We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Petra Lopez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Petra below.

Alright, Petra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

Corporate America often overlooks the unsung heroes who keep our hospitals and schools clean—and no, we’re not talking about the janitors with capes (though they totally deserve them). The reality is, janitorial services are often overworked, understaffed, and given little to no formal training, leaving them to manage critical environments without the resources they need. Imagine asking someone to perform brain surgery without a scalpel—it’s like that, but with germs and viruses. In hospitals, a missed spot can be the difference between life and death; in schools, it could mean the difference between a flu outbreak or a safe learning environment. When we fail to equip these professionals with the right tools and support, we’re playing a high-stakes game of ‘clean up’—and the cost is too great to ignore. Far too often I am staring at places that should have a higher level of cleanliness. Or maybe they just need a deep clean.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who may not be familiar with me, my name is Petra, and I’m the owner and lead cleaner at Lady’s Maid Cleaning. I started my journey in the cleaning industry after 9 years of managing my own household. As a busy mom, keeping a home of seven organized and spotless became second nature to me, but I quickly realized that I had a real passion for creating clean, inviting spaces that people can truly enjoy. This passion led me to turn what was once a hobby into a professional service, helping others experience the same sense of order and calm I felt when my home was taken care of.

Over time, what began as helping friends and neighbors with routine cleaning grew into a full-fledged business. I decided to offer more than just surface cleaning—I wanted to provide thorough, customized services that help people keep their homes in pristine condition. I specialize in detailed cleaning tasks such as deep kitchen and bathroom cleaning, floor care, appliance cleaning, and even tackling tough jobs like grout and carpet cleaning. My goal is to offer a holistic approach to home cleaning, ensuring every area of a client’s home is not just cleaned, but deeply cared for.

What sets me apart from other cleaning services is my attention to detail and personalized approach. I understand that every home is different, and every client has unique needs. Whether it’s a one-time deep clean or recurring service, I treat each home like it’s my own, ensuring that no spot is overlooked. I also believe in providing value through not just the cleaning itself, but by offering advice and tips to help clients maintain a cleaner home in between visits.

One thing I’m most proud of is the trust and relationships I’ve built with my clients. Many of them have become more than just customers—they’re like family. I’m also particularly proud of the flexibility and commitment I bring to every job, no matter how big or small. Over the years, I’ve gained a reputation for going above and beyond, providing thorough and reliable service that my clients can count on.

When potential clients choose to work with me, I want them to know that I’m not just a cleaner, I’m a partner in helping them create a home that feels good to live in. I understand how overwhelming it can be to juggle daily responsibilities while trying to keep your home clean. That’s where I come in, offering peace of mind and the confidence that your home will be treated with the care and respect it deserves.

I’m also deeply committed to ensuring that my services remain affordable and accessible, without compromising on quality. I know that a clean home is important for both physical well-being and mental clarity, and I strive to provide services that make a positive impact on my clients’ lives. Whether you’re looking for a regular cleaning service, a move-in/move-out deep clean, or simply need help with those tough spots, I’m here to help make your home a place of comfort and relaxation. I also try to give back to my community by offering free cleanings.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I first started my business, there were days when it felt like everything was stacked against me. As a mom managing a household of seven, balancing my family life, and trying to establish a cleaning business was overwhelming. There was one particular instance that stands out—a few years ago, I had just secured a large client for regular cleaning, and on the day I was scheduled to clean, my youngest child came down with a severe illness. I had no choice but to cancel, and I felt terrible. I worried that I’d lose the client, or worse, that my reputation would suffer.

But instead of throwing in the towel, I turned it into a lesson in resilience. I called the client, explained the situation honestly, and reassured them I was committed to their service. I offered to reschedule and even gave them a small discount as a token of appreciation for their understanding. Thankfully, they were incredibly supportive. Not only did they stick with me, but they ended up referring me to several of their friends and family. That experience taught me a valuable lesson: honesty, hard work, and a willingness to go the extra mile can turn challenges into opportunities.

It’s those moments that have defined my resilience. The ability to bounce back, adapt to unexpected situations, and keep pushing forward no matter the setbacks is what has helped me build this business from the ground up. As I continue to grow, I remember that true success is built on overcoming obstacles and constantly learning from them.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies I’ve used to grow my clientele has been rooted in honesty and clear communication. In the beginning, I quickly realized that managing client expectations was key. Instead of promising the world and hoping to meet it, I started being upfront about what I could and couldn’t do, and setting realistic timelines. I’d walk through their home, listen to their needs, and create a plan together. This transparency helped build trust and ensure that clients knew exactly what to expect—and it made them feel more comfortable in the long run.

Word of mouth has been a huge factor in my growth as well. When you provide great service and treat your clients like family, they naturally want to tell others. I’ve learned that going beyond basic cleaning—whether it’s offering to fix a small issue around the house or helping organize something they’ve been meaning to tackle—adds immense value. When clients feel like they can depend on me for more than just cleaning, they keep coming back and referring me to others.

I’ve also made it a point to adapt to the changing needs of my clients. Some might need a deep clean one week, and a regular touch-up the next. Others may need help with organizing or even simple maintenance tasks, like fixing a leaky faucet or moving furniture. By expanding my skill set and being willing to step in wherever needed, I’ve shown clients that I’m not just there to clean—I’m there to help make their lives easier. This has led to long-term relationships, where clients know they can count on me for a variety of needs beyond just the typical cleaning job.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ladysmaidcleaning.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladysmaidcleaning1/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553365767446
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@ladys.maid.clean