Today we’d like to introduce you to Simeon & Ruth of S&R Laundry Services.
Ruth, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, my husband and I both migrated from Guyana, South America many years ago. We’ve been married for 14 years and 3 years into our marriage we started S&R Laundry Services. It was not something we originally aspired to do together but S&R was created from what was simply a need of our own to providing a service that was not being offered in the local Baltimore area at the time.
One night in 2010, we were getting ready to do some laundry when we discovered our washer at home was out of commission. We decided to head out to the laundromat and while there, we wondered if there were any services in the area that would wash and fold your laundry without you having to leave your home. That thought turned into us creating a website and purchasing a car door magnet, all in a matter of days to promote our new venture. From that point, we started to work from our home and also used laundromats in the area. By 2012, my husband worked the business full time. In 2015, I also took the leap of faith and left my job to join my husband as our business grew . In September 2018, we were finally able to move into our own brick and mortar.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was a tough process when we first started while working from a small car and a few home machines. As we grew, limited access to machines proved difficult to service multiple customers in a timely manner so we had to expand to working out of our local laundromat. Another challenge was being a minority business owner, it was tough acquiring capital to start the business. We accomplished everything with the little profit from the business and a small amount of capital.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Know your worth. You shouldn’t have to lower your rates just to gain customers. The standards and quality of your work will speak for itself. We also learned to not focus on the competition. When we first started our business, we were the only ones offering this type of service in our area. Since that time, many similar businesses and apps have popped up. Our goal is to stay focused on what we do best, which is exceptional care & customer service so we can remain the #1 laundry pick up & delivery service in the Baltimore area.
Pricing:
- $1.99 per pound
- Blankets – $10+
- Comforters – $20+
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@cleanmylaundry.com
- Website: www.cleanmylaundry.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.rlaundry/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SR-Laundry-Services-1425599924355835/
Image Credits
GMC JR Consulting LLC https://www.facebook.com/georgemckenziejr
