Exploring Life & Business with Ashlyn Swait of Clean Freak Cleaning Co.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlyn Swait.

Hi Ashlyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
One’s voice is their heart song. Not just what vibrates and bubbles from the vocal cords but the voice that erupts from the life one life, the struggle one overcomes, and the beauty one creates. A personal voice is forged and individual a cumulative story. This is mine—the story of my stay-at-home mom side gig that flourished into a full-blown small business. In 2019, I gave birth to my second daughter, Catherine Elizabeth. Months after her birth, the pandemic hit, and I was struck between keeping my job in the medical field (which I loved dearly) or staying at home with my daughters. I chose to work in the medical field as a medical assistant on PRN weekends and clean a house of friends once a week. Allowing me to have the best of both worlds. I got to work, which I have loved to do since I was very young, and I got to be with my children daily. Once I discovered how much I enjoyed cleaning and that I was, in fact, very good at it, I decided to advertise that I was looking for more homes in southeast Kansas to service.

As the months went on and word of mouth began to spread, my phone started ringing astonishingly. After months of prayer, I leaped. In January 2021, I decided to make this gig a full-time job. Fast forward to 2023, I now serve thirty-five families, three businesses, and three part-time employees. My business offers commercial, residential, One-time cleanings, Post Construction, and Move out / cleans. Because I believe I have the best team of cleaners in the four states, I’m blessed every day with the opportunity to spend time with my now three daughters. My business is a legacy I want to leave behind for them as I grow older. Clean Freak Cleaning Co. is more than just a small business. We are part of a community that we love and cherish. We have partnered with SEK diaper stock twice, raising funds and collecting diapers for those in need in our community; we have been featured in our local newspaper, The Morning Sun, several times for the various fundraisers we have held for our beloved community, including “Pennies for Paras.”

Along with giving back, I have had the opportunity to meet the most amazing people through my business. In 2022 I joined Pittsburg Area Young Professionals, an organization great for networking, volunteering, and personal growth. Each month of the year, PAYP holds a fundraiser for local charities. In June of 2022, Clean Freak Partnered with PAYP to raise $1,000 in diapers and wipes distributed by the Southeast Kansas Diaper Stock and coordinator, Julie Laverack of Pittsburg, Kansas.

Since 2023 is nearly halfway over, this has been Clean Freaks’ most successful year. My business can be a story and a light to those in the trenches, beginning a small business while jumping the hurdles it takes to conduct a successful business plan. The cleaning industry has been challenging, but I am thrilled and honored to have created something like Clean Freak Cleaning Co from scratch.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As much as I wish I could say that building a business hasn’t given me gray hair, I would be letting down the next aspiring entrepreneur. Learning to conduct the right audience as a potential clientele and navigating motherhood while running a successful business has been more than challenging. Other challenges have been:

• Prioritizing my personal and work time.
• Learning to “clock out.”
• Finding my niche would lead to networking.

Looking back, I remember turning our old rental house spare bedroom into a small office in 2021. I would stay up nearly all night (the only quiet time I had with small children) studying the cleaning industry, typing quotes, and learning how to invoice. The exhaustion was real, and that was challenging in itself. However, I believe something good comes with hard work and perseverance. Building a business is just standing on a mountain of failures and failed attempts until you find what works. I’m grateful for those long nights that lead to a solid foundation for Clean Freak Cleaning Co.

As you know, we’re big fans of Clean Freak Cleaning Co. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
Clean Freak Cleaning Co. is a professional cleaning company in Southeast Kansas certified by the American House Cleaners Association. We are known for deliverance. We offer what we deliver. We have a five-star rating and promote satisfaction. If asked, our clients would tell you Clean Freak Cleaning Co. It is timely and very responsive. Clean Freak is always ready to serve.

What are your plans for the future?
Currently, my biggest goal as an entrepreneur is to widen my margins and occupy an office outside my home. This goal will be attainable by 2024. Along with that, I would like to purchase a company vehicle. Something will likely happen soon.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CLEAN.FREAK620?mibextid=ZbWKwL