Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in home care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Swaara Espinoza, Owner of Maid4Condos, located in Toronto, ON, CA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We provide Residential Cleaning Services. It's no secret that the condo market has been on the rise. As condo dwellers ourselves, we weren't satisfied with the cleaning services out there. So we decided to start our own. Having started from the bottom, we can see the impact we've made on the industry, and so can our clients! From large property management firms to homeowners and unit managers, we tend to attract a variety of customers. In addition to our top-quality services, affordable prices, and years of service industry experience, our clients trust us because we take their needs into account, truly becoming their partners-in-cleaning.

Tell us about yourself

Originally from México, I came to Canada 9 years ago. My English was limited at the time, so I couldn't find a job using my school degree from Mexico. I was spending my time cleaning my home and taking some English classes in the evenings. I used to live in a downtown condo and always wanted to start my own business. I decided to start cleaning and advertising the services in my neighborhood. In my head was a job that I could do until I was fluent in English or until my PR was approved. I was fully booked in a couple of months, and while walking around the neighborhood in between cleanings, I realized that I had the opportunity to create employment; I realized the fast-paced and busy lifestyles of people living in downtown Toronto. To keep up with their lifestyles and social life, it was evident that they needed help maintaining their home from a reputable company that offers a reliable, friendly, and convenient service that works with their busy schedules. Months later, I found a new market for short-term rental units (Airbnb) and got the experience I needed to manage staff capable of providing five-star service on short-term rentals. I also work with real estate agents in downtown Toronto and help them to have units ready for sale and rent anytime.

Co-founding this company has been a journey that has allowed me to foster the fast-paced lifestyle I have always craved. Maid4Condos has challenged and taught me in ways that have helped me grow as a leader and a person. It's difficult for me to put 100% into something I am not passionate about. With a Master's degree in communications and marketing, I was yearning for something I could sink my teeth into.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I am not sure if this has to do with being a business owner or that I started a business without speaking the language in a new country. Sometimes when I think about it, I can't believe that now we are a team of 35 + people with a great reputation in the cleaning industry. In my opinion one of the best independent cleaning services in Toronto. I am really proud of the ability to own a business and create jobs for other immigrants who are starting a new life in Canada. In my own experience, it's hard to start from zero in a new country; you can face many challenges finding your first job and a job where you are treated well. I am creating that for newcomers and those who want a career in the cleaning industry.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Understanding that you will fail many times and you have to keep going

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Do it! one small decision can change your entire life, do not be afraid of failure.
  2. Learn from the mistakes and try again; you can cry or feel frustrated when things are not going well. You are allowed to feel that way but feel the frustration once, let go, learn the lesson, and start over again.
  3. If your business requires a team, Always treat your team well. They should be your priority number 1 before customers.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Being a business owner requires love and passion for trying over and over again until you make it happen!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.maid4condos.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Maid4Condos
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maid4condos/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3AtYC1p

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.