We recently connected with Amber Jackson and have shared our conversation below.
Amber , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
A Clean Start: Our Journey to Non-Toxic Cleaning
For years, I struggled with severe asthma and persistent skin conditions that seemed to flare up without warning. Despite trying various treatments, nothing seemed to provide lasting relief. It wasn’t until one particularly severe asthma attack while cleaning my home that I made the connection – the very products I was using to keep my home “clean” were making me sick.
Each time I cleaned, my skin would become red and irritated, and my breathing would become labored. The harsh chemical cleaners I relied on were triggering my asthma attacks and causing my skin to break out in painful rashes. Even wearing gloves and a mask weren’t enough to prevent these reactions. My overall health was suffering, and I knew something had to change.
This personal health crisis led me down a fascinating rabbit hole of scientific research. I discovered that many conventional cleaning products release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into our indoor air. These chemicals are known triggers for asthma attacks and can cause significant skin irritation. Studies have shown that indoor air quality can be 2-5 times worse than outdoor air, with cleaning products being a major contributor.
What truly shocked me was learning that the average household cleaning product contains over 60 different chemicals, many of which haven’t been thoroughly tested for their impact on human health. Research from the Environmental Working Group found that more than half of cleaning products they assessed contained ingredients known to harm the lungs and irritate skin conditions.
The real wake-up call came when I read a study from the University of Bergen that followed more than 6,000 people over two decades. They found that regular use of conventional cleaning sprays had the same long-term impact on lung function as smoking 20 cigarettes a day. As someone already struggling with asthma, this information was terrifying.
I began exploring natural alternatives in my own home out of sheer necessity. I researched and discovered effective non-toxic cleaning methods that have been used safely for generations. The difference in my health was immediate and dramatic – my asthma attacks became less frequent, my skin began to heal, and I could finally breathe easily while cleaning.
Friends and family started noticing not just the change in my health, but also how well these natural cleaning methods worked. They loved how their homes felt after I cleaned – truly clean, not just masked by artificial fragrances. More importantly, others with similar health concerns reported fewer symptoms. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just about solving my own health problems; it was about helping others who were suffering like I had been.
Today, our company stands committed to providing non-toxic cleaning services that prioritize your health and wellbeing. We understand firsthand the impact that harsh chemicals can have on health conditions like asthma and skin sensitivities. Our approach to cleaning focuses on using safe, natural methods that effectively clean your home without compromising your health.
What started as a personal quest for health has grown into a mission to transform the way we think about clean. We believe that a truly clean home shouldn’t come at the cost of our wellbeing or the environment’s health.
This isn’t just a business for us – it’s a commitment to protecting the health of families like mine who deserve to have a clean home without compromising their health. We’re here to prove that you don’t need harsh chemicals to achieve a truly clean home.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
About Pure Balance Cleaning Co.: A Journey to Healthier Cleaning:
My path to founding a non-toxic cleaning company wasn’t one I could have predicted, but looking back, it feels like it was always meant to be. My story begins with a personal health struggle that many of our clients can relate to. For years, I battled with severe asthma and persistent skin conditions that significantly impacted my quality of life. Despite following medical advice and trying various treatments, I couldn’t understand why my symptoms seemed to worsen, particularly when I was cleaning my home.
The turning point came during a severe asthma attack while cleaning my bathroom. Even with protective gear – gloves and a mask – I found myself struggling to breathe, my skin irritated and burning. That moment of crisis became my catalyst for change. I realized that the very products I was using to create a “clean” home were actually making it toxic for me to live in.
This realization led me to dive deep into research about conventional cleaning products and their health impacts. What I discovered was alarming. Many standard cleaning products release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can trigger asthma, cause skin irritation, and contribute to various health issues. The Environmental Working Group’s research showed that many common household cleaners contain ingredients known to harm respiratory health and irritate skin conditions – exactly what I had been experiencing.
Our Approach to Clean:
After my discovery, I completely transformed my approach to cleaning. I spent months researching and testing natural cleaning methods that have been used safely for generations. The impact on my health was immediate and dramatic. My asthma attacks became less frequent, my skin began to heal, and for the first time in years, I could clean without fear of triggering my health conditions.
What sets us apart is our deeply personal understanding of how conventional cleaning products can affect health. We’re not just a cleaning service – we’re advocates for healthier indoor environments. Our approach combines:
– Strictly non-toxic cleaning methods
– Deep understanding of common allergens and irritants
– Customized cleaning plans based on clients’ specific health concerns
– Education about maintaining a healthier home environment
Our Services:
We offer comprehensive cleaning services that prioritize your health:
– Regular Home Cleaning
– Deep Cleaning
– Move-In/Move-Out Cleaning
– Post-Construction Cleaning
– Short Term Rentals
Each service is performed using our carefully selected non-toxic cleaning methods, with special attention to areas that typically harbor allergens and irritants.
What Makes Us Different:
Our unique value comes from personal experience. We understand the challenges of maintaining a clean home while dealing with health sensitivities because we’ve lived it. This understanding shapes everything we do:
1. Personalized Approach: We take time to understand each client’s specific health concerns and sensitivities.
2. Education: We share our knowledge about creating healthier indoor environments, helping clients make informed decisions about their home cleaning routines.
