We were lucky to catch up with Jazslyn Leon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jazslyn, appreciate you joining us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
What does your community of supporters look like? My community of supporters doesn’t have a distinct look, within my community I am considered a mother, daughter, sister, a neighbor, teacher and friend. Everyone showing their love differently, from simply sharing my business information, to uplifting me when I’m down. I was very fortunate to walk paths with supporters who see my resilience regardless of what I decide to do they are there for the long run. My family that has been by myside since day one, everything I do is for them. They pushed me up so far that when we reach the top they best holding on tight because we are going for a ride, because of them I know my own strength. Building honest relationships with people with good intentions that see my achievements even when I don’t even recognize them. Supporters that help me change my mindset by inspiring me be that sacrificer. I remember talking to a friend and saying that I was content with my life, just riding that fine line, not winning nor losing. I wasn’t ready to take on that position because I was comfortable. It took for me to lose a very special person to realize life waits on no one and it was like my brain switch from fixed to a growth mindset. Finally understanding that I am a winner and I’m going to strive for nothing but the best
Where do you find inspiration to be your best self?
I find my inspiration when I’m at peace—sitting in a quiet space that allows me to absorb life and figure out my next move. Usually, this place looks like my room. Looking at the world from a distance allowed me to see the bigger picture and see where I fall in to help with the change. Change to a modest living because we have to work 5x harder from where I come. I spent 33 years in the living in public housing, and I don’t think I can think of a handful of people who are living wealthy lifestyles. What is common that theses families apply for transfers for their kids keeping this lifestyle repeating. Government assistance was a blessing dont get me wrong it gave me room for growth, from the rent being $50, food stamps, and health insurance. Honestly, allowing me to further my education as an adult. A life you can get comfortable, especially if we don’t know better. “Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see….) -John Lennon this quote goes to show why its so hard to break these generational curses because we are blind. How was we suppose to know our rights when we aren’t aware of them? The help is there and locked away if you dont unlock it yourself you will forever remain unaware. Its very important for vus to share our wealth of knowledge its the only way to grow as a community.
Im very thankful I made a few positive choices that lead me in the right direction for my child and I. We must expose and sit our youth at these tables and let them be part of the conversation. Also, teach them to invest in themselves, research, and ask all the questions they can. Let them experience being of part the picture as well! All I know is that we are capable of those billion-dollar contracts. We can design our own community! Contracts are being awarded to people that never even stepped foot in our communities yet our city. It’s essential to spread awareness and offer help.
Do you feel like you have strong competition? Yes! Im going up against muilti million dollar companies that held these positions for generations. When you are new to this lifestyle with no background knowledge it takes alot to build that foundation and have a understanding of each department that makes up a business. There is no other way, you have to do it your self so you need to do your research and be prepared to be a lifetime learner because systems change everyday.
What drives your passion for working with young adults?
When I was growing up, our topic of conversation wasn’t focused on financial literacy or entrepreneurship, making better decsions which made life difficult not having a solid foundation on how the world works, you know, those topics that need to be touched upon in school at a young age. When I stepped out into the community, we weren’t aware of the opportunities that come with being a low-income, minority, or even a woman. How there are federal funds expended in low and very low communities and where are such funds being spent on activites such as construction and rehabilitation… per enhancing and streamlining the implements of section 3 requirements for creating economic opportunities for low-and very low-income person and eligible businesses.
As I got older, I realized I had to push aside my pride and ask for help. Whenever I needed more answers, I did my researched and made connections with people that were able to assist me. Connecting allows me to gain knowledge in other areas making myself a resource, coming from a community that lacks those spaces that provide information for growth. I could take what I knew and share information as simple as helping others understand opportunities like Equal opportunity programs, transferring colleges, and GED programs. Eventually, being in this setting, I was connected with Americorp, where I did my year of service at Bennett High school being a mentor. Bennett was the start to working with the youth. Next thing you know, I received my master’s in Science Education, working with grades 7-12. Being constantly out in the community, I learned about different resources and ensured I could share them. It became my passion for exposing my students to a different lifestyle, having those actively engaging conversations on life and show them to other areas of Buffalo. You will be surprised how many students are born and raised in Buffalo and have yet to be out of their community. I remember when we took our students to Niagara Falls; it was so fullying seeing the joy in my kids.
Jazslyn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Where did you grow up? I grew up in a small town called lehigh valley in Bethlahem, Pa in Pembroke projects as long as I remember we lived in public housing. We moved to Buffalo in 1989 where I was raised. Things were always tough. We always lived around violence and crime. Poverty was an issue. My plarents split when I was around 6 years old seeing my mom pull all the weight raising 4 girls on her own.
owner and operator of Executive Sweeps LLC, a commercial cleaning company. A business, primarily engaged in cleaning building interiors. We have been in business for 7 years and hold a MWBE with The Empire State Development and the County of Erie, New York. We are specialists in disinfecting of different surface types.
I started Executive sweeps in Jan 2017. My main goal when I started my business was to make more income; being a certified teacher was just enough to get by. So, I opened an LLC and went to town. I didn’t realize how hard it would be a full-time teacher, mother and operating a business. As time passed, I slowly drifted away from my company, managing 2-3 small contracts. In 2022 I decided to take that leap and resign from my teaching career, completely changing my entire lifestyle and going all in on being a business owner. As time passed, my love for teaching and mentoring became part of my business brand.
