Today we’d like to introduce you to Cierra Wilson
Hi Cierra, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was 23 when I found out I was pregnant with my son, and by 24, I became a mother. I had plans of building a life with his father, but life had other plans for me. He moved to Detroit, leaving me to navigate motherhood alone. That was the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.
Before getting pregnant, I was thriving—working multiple jobs, living in my own apartment, and driving my own car. But once I became pregnant, things slowly spiraled downhill. My lease was up for my apartment, and my car broke down. I found myself bouncing between friends’ and family members’ homes for two years and living in hotels. It felt like my life had hit rock bottom, and there were many nights I cried myself to sleep, unsure of how I’d rebuild.
I leaned heavily on my faith and spent countless nights reading my Bible, praying for clarity and strength. I knew I had to figure out my life, not just for me but for my son.
Working at Popeyes for $7.75 an hour, I told customers, “One day, I’m going to start my own cleaning company.” I meant it, and my son became my greatest motivation. Despite not knowing much about business, I created business cards, got an EIN, and started wearing my best clothes to meet clients, dressing as if I was interviewing for a corporate job.
At first, I didn’t have professional supplies or uniforms—just a black shirt and blue jeans. But I worked hard, stayed up late creating contracts and templates, and networked with other business owners to learn as much as I could. Slowly but surely, Na’ava Janitorial & Cleaning Service was born.
In the beginning, I worked alone, cleaning homes and commercial spaces, sometimes laughing at how little I charged. But I learned quickly. Over time, as demand grew, I began hiring single mothers and individuals from low-income families who needed work, just like I once did.
Every morning, I’d pass out flyers, sometimes with my son in tow, determined to build something lasting. Within two and a half years, I expanded the company, hired a team of four, and later added supervisors to help manage operations. At its peak, Na’ava Janitorial & Cleaning Service LLC generated $80,000 to $100,000 and employed over 40 people. I became confident in my ability to lead, grow, and manage a business.
But I didn’t stop there. I realized that business success wasn’t just about money—it was about personal growth. I took business courses, learned how to manage finances, and developed my leadership skills. I even went back to school and earned certifications in various fields to expand my opportunities.
Over the past nine years, I’ve achieved milestones that once felt impossible. I became the first in my family to travel the world, the first to write and publish books, and the first to buy my own home. I co-wrote The Butterfly Transformation with my son, and together we generated over $8,000 in eight months. The book uses the metaphor of a butterfly’s life cycle to inspire others to overcome challenges and embrace personal growth.
I also became a Life Development Expert, helping others in their spirituality, transforming their personal lives, starting businesses, and achieving their goals.
Today, I’m not just a business owner—I’m a speaker, author, and coach, committed to empowering others. My story is proof that even when life feels like it’s falling apart, faith, determination, and resilience can lead to unimaginable growth. What started as a young mother trying to find her way has blossomed into an empire. I go by the name “Empress” which signifies leadership and authority, And i’m letting you know this is just the beginning.
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?
My entrepreneurial journey has been anything but smooth; it has been a path fought with challenges and personal sacrifices. From the outset, I faced skepticism from my own family. Many thought I was “crazy” for dreaming big, as they had never witnessed dreams materialize into reality. Their doubts often manifested as ridicule, leaving me feeling isolated and misunderstood. Sharing my plans was met with blank stares or dismissive comments, making it clear that my vision was mine alone to uphold.
Being the “black sheep” of the family, I was accustomed to standing apart. My mother affectionately called me her “special child,” a term I grew to embrace, recognizing that being different was, in itself, a unique strength. She often remarked on my resilience, suggesting that her toughness on me was a testament to her belief in my strength. Unlike my siblings, who received more direct support from our parents, I was often left to navigate life’s challenges independently. Raised partially by my grandmother, a deeply spiritual woman, I see now how much of her strength and perspective have shaped me.
Throughout my journey, it often felt as though the world was against me. However, I learned to transform adversity into motivation. After moments of despair, I would allow myself to grieve, then rise with renewed determination. This cycle of release and resilience became my driving force.
In the face of familial skepticism, I found strength within. I realized that the lack of external validation made me more self-reliant and determined. This internal fortitude not only propelled my business forward but also fostered personal growth. Over time, as my successes became evident, some family members began to acknowledge and support my endeavors. Yet, the initial lack of belief served as a powerful lesson: true validation comes from within, and one’s worth isn’t determined by others’ perceptions.
Reflecting on my journey, I recognize that the struggles I faced were instrumental in shaping the person I am today. Each challenge taught me resilience, each doubt strengthened my resolve, and each setback fueled my ambition. While the road was arduous, it led me to a place of empowerment and purpose, underscoring the belief that adversity can be a powerful catalyst for growth.
