Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashlyn Wools.
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?
Clean Freak Cleaning Co was founded in our rental home spare bedroom in the year of 2020. I was working PRN at a local health clinic while raising our at the time two toddlers alongside my husband as a stay at home mom. I have always had a knack for entrepreneurship and cleaning as I formerly cleaned my church full time in my late teens and early 20s. The idea to foster Clean Freak sparked when I realized how challenging being a stay at home mom was. I realized how many women amongst myself felt the need for support and encouragement when it came to household responsibilities. All while trying to advocate for themselves as far as mental health and self care. I have always considered myself to be an advocate for mental health. When I was 18 I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. While the diagnoses and symptoms have added many challenges and obstacles to my career and journey with motherhood, I have also found my diagnosis to be empowering and inspiring in CFCCs journey to touch others lives through quality compassionate and genuine professional cleaning services. Through the years we have grown to a team of six employees and even reached our goal to have an office downtown in Pittsburg on Broadway. For about a year Clean Freak proudly held an office space which fostered connection and growth within the community. Looking back, I am so proud of the grit and dedication we had to get into our first office. However, within a year, clean freaks directions turned and we decided to close the office doors and go back to an in home based business. None the less, our successes have not hindered and I find Clean Freak to be even more submersed in community involvement and community engagement. Now we are a team of two. Myself and my colleague, Kalien who has worked alongside me for nearly two years this coming spring. With her help I have been able to focus on the growth of CFCC and have given back to the community of Pittsburg, KS. numerous times through silent auction proceeds, diaper drives, and free cleaning services to those who really need the help when time and resources allow. As business continues to grow and expand, our home life family did too, and we welcomed our third and final daughter, Jocelyn to our family. I am proud to be a mother, wife, and full time entrepreneur. The mission of Clean Freak is and will always be to provide for those in time of need, to support our community, and to foster hope and love to families. Especially to mothers whom may find themselves in the trenches of so many responsibilities and tasks. In nearly five years since forming Clean Freak Cleaning Company I have found the true purpose and meaning behind my business. I hope Clean Freak Cleaning Co can continue to be a light and resource in our community for many more years to come.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building a business and creating a brand from scratch has been the opposite of smooth. The struggles and obstacles that come with building a successful business have been time consuming and truthfully stressful at times. Personally, I think it’s vital to understand what is involved and what traits are necessary to be successful and sustainable. For me, balancing motherhood and self care have been the biggest challenge. I often hear “I don’t know how you do it all!” To be honest, I just show up, every day. Even when I’m tired and even when it’s really hard. I keep working and pushing forward for my family, my employees family, and for my community. I once read a quote that stated “A wise business woman knows when to pause, press, and pivot.” I have made that statement my mantra and I truly believe that statement is packed with wisdom. On the hard days, and there are many, I am equipped with wisdom from colleagues and friends that I have had the privilege to network with. I have found so many women in my community in the same industry, especially, Melissa Weed, of Honey Does, to be inspiring and supportive. By working together to ensure families cleaning needs are met, we can show up for our community and support each other’s journey. The stressful days will come and go but one truth remains, the good outweighs the negative and hard work and consistency always prevails.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Clean Freak offers many different options for cleaning services. Formally we offered the basics. Deep cleans, maintenance cleans (every week or biweekly), Post Construction cleans, Move in/out cleans, and also commercial cleans for office buildings, churches, and even medical laboratories. Recently we have made the decision to revamp our existing services and implement some fresh and new service ideas such as packages for expecting mothers, married couples, and empty nesters. Through these packages I feel confident that we can reach a wider audience and create more opportunities for business along with fostering connections to those in need of quality cleaning services. Our goal at Clean Freak Cleaning Company is to meet people where they are with that they have and to provide a lasting impact and professional impression. Beyond what services we offer and provide to our new and existing clientele, CFCC strives to go beyond what’s expected. We hope to provide a light and be a beacon of hope for families and businesses. We believe cleanliness is essential to physical and mental health. Especially for those of seniors which is why we offer incredible and affordable rates for our elderly clientele.
I am so proud to have created Clean Freak for many different reasons however I am most proud of the community involvement that we have contributed to. It’s an honor to donate cleaning services to silent auctions that benefit citizens of our community during some of the most challenging parts of their lives. Not only do proceeds go back to these individuals but someone also gets their space cleaned and revamped which makes a difference in more than just one persons life. We are a revolving door and we love to love people. I am most proud of our reputation for professionalism, communication, and community involvement. Truly, it’s an absolute honor to give back to a community that has supported us so much.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
This may come off as shocking but we still use a paper book schedule! While that would probably send many people into a frenzy, I have found that one doesn’t necessarily have to spend extra income on apps and software to be successful. Based on social media, influencers will tell you to invest in the newest products and technologies to be successful. However I have found for Clean Freak that is not always the case. For our workload and small employee count, paper works just fine for us and I intend to stick with simplicity until our workload forces us to do otherwise.
As far as podcast and blogs go, I tend to stick with TikTok and Facebook for motivational content and videos. Also, I encourage prospective entrepreneurs and even seasoned entrepreneurs to lean into spirituality and or religious practice. Rather it be finding support through therapy, yoga, meditation, or grounding techniques, self care is vital and through the love of Christ I have found comfort and strength to continue doing my best every day in our business journey.
