Bonface Juma
In the heart of Portland, Oregon, a determined young woman turned her last $2,000 savings into a $100,000 business empire. Meet Anna-Marie Ortiz, the founder of Cool Aunt Cleaners—a unique cleaning service focused on creating spotless homes while empowering both clients and employees.
Her journey, marked by grit, bold decisions, and valuable lessons, serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Within just a year, Anna transformed her vision into a thriving business generating approximately $100,000 annually.
This is the story of how she built her empire from scratch. Her story was first featured in CNBC’s ‘Make It’ section in October 2024.
Contents
A Humble Beginning
Anna-Marie’s story starts in Wichita, Kansas, where she grew up in a financially tight household. Her family lived paycheck to paycheck, often relying on thrifted items and hand-me-downs. These experiences shaped her understanding of money and resourcefulness.
“I’ve been poor my whole life,” Ann-Marie told CNBC.
Her early life wasn’t easy—moving to a rural town and adjusting to an isolated lifestyle brought its own set of challenges. However, the rigorous chores and work ethic instilled by her parents laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit.
How to Start an Online Retail Business With No Money: An Ultimate Guide
10 Top Freelancing Platforms For Beginners
How to Earn $1000 in Affiliate Marketing as a Beginner: A Step-by-Step Guide
Entrepreneurial Sparks
After high school, Anna-Marie attended college on a track scholarship but dropped out after a year, unsure of her career path. She explored various jobs, including working with a fintech startup founder.
According to CNBC, her first business venture, a plant shop launched just before the COVID-19 pandemic, failed to turn a profit and had to close. But this experience became a stepping stone, teaching her valuable lessons about managing a business and working collaboratively.
The Birth of Cool Aunt Cleaners
In 2022, seeking a fresh start, Anna-Marie relocated to Portland, Oregon. Drawing on her skills and determination, she launched Cool Aunt Cleaners in July 2023. The cleaning business required minimal startup costs, and she used her last $2,000 to purchase supplies, design a website, and create a logo.
To differentiate her business, Anna-Marie targeted younger clients with a unique brand and grassroots marketing strategies. Despite a slow start, her commitment paid off. According to CNBC, the business now averages $10,000 in monthly revenue.
Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
Building a business from scratch isn’t easy, and Anna-Marie faced her fair share of challenges. In the early days, her revenue fluctuated wildly. She had to downsize her team when things got tough and re-evaluate her pricing model.
But she never gave up. Instead, she used every challenge as a stepping stone:
- Fluctuating revenue taught her discipline: Anna-Marie started tracking her cash flow meticulously.
- Downsizing forced her to prioritize: She shifted from focusing on rapid expansion to maintaining high-quality services.
- Client feedback shaped her approach: Early mistakes with scheduling taught her to streamline operations and manage expectations.
Lessons from Anna-Maries’s Journey
Anna’s transformation from a Kansas plant shop owner to a successful Portland entrepreneur is packed with lessons for aspiring business owners:
- Start Where You Are: With only $2,000, Anna focused on essentials and grew gradually. Her story proves you don’t need a huge budget to begin.
- Leverage Your Unique Story: Anna’s background as a Kansas transplant and her approachable branding made her relatable and memorable to clients.
- Build a Strong Brand Identity: By positioning CAC as “a cleaning company for movers, shakers, and producers,” Anna carved out a niche in a crowded market.
- Value Relationships: Her personable approach earned her glowing reviews, which became a powerful marketing tool.
- Adapt to Challenges: Downsizing and learning from early missteps allowed Anna to stabilize and scale her business.
- Invest in Team Morale: Paying her team fairly and fostering a supportive environment ensured high-quality service.
- Believe in the Power of Community: Anna’s mission to “uplift, motivate, and inspire” resonated with her clients, turning them into loyal advocates.
The Road Ahead
With Cool Aunt Cleaners thriving, Anna dreams of expanding her services across Portland and potentially beyond. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, resourcefulness, and staying true to your values.
Conclusion
Anna-Marie Ortiz’s journey is not just about building a successful business; it’s about embracing change, taking risks, and trusting in your ability to make a difference. For anyone hesitant to chase their dreams, Anna’s story serves as a reminder: It’s not the size of your starting point that matters but the passion and persistence you bring to the journey.
Visit Cool Aunt Cleaners Website
Your story of overcoming obstacles, making bold decisions, and achieving success could inspire others on their entrepreneurial paths. Submit your story and let us showcase how you’re creating your own empire!
