Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen
Kathleen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started cleaning as a side hustle after being laid off from my dream job in the corporate landscape. I was a single mom and relied solely on the salary from this position; being without it could have very easily devastated us. I started cleaning through finding jobs on the Marketplace to bring in some immediate income while I searched to find my next spot on the ladder.
In the few months of looking for work while cleaning and serving part time, I had a lot of time to reflect on my life. I loved feeling important in my role and performing the work I spent the last several years in, but I hated the idea of ever being in a position again where someone else held my livelihood in their hands. I’d been in environments where I had to shrink myself to make others feel comfortable, and the thought of playing office politics was nauseating. It was in this realization that I made the decision that cleaning was going to be that new start I needed. I truly loved the art of cleaning and was quite good at it. I felt aligned with my purpose. With my work experience and entrepreneurial spirit, I dove all in. Fully insured, I created a website and an LLC. to make it official: A Clean Sweep was now a fully operational business!
I realized the need for natural products that actually work, because I was tired of buying and trying different “green” products that weren’t cutting it. I had a client that was extremely particular and nothing seemed to be good enough. She wasn’t wrong, everything I brought was ineffective, streaked, and most of them contained hidden chemicals anyway. I’d had enough wasting money and time, and then I remembered the power of essential oils. I figured that if I used them at home for everything else, why not try to make cleaning products with them? I started playing around with different formulas, testing recipes using a vast array of ingredients. Over the course of a few months I’d fine tuned the products that we still hand pour, use for business, and sell nationwide!
Since the start of my time in the cleaning industry I’ve learned and grown in countless ways, both personally and professionally. I’ve learned important lessons in business ownership, gaining so much perspective and experience. The path of an entrepreneur takes serious grit, fierce commitment to integrity, and sacrifice. Looking at this journey as a whole, I couldn’t be more proud of it. I’ve built a business I am so incredibly proud of! Our luxury service offerings and all natural cleaning products make my business truly unique, and I love being a subject matter expert my network can rely on. I love the work that I do and that I make a meaningful difference in my clients lives. I feel fulfilled knowing that so many people are living a more toxin-free life through using natural cleaning products that I created. A Clean Sweep, LLC. was the stepping stone I needed to build a solid foundation. The best is yet to come!
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?
The road hasn’t always been a smooth one. One of the major struggles has always been hiring reliable people to help me expand the business further. In my experience, it hasn’t been worth all of the extra time and energy it takes, though I’ve given the opportunity to many. Throughout the years I’ve worked with teams as well as a solo cleaner. Currently, I am the sole cleaner as this is when the service side of the business operates the best.
Another pain point was having to learn all of the back end nuances I didn’t assume would be a challenge. Stumbling through accounting software was probably my most difficult feat when it comes to overcoming obstacles. Through the years I’ve developed solid processes to help make this part of the job smooth, which has been immensely helpful and in fact now I enjoy it.
As a small business who sells cleaning products, we’re up against big box store products that people are used to and familar with. They’re cheap, easily accessible, and highly marketed. It’s hard to compete with companies like that, but luckily this hasn’t stopped us from growing. Everyone who has ever tried our products swears by them, and our return rate is incredible which speaks for itself. I’m excited to see the product side of my business continue to expand because everyone needs not only great products that will effectively clean, but ones that don’t contain any harmful ingredients!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Our business specializes in residential cleaning services as well as hand crafting all natural cleaning products. We offer efficient and thorough cleanings and are of service to a diverse list of clients. We are an active member in the Lakeville Chamber of Commerce and are known for our community involvement, partnering with different charitable organizations throughout the year.
The biggest thing that sets us apart is the quality and care we give to our clients, apart from excellent cleaning services. We’re always looking out for their homes beyond the service we provide, and keep our clients tuned in to potential issues. Our service is a partnership with our clients to maintain a healthy and clean environment as well as protecting their largest asset and we take great pride in that!
I’m most proud of the fact that I have persevered through some of the most challenging seasons in business ownership and have been all the more successful for it. I would have not imagined 8 years ago that I would have built such a household name in my community, it’s a beautiful thing and I am so excited for all that remains in store!
What sets me apart from others is that throughout life I’ve gone to the beat of my own drum. Though I’ve not always rubbed everyone the right way, I’ve invariably stayed true to myself. You might catch me busting a move in the middle of the grocery store if the mood’s right, and I have never paid any attention to who may be watching (or judging). I think this has bled into the way I run my business and why we are so successful. I say that because despite the ridicule I’ve gotten for choosing to hang up my “professional” hat in pursuit of cleaning, I’ve never let it stop me or even let it slow me down. In fact, I’ve always used the negativity as fuel for my fire.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Louisiana, where I spent every possible moment outside. Whether I was inventing something new, fishing, running around eating fresh fruit from the trees in my yard, watching my dad work in his shed, or riding my bike, chances are I was barefoot and covered in mosquito bites. I was always the creative one in my family, never really into sports but would spend hours working on an art project. I’ve always had a love for helping others and creating new ways to make money. I was that kid who would spend time in the nursing home hanging out with the people that seemed the loneliest. I just always enjoyed finding meaning in the things I did. At 11 I started my first business, Totally Tots, where I scheduled and babysat for a large list of families. I’ve pursued many different endeavors like that through the years and I guess it was in my design to one day own businesses in my adulthood.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.acleansweepmn.shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acleansweepmn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@acleansweepmn
- Other: https://www.acleansweepmn.com