What does your community of supporters look like? My community of supporters doesn’t have a distinct look, within my community I am considered a mother, daughter, sister, a neighbor, teacher and friend. Everyone showing their love differently, from simply sharing my business information, to uplifting me when I’m down. I was very fortunate to walk paths with supporters who see my resilience regardless of what I decide to do they are there for the long run.
My family that has been by myside since day one, everything I do is for them. They pushed me up so far that when we reach the top they best holding on tight because we are going for a ride, because of them I know my own strength. Building honest relationships with people with good intentions that see my achievements even when I don’t even recognize them. Supporters that help me change my mindset by inspiring me be that sacrificer. I remember talking to a friend and saying that I was content with my life, just riding that fine line, not winning nor losing. I wasn’t ready to take on that position because I was comfortable. It took for me to lose a very special person to realize life waits on no one and it was like my brain switch from fixed to a growth mindset. Finally understanding that I am a winner and I’m going to strive for nothing but the best
Where do you find inspiration to be your best self?
I find my inspiration when I’m at peace—sitting in a quiet space that allows me to absorb life and figure out my next move. Usually, this place looks like my room. Looking at the world from a distance allowed me to see the bigger picture and see where I fall in to help with the change. Change to a modest living because we have to work 5x harder from where I come. I spent 33 years in the living in public housing, and I don’t think I can think of a handful of people who are living wealthy lifestyles. What is common that theses families apply for transfers for their kids keeping this lifestyle repeating. Government assistance was a blessing dont get me wrong it gave me room for growth, from the rent being $50, food stamps, and health insurance. Honestly, allowing me to further my education as an adult. A life you can get comfortable, especially if we don’t know better. “Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see….) -John Lennon this quote goes to show why its so hard to break these generational curses because we are blind. How was we suppose to know our rights when we aren’t aware of them? The help is there and locked away if you dont unlock it yourself you will forever remain unaware. Its very important for vus to share our wealth of knowledge its the only way to grow as a community.
Im very thankful I made a few positive choices that lead me in the right direction for my child and I. We must expose and sit our youth at these tables and let them be part of the conversation. Also, teach them to invest in themselves, research, and ask all the questions they can. Let them experience being of part the picture as well! All I know is that we are capable of those billion-dollar contracts. We can design our own community! Contracts are being awarded to people that never even stepped foot in our communities yet our city. It’s essential to spread awareness and offer help.
Do you feel like you have strong competition? Yes! Im going up against muilti million dollar companies that held these positions for generations. When you are new to this lifestyle with no background knowledge it takes alot to build that foundation and have a understanding of each department that makes up a business. There is no other way, you have to do it your self so you need to do your research and be prepared to be a lifetime learner because systems change everyday.
What drives your passion for working with young adults?
When I was growing up, our topic of conversation wasn’t focused on financial literacy or entrepreneurship, making better decsions which made life difficult not having a solid foundation on how the world works, you know, those topics that need to be touched upon in school at a young age. When I stepped out into the community, we weren’t aware of the opportunities that come with being a low-income, minority, or even a woman. How there are federal funds expended in low and very low communities and where are such funds being spent on activites such as construction and rehabilitation… per enhancing and streamlining the implements of section 3 requirements for creating economic opportunities for low-and very low-income person and eligible businesses.
As I got older, I realized I had to push aside my pride and ask for help. Whenever I needed more answers, I did my researched and made connections with people that were able to assist me. Connecting allows me to gain knowledge in other areas making myself a resource, coming from a community that lacks those spaces that provide information for growth. I could take what I knew and share information as simple as helping others understand opportunities like Equal opportunity programs, transferring colleges, and GED programs. Eventually, being in this setting, I was connected with Americorp, where I did my year of service at Bennett High school being a mentor. Bennett was the start to working with the youth. Next thing you know, I received my master’s in Science Education, working with grades 7-12. Being constantly out in the community, I learned about different resources and ensured I could share them. It became my passion for exposing my students to a different lifestyle, having those actively engaging conversations on life and show them to other areas of Buffalo. You will be surprised how many students are born and raised in Buffalo and have yet to be out of their community. I remember when we took our students to Niagara Falls; it was so fullying seeing the joy in my kids.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Remain focused and do what’s right and works for you. We tend to get easily distracted from the outside world because we are taught our whole way of living. We are learning the importance of collaborating and experiencing life which leads us to hook the wrong attraction by hanging with the bad crowds. Picking up habits that we gain nothing from. I still need help learning to unlearn how to stop trying to please everyone. It’s draining. When family, friends, and work calls don’t always jump, trying to save everyone. It’s exhausting to give yourself to everyone you care for; you can’t get poor from an empty cup. These past two years, I have been doing just that, don’t get me wrong, it’s hard because you lose so many people along the way of bettering yourself. Accepting that it is ok to be rejected, we shall not fear being alone; these moments allowed us to see things clearly and make better life choices. As a mother, teacher, daughter, sister, niece, girlfriend, baby mother, and friend, I needed to step back and stop giving my time. In reality, I was drowning myself and limiting myself from growth and investing my time wisely so I could make positive changes that have a ripple effect on everyone around me.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
Executive sweeps is 100% women and minorities owning a business that was not passed down. A business with a one-person team handling multiple departments to sustain a growing business. Working a full-time position for Buffalo Public Schools as a science teacher, I had to invest my career money into my business money because I could not get loans. To this day, gaining capital is a struggle.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/executivesweeps/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/executivesweepsllc
- Linkedin: [email protected]
- Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jazslyn-leon/
Image Credits
Denzel Kirkland with Legacy house.