We were lucky to catch up with Michaela Longoria recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michaela, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

The biggest issue I see is when customers or clients want to find something on a budget that is so far under par, there’s no room or way for the creative/provider to execute a successful job. Price gouging is unacceptable by any means, but it’s concerning when I see people asking for nannies to care for four-plus children full-time for under $200 a week or demanding artists do work for free and by a deadline. As a cleaner myself, I’ve paid for a house clean and value people’s time and skill. Have I been burned in the past? Yes, I have paid for a sub-par cake. I just let them know it wasn’t up to my standards and didn’t order again. They were not for me and I wasn’t for them… And that’s OKAY! There are so many of us in trades that I know I can only ask for proper work when I’m willing to pay for it. Like tattoos, hair, woodwork, masonry, gardening… All of these require skill and I’m obligated to pay for it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was a typical 9-5 w2 worker who wanted flexibility and to feel like I was donating back to society. As acts of service are my love language, it’s felt like a need to clean and organize homes for those who deserved it most. Many of my clients are people who suffer from depression or anxiety. Many are hoarders going through the motions after pest control and an intervention has been made and now it’s time for the process forward. I’m the bridge that follows those gaps and have even helped them lead to getting further resources or mental health advocacy after the cleaning, decluttering, or organization is done. I think it’s important because while I can accept payment and just clean and leave it doesn’t do the person any good in the long run. My goal is to ensure life’s better after I leave and that they feel prepared to make it so.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Being a full-time creator takes time and I’m still not there in many areas building a portfolio still due to not documenting my early work consistently enough. Writing for others is enjoyable but you must take on jobs that don’t counter what you stand for or believe. I feel creatively if you take on any job due to needing money, that leads to burnout fast. the jobs you need to take on have to be fulfilling and meaningful to truly work. With that being said, I had to move from creative work alone to a day job that can pay bills and that’s where the housekeeping comes into play. I schedule most of my time and in part-time hours build my marketing, social media, and writing works on the side for 1099 income.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Always remember what it was like to be in that employee rank. Don’t forget what it’s like to be needing that paycheck and trying to survive as I feel many CEOs become out of touch and think a pizza party is going to “fix” things. Be candid, direct, and frank, and don’t be offended to take criticism. Often the conflicts in the work place are nothing more than miscommunications so do your best to fix those head-on.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://medium.com/@itsbasicallylove91/a-2023-portfolio-2bcce55506a4
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsbasicallylove/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-longoria-158931a9/

Image Credits

only taken by me and used by me