Inspiring Conversations with Kinesia “Alex” Alexander of AskMe2Clean

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kinesia Alexander.

Kinesia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have been working since I was 16 years old. In my early adult career years, I was taught to stay on a job for benefits, financial stability and to work my way into higher-level positions. I believed these were the keys to success. I have been a professional in areas of mental health and substance abuse, social services, the local state department, a nonprofit organization, and education; although these career opportunities were rewarding, I became drained mentally, emotionally, and physically of the daily hassles of the 9-5. I desired for the ability to create my own business. I thought of something that I would not mind doing daily, but most importantly, a well-needed service. I have been cleaning for family members since childhood for extra cash.

Cleaning and organizing was also a hobby at times to clear my mind. Cleaning is something that many people need assistance. It is not that they do like to clean but more of time to do so. Most families are busy with school, activities, work, etc and have little to no time to complete general cleaning routinely. It may seem possible but I do get it. That is why I created my domestic cleaning service. Initially, I did not know if anyone would give me a chance. I finally came across a family that was looking for cleaning around the home. I cleaned for the family and the wife was so pleased she referred me to her neighbor and it went from there. You’d be surprised how effective word of mouth is in business. I legitimized my business shortly after and created “ASKME2CLEAN LLC”. My life has changed dramatically from the days of working for other companies and organizations to owning and operating my own business.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to starting a business has not been such a smooth road or journey. Firstly, there are actually some people that look down on the janitorial industry. I am not sure why a cleaning career would be frown upon when we all need clean living, work, and play environments. When I started my business, I did not have the support that I’d expect from my loved ones. I wasn’t sure if it was disbelief in my abilities to operate a business or just wanting me to be stable with employment. “You should get a job with benefits,” You can’t do much money cleaning,” “what about retirement?”, “You want to clean houses? “were some of the constant responses I heard from the people that I thought would believe in me. Cleaners are the most important essential workers in this current time.

Other struggles included the ability to maintain such a large clientele without any employees. I had to clean my homes alone. I eventually knew I had to hire individuals that are trustworthy and dependable. It is important for employees to understand there is a difference between cleaning for yourself, family, and friends, and then there are the people that are paying you their hard-earned money to perform a service. Of course, there are also many business risks. A business owner is financially responsible for the cost of operations. It’s important to understand that it takes time to build and establish your rapport with clients and reputation as a business. In 2020, my business was briefly affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. I admit that even I was uncertain about the future of my small business at the time but eventually, business resumed to normal flow and more clients came along. I am still on my journey.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about AskMe2Clean?
ASKME2CLEAN LLC allows families to utilize their time for things they want to do and other activities while we handle the cleaning. We are a local janitorial/cleaning business that offers a variety of cleaning options. We offer Deep Cleaning, General Cleaning, Routine Cleaning, Target Cleaning, Sanitation, and Disinfecting Services, Closet/ Storage Organization, Small Commerical properties, Rental properties, Airbnb properties, Floorcare and Move In/ Move Out Cleaning. We work within the metro region! We are trustworthy, affordable, and dependable.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Freedom and independence matter to me the most. The freedom of enjoying time with family and close friends means the world to me. The ability to create financial freedom. The freedom of having the ability to live my life the way I want to live is important to me. Entrepreneurship allowed me to have freedom and independence. I created my business to have a little control over how I want to see my business. I am grateful for my clients and their support of my business.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.askme2clean.wixsite.com/website
• Instagram: @askme2clean

Image Credits:
Photographer: Reggie Daniels Poetry Pictures Productions LLC Atlanta, GA @pp_productions01 (Instagram)