Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Swanson.
Hi Amber, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
At 15, I started getting paid to clean by working as a front desk receptionist at a dental office, where I also cleaned the lobby areas and bathrooms. This also led to commercial cleaning at night thanks to a wonderful lady from church. Over the years, I continued to clean for side money while pursuing other endeavors. My business started when I moved to Minnesota for love and began picking up side work using an app. The company I was working for at the time went out of business, but they didn’t let their cleaners know. A client reached out to me while I was on vacation in New York and informed me of the situation, I had no idea what to do. After getting back in town the company reached out by email letting the cleaners know of the situation and that we could take those clients we currently had as our own and that’s really how the business got started.
I took the opportunity to start my own business and took those clients, while not even knowing how to start a business in a new state. I established my LLC, branding, and everything from the ground up. I did this solo for 5 and a half years I believe while working part-time as an early-morning stocker at Menard’s. My dream was always to have my own business and to create flexibility and financial security on my own terms. After injuring my knee at Menards and having surgery, I realized I needed to seek out ways to grow my business without relying solely on myself to clean the houses. I decided to go the professional cleaner route and have been running my business this way for almost a year now.
I’m proud, excited, and grateful that I decided to stick with my dream as it has allowed me to become debt free, and have the flexibility to live my life on my own terms. What’s really cool to say is that my business is still growing and continue to blossom into the business that I’ve always dreamed of and I am even more excited and enthusiastic to see where it will continue to grow.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It honestly, hasn’t been an easy journey creating this business. While anyone can clean, it’s important to differentiate yourself in the market. I am passionate about using eco-friendly products and being a black queer owner who represents the community. Looking back, I faced obstacles starting a business in a new state while dealing with and healing from mental health and trauma. That is why I always provide inspiration and positive quotes for my business as I am a big advocate for mental health awareness. Starting this business was initially for survival, but now it’s thriving. However, it took a knee “ACL” reconstruction surgery for me to realize in order to grow my business, I realized that I needed to take care of myself first. As a labor-intensive job, cleaning can take a toll on your body. That’s why I invested in education, programs, and coaching to help me determine the direction I wanted to take with my business. As a twelve- year old, I always dreamed of owning a million-dollar business, but I never knew what it would look like. I feel confident that I’m on the right path because of the choices I’ve made and keep making to prioritize my education, attend programs, and seek coaching. All of this has been cruicial in figuring out where I want to take my life and business.
Starting a business in a new state was difficult, as I’ve come to realize over the years that it required me to figure out how to obtain resources, build connections, and establish healthy support systems and networks. Changing my mindset from an employee to an entrepreneur was also challenging. But, by understanding my strengths and weaknesses and investing in personal development, I was able to balance my personality as an ambivert. I believe that you must design your business around your personal vision and goals along with providing quality service that people will love and will want to support is just as important if you plan to be in business for the long haul.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I own and operate Royalty Cleaning Company, a residential cleaning company located in Hopkins, MN. We pride ourselves in using Eco-friendly cleaning products, which sets us apart from others in the industry. However, what truly sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to providing our customers with an exceptional cleaning experience while promoting visibility and awareness for mental health and queer-identifying individuals.
I want our readers to know that we have built a reputation for prioritizing the well-being of our clients and community, creating a safe space that offers top-quality services, affordable rates, and 100% satisfaction. We understand that cleaning services may be considered a luxury, so we take pride in being a company that cares about our clients’ needs and making our services accessible and a safe haven for marginalized and queer-identifying individuals. We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate busy lifestyles and make our client’s lives easier by providing a clean, safe, and comfortable environment.
As a black-owned, queer-owned, and women-owned business, we offer deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, and regular maintenance cleaning services such as weekly and biweekly cleanings. Our team of trained professionals takes great care in ensuring your space is left spotless. Our commitment to using conscious and ethical cleaning products ensures quality and reliable service for all. We strive to enhance our clients’ well-being and deliver exceptional services with a strong commitment to excellence.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As a child, I was creative, and outspoken, and was told often I had an old soul. Growing up I enjoyed writing, dancing, painting, and playing basketball. Growing up in a church-going family, I remember at around 8 years old or so, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur after selling clay rings at church for a dollar and using the money to buy candy. I imagined business owners as people in suits who traveled and told others what to do. My goal was to make a million dollars, which seemed like the ultimate achievement at the time. While some may have thought I was crazy, I didn’t care and continued to pursue my dream.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.royaltycleaningcompany.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royaltycleanco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royaltycleanco
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@royaltycleaningcompany
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/royalty-cleaning-company-hopkins
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@royaltycleanco
