Today we’d like to introduce you to Thoressa Sanford-Love.
Hi Thoressa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey to becoming a business owner wasn’t traditional, but it was purposeful. Before opening Royal Rinse, I spent 16 years in federal government service, where I served in leadership roles within Human Resources. I led incredible teams, managed large scale staffing operations, and built a career centered around service, leadership, and helping people grow. From the outside looking in, I had what many would consider a stable and successful career.
But deep down, I knew God was calling me to something bigger.
Entrepreneurship was never just about owning a business for me. It was about building something meaningful, creating impact in my community, and showing others that it’s possible to reinvent yourself at any stage in life.
That vision led to the creation of Royal Rinse, a modern, family-friendly laundromat in Elkridge, Maryland. I wanted to create more than just a place where people wash clothes. I wanted to create an experience. Growing up, laundromats were often viewed as stressful or unpleasant spaces, so I intentionally designed Royal Rinse to feel clean, welcoming, safe, and community-centered. From the bright atmosphere and children’s area to the coinless technology and customer service, every detail was created with care.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Like many small business owners, I’ve faced delays, setbacks, and moments where I questioned everything. But through every challenge, I’ve learned resilience, patience, and the importance of trusting the process. Building Royal Rinse from the ground up has stretched me in ways I never imagined, but it has also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Today, I’m proud to be building a brand that reflects excellence, faith, perseverance, and community. My story is still being written, but if there’s one thing I hope people take away from it, it’s this: sometimes the biggest blessings are on the other side of the scariest decisions.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. The road to opening Royal Rinse has been filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments that tested me mentally, emotionally, and financially. But honestly, those struggles helped shape both me and the business into what we are today.
One of the biggest challenges was transitioning from a stable 16-year federal career into entrepreneurship. In government, there’s structure, predictability, and security. Business ownership is the complete opposite. Suddenly, every decision, every expense, and every obstacle rests on your shoulders. That shift was both exciting and terrifying.
The process of opening the laundromat itself came with several unexpected hurdles. We experienced construction and equipment delays even after obtaining occupancy approval. There were moments where we were paying bills still couldn’t fully operate because of issues outside of our control. We dealt with technical problems, inspections, repairs, and equipment malfunctions that delayed opening timelines and created additional stress. There were days when it felt like every time we solved one problem, another one appeared.
Financially, entrepreneurship requires a level of sacrifice that many people don’t see behind the scenes. There’s a lot of investing before you ever see a return, and you have to remain committed even during uncertain moments. Mentally and emotionally, it can also be exhausting because as a business owner, you carry the responsibility of making sure everything works from operations and customer service to marketing and problem-solving.
At the same time, being a woman entrepreneur stepping into an industry that’s often male dominated came with its own learning curve. I had to quickly become knowledgeable about things I never imagined I’d be troubleshooting, electrical systems, plumbing, commercial equipment, vendor negotiations, and facility operations. I joke all the time that people shouldn’t let the pretty nails fool them because I’ve become extremely hands on throughout this process.
But despite all of the challenges, I wouldn’t change the journey. Every obstacle taught me resilience, patience, adaptability, and faith. The difficult moments made the victories even more meaningful. Seeing customers walk into Royal Rinse and genuinely enjoy the experience reminds me why I started in the first place. It confirmed that sometimes the hardest roads lead to the most rewarding destinations.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Royal Rinse is a modern, family-friendly laundromat located in Elkridge, Maryland, created with the goal of redefining what the laundromat experience can feel like. We specialize in self-service laundry, wash-dry-fold services, oversized item cleaning such as comforters, and pickup and delivery services for customers who need added convenience.
What really sets Royal Rinse apart is that we intentionally built the business around the customer experience. Traditionally, laundromats have not always been viewed as inviting or enjoyable spaces, so I wanted to create an environment that felt clean, welcoming, safe, modern, and community-centered. From the moment customers walk through the door, we want them to feel the difference.
We’re known for our cleanliness, customer service, and atmosphere. Our laundromat features brand-new industrial machines, bright lighting, plenty of folding space, comfortable seating, televisions, and even a children’s area with books and activities for families. We’re also fully coinless, offering easy payment options via cash and cards through our kiosks, and app, which allows customers to track their cycles and receive notifications right from their phones.
Another thing that sets us apart is the level of hospitality we provide. We don’t just want people to wash clothes and leave, we want them to feel valued while they’re here. Whether it’s helping first-time customers understand the machines, keeping the facility spotless throughout the day, or simply greeting people with a smile, we believe the small details matter.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Royal Rinse represents excellence, resilience, and community. Every detail of the brand was intentional, from our signature blue color palette to our slogan, “Your clothes deserve the Royal Treatment!” We wanted the brand to feel elevated while still being approachable and family-oriented.
I’m also proud that Royal Rinse reflects my personal journey. This business was built through faith, perseverance, long nights, setbacks, and determination. It’s more than a laundromat to me, it’s proof that taking a leap of faith can create something meaningful not just for yourself, but for your community as well.
What I want readers to know most is that Royal Rinse was built with heart. We genuinely care about our customers and the experience they have with us. We’re not just washing clothes, we’re creating a space where people feel comfortable, respected, and cared for. That’s what makes us different, and that’s what we hope people remember every time they visit us.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I would say resilience has been the most important quality contributing to my success. Entrepreneurship will test you in ways you can’t fully prepare for. There will be setbacks, delays, unexpected expenses, long nights, and moments where things don’t go according to plan. Being resilient is what keeps you moving forward even when things get difficult.
Faith has also played a major role in my journey. Leaving a 16-year federal career to step into entrepreneurship required a tremendous amount of trust in God, especially during moments of uncertainty. I’ve learned that sometimes you won’t always have all the answers or see the full picture, but you still have to keep showing up, putting in the work, and trusting the process.
Another quality that has helped me is being people-centered. Whether in my former leadership roles or now as a business owner, I genuinely care about creating positive experiences for others. I believe people remember how you make them feel, and I’ve carried that mindset into every aspect of Royal Rinse. From customer service to the atmosphere we create, I always want people to feel seen, valued, and appreciated.
I also believe adaptability has been key. Owning a business has forced me to learn things far outside of my comfort zone: operations, marketing, equipment troubleshooting, vendor negotiations, and so much more. Being willing to learn, pivot, and grow has made a huge difference in navigating challenges and continuing to build the brand successfully.
At the core of it all, though, I think success comes from having the courage to keep going even when the journey gets hard.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.royalrinse.net
- Instagram: royalrinse301
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580077250456