3. Transparency: We’re always open about our methods and the natural alternatives we use.
4. Results-Focused: We prove that you don’t need harsh chemicals to achieve a truly clean home.
What We’re Most Proud Of:
Our greatest pride comes from the transformations we see in our clients’ lives. We’ve supported individuals with chemical sensitivities in creating safe spaces. Each success story reinforces our mission and reminds us why we started this journey.
Looking Forward:
As we continue to grow, our commitment remains unchanged: to provide exceptional cleaning services that prioritize health and wellbeing. We’re constantly learning and adapting our methods based on the latest research in environmental health and non-toxic cleaning.
For anyone struggling with health issues that might be related to their home environment, or for those simply seeking a healthier way to maintain their home, we want you to know that there is a better way. You don’t have to choose between a clean home and your health – you can have both.
We invite you to join us in our mission for healthier homes, one clean space at a time.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Sometimes life’s best opportunities come from unexpected places. After spending almost two years in corporate recruiting – a job that left me feeling unfulfilled and undervalued – a single phone call changed everything.
Before my corporate role, I had built a solid reputation cleaning Airbnb properties. It was work I genuinely enjoyed and excelled at, but like so many others, my business came to an abrupt halt when COVID hit. That setback led me to take what I thought was the “safe” path: a 9-to-5 recruiting position that promised stability but delivered little satisfaction.
Then came the call that would reshape my future. A realtor friend reached out in desperate need of someone to clean a property. Without hesitation, I agreed to help. During that job, our conversation turned to possibilities – how I could transform my cleaning experience into a full-fledged business. As we talked, the fog of corporate discontent began to lift, replaced by a vision of what could be.
That conversation sparked something in me. Instead of letting fear hold me back, I took decisive action. Within a week, I had quit my corporate job and established my LLC. I knew I had the skills and determination – now I just needed the clients.
I hit the ground running, leveraging every connection I could think of. I reached out to realtors, property management companies, and friends. My previous experience with Airbnb properties gave me credibility, and word began to spread. The response was overwhelming. Within just one month, I had built enough clientele to sustain a full-time business.
Today, my calendar is consistently fully booked, and I’m taking the exciting step of hiring staff to help meet the growing demand. Looking back, I’m amazed at how far we’ve come from that single phone call. I’m forever grateful to my realtor friend who not only presented me with an opportunity but helped me see the potential for something bigger.
This journey has taught me that sometimes the best opportunities come disguised as simple favors, and the right path might not be the conventional one. What started as a desperate need for change has blossomed into a thriving business that I’m proud to call my own.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
In the cleaning industry, reputation is everything. From day one, I knew that building a strong, lasting business wasn’t just about the quality of cleaning – it was about who we are as people and how we conduct ourselves professionally. Our reputation has been built on a foundation of core values that guide every interaction and service we provide.
Being Genuine-
I believe clients can tell when someone is authentic versus just trying to make a sale. By being genuinely myself in every interaction, sharing my own health journey, and being honest about what we can and cannot do, we’ve built trust with our clients. They know they’re getting the real story, not a polished sales pitch.
When a potential client asks questions about our non-toxic approach, I share my personal experiences with conventional cleaning products and how they affected my health. This authenticity resonates with clients who have similar concerns and helps them feel understood and valued.
Keeping It Real-
In an industry where overpromising is common, we’ve stood out by being straightforward and realistic. If a stain might be challenging to remove with our natural cleaning methods, we say so. If a job requires additional time or special attention, we discuss it upfront. This honesty might mean occasionally losing a job, but it’s earned us long-term trust and respect from our clients.
Punctuality Matters-
Being on time isn’t just about showing up when promised – it’s about respecting our clients’ time and schedules. We understand that our clients plan their days around our services, and we honor that by:
– Arriving at the scheduled time, every time
– Communicating promptly if there are any delays
– Completing jobs within the estimated timeframe
– Being responsive to messages and calls
Taking Accountability-
Perhaps the most significant factor in building our reputation has been our willingness to take full responsibility for our work. This means:
– Addressing any concerns immediately and thoroughly
– Making things right if a client isn’t completely satisfied
– Learning from feedback and continuously improving our service
– Standing behind our work without excuses
When issues arise (as they occasionally do in any service business), we don’t make excuses or try to shift blame. Instead, we listen, acknowledge the concern, and take concrete steps to resolve it. This approach has turned potentially negative situations into opportunities to strengthen client relationships.
Results of Our Approach-
This commitment to being genuine, real, punctual, and accountable has created a ripple effect in our business:
– Strong word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients
– Long-term relationships with repeat customers
– Trust from real estate professionals and property managers
– A reputation for reliability in our community
Our growth hasn’t come from fancy marketing campaigns or aggressive sales tactics. It’s come from consistently delivering on our promises and treating every client with genuine care and respect. In an industry where trust is paramount, particularly when dealing with people’s homes and health, these values have proven invaluable in building and maintaining our reputation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://purebalancecleaning.com
- Instagram: @purebalancecleaningco
- Facebook: Pure Balance Cleaning Co.
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-jackson-839229197/
