Exploring Life & Business with Janae Banks of Sparkle of Hope Cleaning Foundation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janae Banks

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve had quite a journey that’s brought me to where I am today. I grew up in upstate New York, where I spent the majority of my life. From there, I moved to Georgia for two years, then headed to North Carolina, where I attended high school and college. Afterward, I found myself drawn to the energy and excitement of NYC, where I lived for ten years before eventually making the decision to move to Kansas City two years ago. That move was deeply personal for me—I wanted to be closer to my dad, who has been battling Parkinson’s disease. Being here has allowed me to support him in ways I couldn’t from afar, and while it’s been a challenging time, it’s also been incredibly meaningful.

Professionally, I’ve spent much of my career in customer service leadership roles, helping to lead teams and connect with people. But while I was managing my career, I was also managing my mental health. I’ve lived with bipolar depression and ADHD for as long as I can remember, and depressive episodes have been a recurring part of my life. Last year, I hit one of the lowest points I’ve ever experienced. I lost my job, experienced the loss of close family members, and fell into a deep depression. Things became so overwhelming that I ultimately ended up hospitalized.

When I returned home from the hospital, something unexpected lifted my spirits. My boyfriend had cleaned my entire apartment. Walking into that fresh, clean space after such a dark period felt like a reset button had been pressed on my life. That moment gave me the spark of inspiration I needed. I realized how much of a difference a clean, fresh environment can make when you’re battling mental health challenges. That’s when the idea for Sparkle of Hope Cleaning Foundation was born.

I wanted to take that feeling of relief, hope, and renewal that I experienced and share it with others who might be struggling. Through Sparkle of Hope, we provide free residential cleaning services and mental health resources to individuals in the Kansas City metro area who are experiencing depressive episodes. My hope is that we can make a small but meaningful impact, offering people a chance to reset, breathe, and feel cared for in their darkest moments.

The journey hasn’t been easy, and I still face moments of doubt and challenges with imposter syndrome. But every time I hear from someone we’ve helped, it reminds me why I started this and pushes me to keep going. It’s been an incredible experience so far, and I’m excited to continue growing this mission of hope and support.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. In fact, this journey has been one of the most challenging and transformative experiences of my life. Starting Sparkle of Hope Cleaning Foundation came from a deeply personal place, but turning an idea into reality while navigating my own mental health has been anything but easy.

One of the biggest struggles has been overcoming my own self-doubt and feelings of imposter syndrome. There were many moments when I questioned if I was capable of doing this—if I was the right person to start a nonprofit, if I was actually helping people, or if I was just out of my depth. That constant inner battle has been one of the hardest parts of this journey.

Another challenge has been balancing the emotional weight of our work. Many of the individuals we help are in incredibly difficult situations—facing depression, trauma, or other mental health challenges. It’s deeply rewarding to know that we’re making an impact, but it can also be emotionally heavy at times. I’ve had to learn how to maintain boundaries and take care of my own mental health while still being present and compassionate for others.

From a logistical perspective, getting a nonprofit off the ground while juggling multiple responsibilities has been tough. I work a full-time job during the week and a part-time job on the weekends, which leaves me squeezing in nonprofit tasks whenever I can. Early mornings, late nights, and missed weekends have become the norm. Thankfully, bringing on five incredible board members has made a world of difference. They’ve helped lighten the load and offered valuable guidance and support as Sparkle of Hope grows.

Finances have also been a significant hurdle. Since Sparkle of Hope is still in its early stages, we rely heavily on donations to fund our services. Finding consistent funding and support has been an ongoing challenge, and there have been moments when I’ve worried about how we’re going to keep everything running.

Despite all of this, what keeps me going is knowing the impact we’re having. Every message from a recipient who feels relief or hope because of our services reminds me why I started this in the first place. It hasn’t been smooth, but the bumps in the road have taught me resilience, patience, and the power of small, meaningful acts of kindness. With every challenge, I’m learning, growing, and finding new ways to serve the people who need us most.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Sparkle of Hope Cleaning Foundation is more than just a cleaning service—we are a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free residential cleaning services and mental health resources to individuals in the Kansas City metro area who are experiencing depressive episodes. Our mission is simple yet profound: to bring hope, relief, and renewal to those struggling with their mental health by creating a clean, peaceful living space that fosters healing and well-being.

We partner with professional cleaning companies to offer deep cleaning services to individuals who are overwhelmed by depression and unable to maintain their living space. Many people don’t realize how much their environment impacts their mental health, and for those battling depression, even small tasks like doing the dishes or making the bed can feel impossible. That’s where we come in.

We also provide mental health resources through our website and connect recipients with organizations and professionals who can help support their emotional well-being. Our goal is to not only clean their homes but also to remind them that they are not alone and that help is available.

What makes Sparkle of Hope different from other cleaning services or mental health initiatives is that we bridge the gap between mental health support and practical assistance. While many organizations focus on therapy or crisis intervention, we recognize that a clean home can be the first step toward recovery—helping to reduce stress, improve focus, and provide a sense of control during difficult times.

Another thing that sets us apart is our lived experience. As the founder, I have bipolar depression and ADHD and have personally experienced how hard it can be to take care of your home when you’re struggling mentally. Sparkle of Hope was born from my own journey and the kindness I received when I needed it most. This deep personal connection to our mission drives everything we do.

Brand-wise, we are most proud of the community of support we’ve built. We’ve been able to help individuals regain a sense of dignity, control, and hope through something as simple as a clean home. Hearing from recipients who say our services have helped them breathe easier, feel less alone, and even take steps toward healing is what makes this work so meaningful. We are also incredibly proud of becoming a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which allows us to expand our reach and make a bigger impact.

We want people to know that help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Sparkle of Hope exists to offer a helping hand, a fresh start, and a reminder that you are worthy of care and support.

We also rely on donations and volunteers to keep our mission alive. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us reach more people in need. If you’d like to support our work, please visit our website www.sparkleofhopecleaningfoundation.com to donate, volunteer, or request services.

At the end of the day, we don’t just clean homes—we restore hope. And that’s what Sparkle of Hope Cleaning Foundation is all about.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is making people feel good—there’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing I’ve helped someone feel lighter, more hopeful, or supported in their journey. My dog, Hudson, brings me so much joy with his unconditional love and goofy personality. My family, friends, and boyfriend are my biggest sources of love and support, always cheering me on no matter what. And karaoke—there’s just something about belting out a song that lifts my spirits and lets me fully enjoy the moment. These things remind me of the beauty in life, even during tough times.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sparkleofhopecleaningfoundation.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkleofhopecleaning/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sparkleofhopecleaningfoundation