As you know, we’re big fans of Na’ava Janitorial & Cleaning Service LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Na’ava Janitorial & Cleaning Service LLC was established with a heartfelt mission: to empower single parents and individuals seeking flexible employment opportunities. Recognizing the unpredictable nature of the economy and the struggles of low-wage jobs—especially in cities like Atlanta, where homeless populations and underemployed young adults face daily challenges—our founder was driven by a deep desire to serve those in need. She has always viewed herself as an equal, deeply understanding the hardships faced by others, and has consistently sought ways to uplift families in any way possible. Her philanthropic spirit shines through her actions; when families are in need of essentials like food or clothing, she tirelessly works to provide assistance, embodying the true essence of giving back.
At Na’ava, we specialize in a wide range of services, including organizational solutions, property turnover, green cleaning, and both residential and commercial cleaning. We are committed to delivering exceptional results and creating customized cleaning packages tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Our goal is not just to clean spaces but to restore smiles, especially for clients who have been disappointed by previous cleaning experiences. We take pride in going above and beyond to exceed expectations.
What truly sets Na’ava apart from other cleaning companies is our dedicated commitment to community and empowerment. We don’t just offer cleaning services; we create opportunities. By providing flexible schedules and pathways to financial stability, we empower individuals to regain control of their lives. Additionally, our focus on green cleaning practices underscores our dedication to environmental responsibility, ensuring that our services are safe for both our clients and the planet.
As a brand, we are most proud of our reputation for reliability, quality, and community engagement. Our clients trust us not only for our top-notch cleaning services but also for our genuine commitment to making a positive impact. Choosing Na’ava means choosing a company that values people, the environment, and the betterment of society as a whole.
For a closer look at our services, community involvement, and inspiring journey, follow us on social media:
TikTok: @naavajancleaning7
Instagram: @naavajanitorialcleaning and @naavajcs
Facebook: Na’ava Janitorial Cleaning Organizing
At Na’ava, we’re more than just a cleaning service—we’re a movement of empowerment, care, and positive change. Thank you for supporting our mission and being part of this journey.
To get your copy of The Butterfly Transformation, visit Google.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, or Barnes & Noble. Our book is available on all major platforms! This is another brand that I am most proud of as well.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Embarking on the journey to establish Na’ava Janitorial & Cleaning Service LLC. Starting this business alone had required numerous risks, especially given my initial lack of business acumen. I ventured into entrepreneurship without prior knowledge of forming a legitimate LLC or sole proprietorship, navigating the complexities of business registration and legal compliance on my own.
One of the early challenges was creating an online presence. Despite not being computer-savvy, I took it upon myself to design our first website. In hindsight, the site had its shortcomings—dark, unclear images and a less-than-professional layout—but at the time, it represented a significant achievement. I recognized the necessity of having a website, even if it wasn’t perfect, to establish credibility.
Marketing the business was another area where I faced uncertainty. Unfamiliar with digital marketing strategies, I explored various online platforms to list Na’ava, aiming to enhance our visibility and legitimacy. This trial-and-error approach was risky, as it involved time and resources without guaranteed results.
Investing in products and tools without prior experience posed financial risks. I purchased various supplies, learning through experience which were effective and which were not. The evolving nature of the cleaning industry meant that staying current with trends and technologies was essential, requiring continuous investment and adaptation.
The shift from traditional marketing to digital platforms introduced new challenges. Initially, business promotion relied heavily on business cards and word-of-mouth referrals. However, the rise of social media necessitated building an online presence, engaging with followers, and regularly updating content. This transition was daunting, as it required skills and strategies I had yet to develop.
Operational risks were a constant concern. There were instances when positions within the company were unfilled, compelling me to assume multiple roles to ensure client commitments were met. Coordinating with staff, managing schedules, and bidding on projects without prior experience added layers of complexity and uncertainty.
Financial uncertainty was perhaps the most pervasive risk. Investing time and money into the business without assurance of success was a continuous challenge. Purchasing supplies, marketing the services, and managing daily operations required financial outlays that strained limited resources.
In client interactions, I often found myself navigating uncharted waters. Without extensive industry knowledge, I approached potential clients with confidence, sometimes improvising during discussions to convey professionalism and competence. This approach was risky, as any misstep could jeopardize the business’s reputation.
Reflecting on these experiences, it’s evident that the path to building Na’ava was laden with risks. Each challenge required stepping into the unknown, making decisions without certainty, and learning from the outcomes. These experiences not only shaped the business but also fostered personal growth, resilience, and adaptability. The updated website looks a whole lot better and professional but I took years. www.naavacleaningservices.com. I’m learning everything happen in due time just be ready when I come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.naavacleaningservices.com
- Instagram: @NAAVAJCS
- Facebook: Na’ava Janitorial Cleaning Organizing
- LinkedIn: Cierra Wilson Na’ava Janitorial & Cleaning Service LLC
- Youtube: True Healing Success
- Yelp: Na’ava Janitorial & Cleaning Service
- Other: @naavajancleaning7
Image Credits
Cierra Empress Wilson
