Today we’d like to introduce you to Interstar Salaam.
Hi Interstar, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Interstar Sakenna Salaam but everyone calls me Star. My story is simple. It’s about surviving the storm no matter what. I’m a veteran of the United States Marines, and I’m very proud of that title and the strength that comes with it. Five months after losing my mother, I relocated from my hometown, Hampton, Virginia. When I lost my mother I lost my best friend. I knew I had to make a change, a new beginning if you will. I was devastated, but I decided to step out on faith and start my business in Atlanta Georgia. My business started in 2010 with me working as a Subcontractor for a carpet cleaning business, while hurting in a way I never hurt before. I immediately decided to turn my pain into my passion. Losing my mother taught me so much. It taught me the true meaning of life and how you must seize each moment, even if it means crawling on your knees asking Jehovah God for guidance and protection along the way.
Before living Virginia, I was working in the pest control industry for six years as a licensed lead technician. I was a Route Manager for commercial and residential properties serving between 10-15 jobs daily. My clients didn’t want anyone else in their home/business other than me. So a position had to be created and that’s how I became a Route Manager. The owners as well one of my mentors really invested in me, and they introduced me as their “Star” player. They took absolute care of me, which taught me the importance of taking care of my employees. My employer not only sent me to Purdue University to study Entomology but also to other training classes for additional certifications. This really made me see just how far I could go in the industry. They really cared about me and saw value in me. I’m forever grateful for them and those opportunities, because I utilize this knowledge still in my business today. From carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, tile and grout, water restoration, stretching / patch work, fire & mold, and vent & duct cleaning are just few things I was taught early on and now specialize in. My mentor, Pete hired me to clean his home as my first professional residential house cleaning job, not knowing then that his home would be the start of my professional cleaning endeavors. I’m a complete one stop shop for your home- House Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning & Pest Control.
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?
I had so many lonely nights full of tears but every time I just kept giving my fear to God. I knew he would give me the vision to see clearly if I asked sincerely and remained patient. I never wanted something so badly as much as I wanted my business to grow. My business went through obstacles of ups and downs lonely nights, long days, blood, sweat & tears. I knew what my focus was and that it was bigger than me. I was breaking generational curses. Now 11 years later, I decided to step out on faith again deciding to expand my business to Houston, Texas and Raleigh, North Carolina. My mantra is, “If you want it badly enough, go get it by all means necessary”. Specializing in high end clientele my goal is to touch thousands of homes and businesses. Because of my passion, my client’s are not just clients they become supportive family.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Interstar Cleaning Services is a top of the line commercial, residential home and carpet cleaning business. We service commercial buildings, private properties, medical facilities, and offices of all sizes. Our workers are knowledgeable, friendly and provide work that is considered top notch. By using the safest, most effective cleaning products and quality equipment on the market, our large selection of services will provide you with all the cleaning solutions you could possibly need with the quality you deserve.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Give your goals everything you have. No matter how lonely and hard it is, don’t quit! Distance yourself from anyone that’s not on the same wave length, and all money is not good money. Know your worth and never settle for nothing less. Stay tuned for my book release, “I Made It Through”.
Contact Info:
- Email: 1interstarservices@gmail.com
- Website: interstarcleaningservices.com
- Instagram: @interstarservices
- Facebook: @interstarcleaningservices
