Interstar Salaam shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Interstar , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes, actually. My business, Interstar Cleaning Services, recently hit a major milestone that I’m very proud of. I’ve always wanted to expand, and while I first attempted it in 2021, I realized I needed to pause, focus on improving my services, and position myself for higher level clientele.
In May 2025, I took a leap of faith, purchased a home with my fiancée, and relocated to Columbia, SC to expand Interstar Cleaning Services into a brand-new market. It was both exciting and intimidating, knowing I’d be starting from scratch. With a mindset that failure wasn’t an option, I committed to pushing forward, especially into the federal and state contracting sectors.
That process required patience, faith, and honestly a lot of paperwork, which has never been my strong suit. Thankfully, my fiancée, who has served 19 years in the Army as a Chief Warrant Office Three (CW3). Her military career, rooted in human resources, has given her a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of compliance and administration. She ensured everything was handled correctly and efficiently. This is work that often takes businesses months to figure out or requires costly outsourcing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Interstar Salaam, and I am the founder of Interstar Cleaning Services, a multi-award winning commercial and post-construction cleaning company I launched in 2011. What began in Atlanta as a vision to deliver reliable, high-quality cleaning solutions has since grown into a trusted brand, recently expanding into Columbia, South Carolina.
Interstar Cleaning Services has been nominated “Best of Georgia” five years in a row, and today we are proud to be federal-ready, holding both a UEI and CAGE code through SAM.gov. This allows us to actively pursue contracts at the federal level, in addition to serving corporate and private clients. We are also a registered vendor with the State of South Carolina, expanding our ability to deliver high-quality services to government and commercial partners across the region.
What makes our brand unique is our partnership-driven approach. We don’t just clean spaces; we create opportunities by building strong subcontractor networks. As a prime contractor, Interstar manages compliance, administration, and invoicing, allowing our partners to focus on their core business.
Our specialties include commercial janitorial services, post-construction, remodeling cleanup, carpet and floor restoration. At the heart of what we do is a commitment to excellence, consistency, and trust.
This journey has also been personal. Expanding into South Carolina was both exciting and daunting, but with the support of my fiancée Felicia, we’ve built a strong foundation for growth. Together, we’re scaling Interstar Cleaning Services into new markets while staying true to our values.
Looking ahead, our mission is clear: to position Interstar Cleaning Services as a premier partner for state and federal facilities while continuing to serve our community with integrity and professionalism. My story is one of faith, resilience, and vision. I hope it inspires others to know that with discipline and belief, you can create something truly lasting and impactful.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful takes me back to high school. At a very young age, I was faced with making difficult decisions—choices that carried real weight and ultimately shaped the path I’m on today. It was a defining moment, one that showed me I had the strength and clarity to handle adult responsibilities long before many of my peers. That experience gave me a lasting sense of power, and for it, I remain deeply thankful.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’m extremely proud of how far you’ve come. Keep pushing forward; big things are on the horizon. Continue to trust and lean on God, and he will see you through every step of the way.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Right now, I’m fully committed to expanding my business, Interstar Cleaning Services, into Columbia, SC. This expansion is more than just a project; it’s a vision I refuse to let go of, no matter how long it takes to achieve. At this stage, my patience is being tested more than ever, but I remind myself daily that great things require time, resilience, and unwavering confidence. Every challenge along the way is shaping me for what’s ahead, and I know the outcome will be worth the journey. For me, this is bigger than business. It’s about creating a lasting legacy, building opportunities for others, and proving that persistence can turn vision into reality.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope the story people tell about me is that I never gave up, no matter how difficult the challenges were. That I faced obstacles with faith, patience, and determination, and kept moving forward even when the odds were stacked against me. More than anything, I want to be remembered as someone who stayed true to her vision, created opportunities for others, and proved that perseverance and hard work can turn even the biggest dreams into reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://interstarcleaningservices.com
- Instagram: interstar_cleaning_services
- Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/interstar-sakenna-s-33456941
- Youtube: http://linkedin.com/in/interstar-sakenna-s-33456941
