Leah Wynne started cleaning for some local residents in October 2017, after deciding the daily commute to Lower Hutt was too much since having her daughter.
She started with a few basic cleaning products and equipment, and soon discovered there was a demand for house cleaning. She also really enjoyed being self-employed – “I can take control of my life, choose the hours that I work, and who I work with. It’s also a big challenge and that’s something I thrive on!”
And why cleaning? Leah says, “No one really likes cleaning do they? Actually, there are some aspects to cleaning that are fun, and it’s really satisfying to clean a room, like a kitchen, that has needed it for sometime. I enjoy having happy customers who can expect the same service every time.”
Leah works with a variety of customers – health, age, busyness, stressful events, or moving house can all contribute to the need for a household cleaner. “The most common reason that people get a cleaner in is that they want to have time in the weekend to spend with their families, or just to relax after a week of work! No one wants to spend their weekend cleaning!”
One of Leah’s business values is to be as environmentally conscious as possible. “This is for both the health of my customers, but very importantly, also for myself and my staff. A lot of my clients have small children, or are elderly, and I want my clients to be assured that their loved ones are not going to get sick because of harsh chemicals. I also don’t want to create a large ecological footprint.”
The business has grown steadily over the past 2 years – Leah now employs 3 people and is currently interviewing for a 4th. She has also set aside time for personal growth and has recently completed a Certificate in Small Business and a Certificate in Project Management, and is now working on a Money Management course. Leah’s vision for the future includes expanding the business into the wider Wellington region, and offering a de-cluttering and professional organisation service.
Leah is one of two successful recipients of the inaugural Carterton Growth Fund, and will be utilising the grant to accelerate marketing and generate leads in order to create employment opportunities in her business.