Blog>Trade>Case Studies>Elaine's story to starting her cleaning business
Last updated: 6 February 2025
Elaine's story to starting her cleaning business
From starting up as a self-employed cleaner to running a limited company with 16 members of staff. Give it up for Elaine at Elaine Cleaning Services!
We were delighted to speak to Elaine Aguiar about her journey to starting and growing her business, Elaine Cleaning Services. What she has achieved is no mean feat.
Let's meet Elaine and read her story.
Tell us about you and your business
After working in catering for nearly 15 years, my mum was actually the one who motivated me to start my own business.
I worked with my mum, we were doing small cleaning jobs in the local area for our neighbours and friends.
The only issue was that I was always rushing around and stressed. I was trying to work but also be there to look after my 2 children. My mum saw the pressure I was under and told me, "you should work for yourself, you will manage much better. You can have your family time and create your own routine for work".
So I did. I started up Elaine Cleaning Services.
What size is your business now?
I started out as a self-employed cleaner. Now we are a limited company with 16 staff, including a manager to help me keep everything running smoothly.
What was key to growing your business?
When I started my business, I wanted to find a company that could help me to build my company. I wanted Elaine Cleaning Services to be seen as a trusted cleaning business name with a great reputation.
I did my research and noticed that Checkatrade was ideal for what I was looking for. I wanted a company with a reputation and trust in the area - Checkatrade was perfect.
Checkatrade helped me to gain more clients and be recognised in the area as a good cleaning company.
What is your best piece of advice to other trades looking to grow like you have?
First, you must understand, it's tough at the beginning starting a business. You almost have to lose at first to then move forward, it's all part of the journey.
My most important piece of advice is to maintain a great reputation in the market. If you do that by providing the best possible service, then you will grow over time.
What made you stay with Checkatrade?
I trust in the partnership I have with Checkatrade. I know that if I build a good portfolio with a good reputation and happy clients, I will go long way.
I have over 80 reviews on my Checkatrade profile, and most of those reviews show more than 90% were very happy with the services they received.
What would you say to fellow tradespeople about joining Checkatrade?
We all have to do our bit. It's important to build a good relationship with your clients and provide a high standard of work. If you do both of those things it will make a big difference. And Checkatrade will do the rest.
As long as you're doing your bit, Checkatrade will put you in contact with more and more clients.
Was it worth joining us?
It was definitely worth joining - most of my clients come from Checkatrade.
Do you use any of the member benefits?
Yes, I use a few of the benefits including the workwear benefits to get money off our uniform.
Thank you so much for your time Elaine, and what an amazing achievement. You've taken Elaine Cleaning Services from just yourself as a sole trader to a team of 16. Awesome job and well done!
Do go and check out Elaine Cleaning Services' Checkatrade profile to see their amazing reviews and satisfying pictures.
And if you’ve got a growing team and looking to hire, our guide on house cleaner salaries might come in handy.
Join Checkatrade and achieve success like Elaine
Perhaps this has left you inspired? Whether you’re starting a carpet cleaning business or hoping to offer various cleaning services like Elaine, we can help you achieve success.
Once you sign up to Checkatrade, you’ll get access to all sorts of exclusive member benefits. This includes discounts on everything from tools and equipment to insurance for cleaners.
Becoming a member is also a positive signal for homeowners as they trust our tick of approval. The reason for this is that all of our members have to pass our checks before getting listed.
Reasons to join include:
Confirmed numbers of leads
Online profile page
Access to time saving quoting/invoicing tool
Exclusive offers & discounts on business essentials
Lower cost of public liability insurance
Quality of work guarantee - we'll cover your jobs up to 12 months
Maybe you’re already a member but not getting the most out of your membership?
Our fixed membership option lets you build the plan that’s perfect for you and your business needs. Why not speak to our membership advice team about the best options for your needs?
Is a Checkatrade membership worth it?
One way to figure out whether the cost of something is worth it is to look at ROI (Return on Investment). In its most basic sense, this is how much something costs compared with the income it generates. Working out the ROI of a Checkatrade membership is definitely a must-do for any trade business
