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Community Highlights: Meet Sophia Shannon of Time To Clean Janitorial

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Shannon

Hi Sophia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Sophia Shannon and I’m the owner of Time To Clean Janitorial LLC. My business was established in 2016. Time To Clean Janitorial provides move out residential cleanings, commercial cleanings and I’m also a philanthropist. I provide discounted and sometimes free cleanings to seniors, I donate school supplies, gifts for Christmas, free cleanings for cancer survivors and meals for Thanksgiving. Giving back to the community and supporting causes that align with my values is a priority for me. I am proud to consider myself a philanthropist, dedicated to making a meaningful impact through my contributions and support. I started my business as a side hustle but God had bigger plans for me to turn this hustle into a business. At first I started out as a solo cleaner which was amazing because I’m an introvert so that means I loved being by myself LOL. But as it began to grow I of course had to hire help so at times I have to be a little more open because now I’m dealing with more people. At the moment I have 3 government contracts and several contracts with apartment complexes. This journey was and still is not an easy one. There’s always ups and downs when it comes to being an entrepreneur. You have slow seasons and you have busy seasons. You have wins and you have losses. And let’s not forget about personal issues on top of it all. Back in 2018 I was in a bad car accident that left me in the hospital for 2 weeks. I asked God why me, I cried for so many nights and began to question my faith with God because I just knew my business was over. But I was resilient. I brushed myself off healed and kept going then so many blessings began to come my way which restored my faith. What I’ve learned from all of this is to stand strong in whatever I’m going through, never give up and keep God first. I knew this was my purpose when God never let my business fail and I thank him and I appreciate every client I have. My business is doing amazing I’ve written a ebook and soon I’ll have environmentally friendly products available on one of my websites. It’s a lot that I’m still learning while being a business owner but I can truly say that starting this business has been one of the best things that ever happened in my life.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a cleaning business owner, there are several challenges and obstacles that may arise. This can be from Finding and retaining reliable and skilled employees, hiring and retaining trustworthy and hardworking cleaners. High turnover rates and finding employees who are a good fit for the job can be difficult. Balancing the workloads and scheduling of cleaning jobs can be challenging, especially during peak seasons or when unexpected cancellations or rescheduling occur. Another challenge can be dealing with competition. The cleaning industry is competitive, and standing out from other cleaning businesses can be a struggle. Finding ways to differentiate your services and attract new clients can be a constant challenge. Also Handling customer complaints and issues. Customer complaints or issues, such as missed appointments, quality of service concerns, or pricing disputes, can be stressful and time-consuming. Managing finances and cash flow can be a huge challenge. Keeping track of expenses, managing cash flow, and ensuring that the business remains profitable can be a struggle, especially for small cleaning businesses with limited resources.
And the last obstacle I can think of would be adapting to changing industry regulations. Staying up-to-date on industry regulations, safety standards, and environmental requirements can be challenging, especially as they evolve over time.
Despite these challenges, being a cleaning business owner can also be rewarding and fulfilling, as you have the opportunity to provide valuable services to clients and make a positive impact on their lives and environments.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As a cleaning business owner, I take pride in providing high-quality and reliable cleaning services to my clients. With years of experience in the industry, I have built a team of skilled and dedicated cleaners who are committed to delivering exceptional results. I prioritize customer satisfaction and strive to exceed expectations with every cleaning job we undertake.
I am constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate our services, whether it’s through using eco-friendly cleaning products, implementing new cleaning techniques, or staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends. I understand the importance of a clean and organized space in both residential and commercial settings, and I am dedicated to helping my clients achieve that.
I value professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail in all aspects of my business, from customer service to the actual cleaning process. I am grateful for the trust and loyalty of my clients and am committed to continuing to provide top-notch cleaning services that make a positive impact on their lives and environments.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
As an entrepreneur, I have learned that the journey of building and growing a business is not always easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. It requires dedication, hard work, resilience, and a willingness to take risks. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but it is important to stay focused on your goals and keep moving forward.
It’s okay to make mistakes and face failures along the way. These experiences are opportunities for learning and growth. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and advisors who can offer guidance and encouragement during tough times.
Remember to celebrate your wins, no matter how small they may seem. Each accomplishment, no matter how insignificant it may appear, is a step towards success. Stay true to your vision and values, and always strive to create a positive impact with your business.
Above all, believe in yourself and your abilities. Trust in your passion, determination, and resilience to overcome any obstacles that come your way. Entrepreneurship is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to adapt and evolve. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and never stop pursuing your dreams. You have the power to create something extraordinary, so keep pushing forward and never give up.

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