Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in general services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melissa Lawrence, Manager of Mel's 101 Services, located in North York, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Mel's 101 Services' primary business is commercial and residential cleaning in the G.T.A additional services offered. Our customers are doctors, lawyers, and busy entrepreneurs who work at home and stay home moms. Mel's 101 Services also believes in giving back to the community, providing two free cleanings per month to families who are having medical challenges or undergoing cancer treatments. Mel's 101 Services also provides a free customize cleaning bucket with cleaning supplies to help the families with there day to day maintenance cleanings after we complete the first cleaning.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Melissa Lawrence, and I live in Toronto, married with three grown boys. I started my cleaning business from the back of my trailblazer with some cleaning supplies cleaning all the locations myself. How I started was I love helping people, I was assisting some seniors who needed help, and her daughter saw how I was taking such good care of her mom; she started referring me to all of her friends. And how I got my big break was when I registered the business and started to clean my church, they gave me a referral letter, and another prospective customer was looking for residential cleaning services. After completing that job, she referred me to all of her friends, and from that point, Mel's 101 Services was recognized. What motivates me I have a passion for business, and I love what I do, helping people with the services that I offer as a professional cleaning export.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I was advertised in the Toronto Start Community Spotlight, giving back to the community. And I am partnered with Cleaning For A Reason Helping women who are undergoing cancer treatment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the challenges that I sometimes have is having enough income after expenses to pay your employees and yourself. And handling the day-to-day operation wearing all the hats.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Make sure you research the business you want to start and know the industry, register your business, and have all the requirements needed to start your business. And having a business plan.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
What I would like to share is in business, you will have your challenges but never give up. I am a faithful believer, believing that I can't do this without God. The bible says you can do all things with God, who gives you the strength. This is why I say to myself it doesn't matter how I feel because I will not give up, God is with me at all times, through the good and the bad, and I can do it with him who gives me the strength.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mels101services.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mels101/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mels_101_services/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-banton-79a80a166/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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