Today we’d like to introduce you to Keyia Thomas.
Keyia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Would you believe that I started my business from one small mediocre ad that I listed on Craigslist? Christmas was right around the corner and my job as an administrative assistant was short-lived, so I was desperate. That position only lasted for about six months, and I was let go two weeks prior to Christmas day. I just knew I had to do something in order to continue to provide for my only child at the time and myself. I’ve always been a hard worker and love being independent. I gave birth to my business after having an epiphany one day while at my mother’s house, helping her clean. I said to myself, “I’m just too good at this, to not be getting paid for it.” I brought this idea to my mom, and she was all in, and she actually purchased my first set of supplies. I started with the basics; mop, broom, bleach, comet, windex and Lavender Fabuloso. Let me say this, the dollar store was my favorite place to visit at this time. I had the experience of cleaning my own home, but I knew I had to put a stamp on others. Although I didn’t have the best of supplies, I made miracles happen!
My first customer, I’ll never forget because it humbled me as an upcoming boss. I would drive roughly about 45 minutes from my home to go clean 2 full-size bathrooms for $20 every two weeks. Although that was just my gas money, I didn’t care. That experience of going into someone’s home I didn’t know to provide a cleaning service was just a taste of what I was getting myself into. That’s when the mold began to develop. Keep in mind, I thought this was going to be a side hustle and to know what it’s grown into now, astonishes me!
Eventually, I started to utilize social media and take advantage of the benefits it offered. I turned my personal Instagram into my business page. Friends and family began to support my business and book appointments with me. A lot of those friends became clients who I still service till this day. The love and support I was receiving from the community really kept me going, and still pushes me on my hardest days. I quickly became “The Buzz” on social media and via word of mouth about my cleaning services as well as the prices I offered. Most of my business is from referrals, and I love it.
Has it been a smooth road?
Winston S. Churchill stated, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” This statement stood out to me because I consider myself still on the road to reach and maintain success. Every day I am challenged in some form or fashion. I’m the owner, worker, booking coordinator, secretary, and accountant. I hold all the titles within my business. The main struggles and struggle along the way is maintaining reliable staff. I have a very secure and trusting relationship with all of my clients to be allowed in the most intimate parts of their homes. Having others represent you and your business is such a huge liability and I do not take that for granted. Setting high expectations for each employee is the framework for which I have built this business from day one. I want “Whip it Clean” to become a household brand name that exists in the realm of trust, service, and reliability. The development of this trademark is essential and will forever be a priority.
The struggle that affected me the most was being without a vehicle for three months.
At this time of my career, I was dealing with personal distress which leads to me losing my transportation. I had no way of servicing my clientele. I was basically about to throw the towel in. I didn’t think my clients would stick around and wait on me. I closed down my Instagram account. People would still reach out to see what arrangements could be made, I honestly felt useless. My business was my baby, I would still write down goals because I knew the car was coming I just didn’t know when.
Once I was gifted a vehicle, there was no turning back. I reached out to all my clientele and told them I was back active, created an entirely new Instagram, created a Whip It Clean! Facebook and put a decal on the rearview window of my car. I went in headfirst. The love I was shown was truly overwhelming. They missed me and needed me, they made it very clear. It was time to go into full-time grind mode.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am known as, “The Cleaning Lady” and to be honest, I honor that title. I have made a name for myself in Houston and surrounding areas because of the power within my hands. I give all the glory to God, he has kept me healthy and able to provide my skills to those in need. I care about each client and their unique cleaning needs. Every cleaning we take on is customized to the client’s needs, that’s what sets us apart. We are unlike your typical cleaning company because we actually CARE about your special request. My business is here to provide reasonable and impeccable cleaning services. We specialize in deep cleaning and organization for those who just don’t have the time. I’m proud that my business continues to strive with such grace and yet this is just the beginning.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is a GREAT city for a business like mine. Houston is huge and has so many outskirts that you can branch-off too and advertise your business. Houston is always holding social events where you can network and promote your business. You as a business owner have to set standards and goals for yourself to achieve success. Success doesn’t just fall in your lap, you have to want it.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I feel the quality of me being able to remain professional when encountered with very personal situations that could have greatly affected my business, is a very important asset to my success. I’ve fought so hard to keep my business going, even when it was just me alone handling the clients. Plenty of long days have turned into long nights. Late payments have turned into non-payments. Believe me, it’s hard being young, mother, black and a woman owning a growing business. I had to learn the hard way the difference between having a professional mind-set and business one QUICK. So many people will try to use their personal relationship with you to obstruct your business relationship you’re trying to build.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whipitcleanhou.com/
- Phone: 8329911145
- Email: whipitclean15@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/whipitcleanofhoutx?igshid=e3kusx1hx3xt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhipItCleaning/?ref=br_rs
Image Credit:
Keyia Thomas
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