name is on the door, not theirs. Be persistent and always be putting yourself out there. None of us are Rock stars waiting to be discovered or rescued. You are in charge of your own success.
“You are your own biggest advocate. It is not always about making a profit. Don’t always have the mindset of what am I going to get out of this monetarily. Be of the mindset of truly wanting to change people’s lives for the better.”
