Today we’d like to introduce you to Ambria Bradshaw.
Hi Ambria, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from New Jersey, born and raised, and entrepreneurship has always been a part of my life. My mom owned a daycare business, and I remember being around 11 or 12 years old when she asked me if I wanted to help her after school and get paid every Friday. Of course, I said yes—I was so excited about the idea of earning my own money.
After finishing my homework each day, I would help her clean, organize, and assist with the children—whatever she needed. And every week, I looked forward to that little white envelope. It may have seemed small at the time, but it taught me the value of working for yourself, being consistent, and taking pride in what you do.
As I got older, I continued working. At 16, I got my first job at Kmart, and on the weekends, I worked at a local hair salon washing hair. That experience was really impactful for me. I was surrounded by successful, professional women who came in not just for services, but for a moment of self-care. I also worked closely with the salon owners, who constantly shared advice about business, discipline, and life. I didn’t realize it then, but I was soaking in so many lessons just by being in those environments.
Entrepreneurship continued to follow me into adulthood. I spent several years in Philadelphia for college, where I worked as a resident assistant, bartended in nightlife, and was constantly exposed to different business environments. One of my managers was extremely detail-oriented and observant, and I learned early on that the small details—how money is handled, how systems are set up, and how you protect your business—are what keep everything running smoothly.
During my final semesters, I worked as an assistant to a talent manager who represented producers, athletes, and creatives in the music industry. That experience opened a completely different world for me. I had the opportunity to intern with The Source Magazine, sit in on high-level meetings with music executives, and help manage everything from client communications to travel, video shoots, and even his real estate properties. I loved the fast-paced, behind-the-scenes nature of it all.
But working closely with a small business also showed me the realities that come with it. After graduating, although I was offered a position, the business wasn’t in a place to sustain a full salary. It was disappointing, but it was also a turning point.
Shortly after, my aunt invited me to help run operations for her business, which worked closely with a local school district. That experience was truly transformative. I learned how to manage staff, follow up on payments, navigate government-funded contracts, and understand the pressure of making payroll. Those were lessons I know I would not have learned in a classroom.
As I approached 30, I felt a strong desire to challenge myself in a new way. I wanted to step into a new city and see if I could rebuild, grow, and create something of my own again. That’s what led me to move to the DC area, encouraged by a close friend who saw that I needed that next step.
Once I got to DC, I was working a 9-to-5 at a startup tech company, living in a beautiful apartment, and enjoying the city. But I remember having this moment where I was exhausted. I didn’t want to spend my weekends cleaning, but I also wanted my space to feel clean and put together. And I thought to myself—there have to be other young professionals like me who feel the same way.
That’s where the idea for Bradshaw Cleaning Company was born.
At first, it was just an idea. But my uncle—who had always encouraged me to think bigger—kept pushing me. He would call me regularly, asking what I was doing to get the business off the ground and reminding me that I needed to start writing my own checks. At the time, I was hesitant. I had just started a new job, and the idea of building something from scratch felt overwhelming.
I officially formed my LLC in 2019, but I was still taking my time getting started. Then 2020 happened. I had just started a new position and was one of the first to be laid off when COVID hit. It was a scary moment, but it also forced me to take a leap.
I had this business sitting there—and I decided to go all in.
I started by creating flyers and posting them around my apartment building, offering special pricing for apartment cleanings. Slowly, people began reaching out. And I remember thinking, “Okay… this is real now.” I started doing the cleanings myself, building relationships with clients, and learning as I went.
But it didn’t take long for me to realize I couldn’t do it alone. Hiring my first team members was one of the scariest steps—but also one of the most important. And from there, the business grew organically through referrals, consistency, and a genuine commitment to creating an experience that made people feel taken care of.
Today, Bradshaw Cleaning Company services both residential and commercial clients, allowing us to not only take care of people’s homes, but also support businesses in maintaining clean, welcoming, and well-kept environments. Whether it’s a home or a workspace, the goal has always been the same—to lighten the load and create spaces that people can feel good in.
What started as a simple idea to help busy professionals has grown into a trusted, full-service company—and it’s all rooted in the lessons, experiences, and people who shaped me along the way.
“At the end of the day, it’s not just about cleaning—it’s about creating spaces that give people peace of mind, whether they’re living in them or building their businesses inside of them.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has absolutely not been a smooth road—and I don’t believe anything worthwhile or built to last ever is. This is truly a marathon, not a sprint. Being a small business owner and entrepreneur is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, experiences.
One of my biggest challenges, especially in the beginning, was staffing. Transitioning into the role of not just the owner, but also the recruiter, interviewer, and HR was a major adjustment. I quickly learned that the success of a business is directly tied to the strength of its team. Finding the right people—individuals who are reliable, professional, and aligned with your standards—is not easy. Over the years, I’ve experienced everything from employees not showing up, to poor communication, to situations where items were damaged in clients’ homes. Those moments are tough, especially when your name and reputation are attached to the service.
