We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Aquilina recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
The idea to create a cleaning company came to me shortly after high school. As the oldest of six kids, I’d spent the majority of my life picking up after others and keeping a tidy house, so it came naturally to me. I didn’t grow up in the cleanest of homes, so I had strong desire to live differently and bring the peace of mind that comes from a clean home to other people’s lives. It was the unexpected loss of my job at a janitorial supply store during the pandemic that truly set things in motion.
Needing to quickly find a way to support my family, I went to work helping a friend. This hands-on experience was invaluable, but I knew I needed more. I dove headfirst into research, staying up late at night watching YouTube videos and scouring the internet for any information I could find on cleaning systems and processes. I identified the trusted experts in the industry and studied their paths to success.
Armed with a blend of practical experience and extensive research, I set my plan into action. I brainstormed a name for my business, registered Dust to Glory as an LLC online, and got the business bonded and insured. To build my client base, I created a Google business page and a Facebook business page, leveraging my personal social media accounts to generate traction and word-of-mouth.
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.
One of the driving forces behind my passion for cleaning is the myriads of problems it can solve for our clients. Often, when people reach out to us, it’s because they need a solution to a particular concern or worry. It might be the looming pressure of an upcoming graduation party they haven’t had time to prepare their home for, or perhaps they are physically unable to clean themselves. Sometimes, it’s a lack of knowledge on how to achieve the deep clean their space desperately needs, or an overwhelming sense of disorder within their home.
Our ability to alleviate these frustrations is at the core of our service. Once we step in and remove these burdens, the transformation is palpable—everything and everyone in the house feels rejuvenated. It’s akin to a mental makeover, achieved not through introspection, but by revitalizing the living space. By restoring order and cleanliness, we create an environment where peace and comfort can thrive, ultimately enhancing the well-being of everyone who steps through the door.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I’m an avid podcast listener, a fan of TED talks, and I have an enduring love for reading books. My journey with podcasts began while I was cleaning homes, transforming what could have been mundane tasks into invaluable learning sessions. During these times, I absorbed insights on running a business from podcasts like Smart Cleaning School, HACK The Entrepreneur, Brene Brown, and the Gary V Audio Experience.
Reading has also played a crucial role in my development as a business leader. Delving into books on entrepreneurship has allowed me to see things from alternative perspectives, enabling me to evaluate myself and my business in ways I might not have considered. Some of my favorite reads include “Entrepreneurial Leap” by Gino Wickman, “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss, and “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. These books have been instrumental in shaping my approach to leadership and business strategy.
Music, too, has been a significant source of motivation, especially during times when I’m tired or feeling unmotivated. It keeps me energized and focused, ensuring I stay productive even on the most challenging days.
Combining these diverse tools—podcasts, books, TED talks, and music—has enriched my entrepreneurial journey, providing continuous inspiration and knowledge to drive my business forward.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
There are two aspects, in my opinion, that are essential to growing and maintaining clientele. One is through word-of-mouth, and the other is through social media, like Google or Facebook. A certain level of traction has to be created for a business to get moving and maintain growth. This traction is often created through word-of-mouth by working hard, listening to feedback from returning and new clients, and putting customer satisfaction above all else. Once traction has been stimulated, it’s hard to slow down a growing business. While word-of-mouth is an invaluable tool and it’s one of the largest contributors to how I’ve grown Dust to Glory, it has to be coupled with the use of social media for a business to expand to its full potential. Google is the most widely used web-based search engine in the world, so it’s important a business is listed there. Google reviews should be the highest priority for any business, new or longstanding because this provides social proof for potential clients and increases their chance of being selected. Alternatively, Facebook is also widely used and is a comparable resource to Google. Through social media, a business can share their story and truly connect with their followers. It’s a business’s first chance at a positive impression on the world and a prime opportunity to showcase itself. Apps like Instagram and TikTok allow businesses free advertising and who doesn’t like free exposure!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.dust2gloryllc.com/
- Instagram: dust2gloryllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dust2gloryllc/
Image Credits
Nicole Rall Photography