Tannis

"'Maid by Me' allows me to control my own destiny and make my own success.”

Tannis, known as “Tan,” had her own greeting-card business in Canada before she came to the U.S. in 2003. She had no experience in the cleaning industry, but fell into it when a friend asked her if she wanted to earn some extra money by helping a family member paint his house. The homeowner was so impressed by her work that he asked for her housekeeping help on a regular basis

In the last year, Tan has quickly built a base of 20 clients for her residential janitorial service business, Maid By Me, and has developed a following on Yelp.com. Tan differentiates her business by using only natural cleaning products like baking soda, vinegar, steam, and lemons. She loves a challenge now and then, like carpet stains, candle wax, and hard water deposit removal. She prides herself in not leaving anything unfinished.

Currently, Tan does not have the equipment or staff to service more than three houses a day, and has to turn down clients. Her lack of credit history made her ineligible for a bank loan or a credit card. She is grateful for a $2,000 loan from Opportunity Fund, which she will use to purchase two heavy-duty vacuums, cleaning supplies, and an outdoor storage container.

Tan has one dedicated full-time employee, and in the future would like the ability to add to her staff so she can take on more of a business management role.

She says, “One day when I expand, my staff will clean as I do...no exceptions! I’ve been running the show for about a year and a half now with much success. Success in my definition is keeping my clients happy--not just satisfied.”

Learn more on the Maid by Me website at http://www.creamofthecrops.toesinthegrass.info/html/maid_by_me.html .




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