I’m now going into year six of business, and I’ve seen a wide range of challenges. One that stands out early on was an incident in a client’s newly renovated home. One of my team members used bleach while cleaning baseboards, which caused discoloration on brand-new carpet. I remember my heart dropping in that moment. Thankfully, I had taken advice early on to secure insurance, and it truly saved me in that situation. That experience alone reinforced how important it is to protect your business and be prepared for the unexpected.
There have been many moments like that—whether it’s operational issues, tight schedules, or even something as simple as dealing with parking and logistics in the DMV area. There’s always something that requires you to think quickly, problem-solve, and keep moving forward.
But I’ve come to appreciate those challenges. Each one has sharpened me as a business owner. They’ve taught me how to lead, how to communicate more effectively, and how to build stronger systems. I’m still very much a student of the process. I believe it’s important, especially in the early stages, to be deeply involved in your business—understanding the day-to-day operations, observing your team, and continuously refining how things are done.
Those real, hands-on experiences are what ultimately shape a strong, sustainable business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bradshaw Cleaning Company?
Bradshaw Cleaning Company is a residential and commercial cleaning service based in the DC metro area, built on consistency, attention to detail, and a high-touch client experience. We specialize in deep cleanings, recurring maintenance services, move-in/move-out cleanings, and turnover services, working with both individual clients and businesses to maintain clean, elevated spaces.
What truly sets us apart is our approach. For me, it’s always been about treating people the way I would want to be treated. I genuinely value great service and memorable experiences—whether that’s through travel, hospitality, or any service I receive.
I pay close attention to how spaces feel when I walk into a hotel or a well-maintained environment, from the smallest details to the overall atmosphere. That level of intention is exactly what I aim to bring into every space we service.
We specialize in being detail-oriented and thoughtful in our execution. It’s not just about completing a checklist—it’s about creating a feeling. We want our clients to feel seen, valued, and taken care of. Whether we’re servicing a home or a business, we tailor our approach to each client’s needs and preferences.
That also shows up in the small touches. From how a bed is made, to how items are organized, to leaving a space feeling refreshed and intentional—those details matter. My team and I are trained to go beyond the basics and create an experience that feels personal. Sometimes that looks like light organizing, adding thoughtful finishing touches, or simply leaving a space in a way that feels calm, elevated, and welcoming.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is that we’ve been able to build a company rooted in both professionalism and care. Our growth has been largely driven by referrals, which speaks to the trust we’ve built with our clients and the consistency we’ve maintained.
At the end of the day, what I want people to know about Bradshaw Cleaning Company is that we are intentional about the
experience we provide. It’s not just about cleaning—it’s about creating an environment where people feel lighter, more relaxed, and truly taken care of, whether that’s in their home or in their place of business.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I would say to anyone reading—don’t be afraid to start, even if you don’t have everything figured out. I didn’t have a perfect plan when I started Bradshaw Cleaning Company. I learned through experience, through challenges, and by staying consistent.
And I think it’s important to be honest about the journey—everything is not going to be easy. It’s not always going to be smooth. There will be mistakes, there will be challenges, and there will be moments where things don’t go as planned. What matters most is how you handle those moments.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned in business is the importance of being transparent, honest, and consistent. If something goes wrong, don’t avoid it—address it. Communicate with your clients, be upfront, and work toward a solution. Sometimes you may need a moment to process, and that’s okay—but keeping that line of communication open builds trust.
We’re very big on communication in my business. Being on time, following through, and even over-communicating when necessary are all things that have helped us grow and maintain strong relationships with our clients. I truly believe people are more understanding and flexible when you are honest with them.
I also believe in treating people the way you want to be treated. Life is already hard, and something as simple as being kind, being polite, or making someone feel seen can go a long way. Whether it’s saying good morning, checking in, or simply showing up with a positive attitude—those small moments can completely shift someone’s day.
At the end of the day, service is about more than just completing a task—it’s about how you make people feel. That’s something I carry with me in every aspect of my business.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin—you just have to be willing to start, stay consistent, and lead with honesty.”
Pricing:
- Deep Cleaning (Residential): Starting at $180 for 1 bed / 1 bath apartments
- Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning: Starting at $250+, depending on size and condition
- Commercial Cleaning: Custom quotes based on space size, scope, and frequency
- Hourly Cleaning Option: $110/hour (2-hour minimum) for targeted areas or specific tasks
- Final pricing is confirmed after reviewing photos or a video walkthrough, as condition, size, and level of detail can impact total cost.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bradshawcleaningcompany.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradshawcleaningco/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bradshawcleaningco/
