We recently had a chance to hear the inspiring story of Azucena Alvarez, owner of Azucena’s Cleaning LLC, and how she has built a thriving business from the ground up, combining hard work, family support, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Today, her business is known for its dependable and detailed cleaning services, serving both residential and commercial clients. But the journey to success wasn’t easy. Azucena’s story is one of perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and always striving for more.
Early Beginnings: Learning to Clean from a Young Age
Azucena’s journey started long before she became a business owner. Born and raised in Mexico, she began developing her cleaning skills at the age of eight by helping her parents and grandparents maintain their homes. “I did all of this for free,” Azucena recalls, sharing how cleaning for her family was more than just a task—it was a necessity. “We didn’t have the finances, so it was my obligation to help them.”
At the age of 19, Azucena got married and soon after, at 20, she immigrated to the United States. She found herself living a new life as a housewife in a foreign country, with no knowledge of English and few resources. Still, she continued to use the cleaning skills she had mastered in her childhood to maintain her household. Eventually, her friends began to notice her talent for cleaning and organizing. “They insisted I start cleaning houses,” she said, explaining that her first clients came through word of mouth.
Overcoming Challenges: A Journey of Growth
While her cleaning business started to grow, Azucena faced numerous challenges. In the early days, she didn’t have a car, and with a young son to care for, she would walk to her clients’ homes, pushing her two-year-old in a stroller. “I had no vehicle, and I didn’t speak any English,” Azucena shared, describing the exhausting daily routine. Despite these hardships, her commitment to providing high-quality cleaning services never wavered.
As her clientele expanded, it became clear that she needed a more efficient way to get to her clients’ homes. “The long walks were painful and time-consuming,” she explained. Determined to improve her situation, Azucena learned how to ride a bike, something she had never done before. “It’s incredible, but true—never too late to learn great things,” she said with a laugh. Biking became her primary mode of transportation as she traveled around Salem to meet her clients’ needs.
But even biking had its limitations. Some of her clients lived farther away, and Azucena realized she needed to learn how to drive. “My husband taught me to drive. It took some convincing to gain his trust and support, but eventually, he came around,” she recalled fondly. Together, they practiced driving routes to her scheduled cleaning jobs, which not only made her business more efficient but also deepened their partnership.
Learning and Building a Business
As she tackled the transportation issue, Azucena also recognized that to grow her business, she needed to improve her English. “I attended a school for international students that was recommended to me,” she said. The challenge was attending classes while also caring for her son, all while pregnant with her second child. To make it work, she struck a deal with the school—she would clean the building in exchange for the opportunity to learn English. “I was finally seeing the results of my hard work pay off,” she shared proudly.
Alongside learning English, Azucena took a computer program course for low-income families. This program helped her create her first business cards for Azucena’s Cleaning LLC. “I was overwhelmed with excitement to distribute them,” she said, recalling how she handed them out to local businesses and residents to gain more clients. Her efforts paid off, and in 2012, she officially licensed her business and hired her first employee.
Azucena’s Cleaning LLC: Services and Expansion
Today, Azucena’s Cleaning LLC offers a wide range of services, including residential cleaning (recurring weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and one-time services), commercial janitorial services, window cleaning, power washing, and even junk removal. “You can see the complete list of services online,” Azucena noted, emphasizing how she uses natural cleaning products and microfiber cloths to ensure the highest level of cleanliness and safety.
Azucena’s team is trained in professional cleaning methods, and they take pride in providing quality results for their clients. “We aim to make your home or office shine so you can spend less time cleaning and more time doing the things you love,” Azucena said. Her services include detailed cleaning of kitchens, bathrooms, sweeping, mopping, oven cleaning, and much more.
Beyond just offering a wide variety of cleaning services, Azucena’s Cleaning LLC stands out for its commitment to customer satisfaction. “We’re here to make a great first impression for your business or home, and we can set up daily, weekly, or monthly janitorial services—even after hours, to accommodate your busy schedule,” she shared.
Client Testimonials: Going Above and Beyond
Azucena’s dedication to her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Her clients rave about her services, often leaving glowing reviews. One client, Joanne Robinson, described her experience: “Azucena came to my rescue when I was looking for a move-out deep cleaning. She handled everything, including window cleaning, and went above and beyond my expectations.” Another satisfied customer, Chima Play, shared, “Her meticulous cleaning is wonderful. I’ve continued to use her services because of the attention to detail. Highly recommended!”
These testimonials highlight Azucena’s commitment to exceeding customer expectations and ensuring every job is done with care and precision. Whether it’s shampooing carpets, cleaning windows, or providing janitorial services, Azucena and her team deliver consistent, high-quality results.
Building a Legacy of Success
Azucena credits her family, especially her husband, for their constant support throughout her journey. From learning how to drive to helping with business logistics, their support has been a key factor in her success. She also acknowledges the help of her late friend, John Robertson, who provided the financial support needed to help her business grow. “I wouldn’t have been able to come this far without help from my family and friends,” she said.
Now, as the proud owner of a successful business, Azucena invites more clients to experience the quality and professionalism of her services. “I invite you to become one of our satisfied customers at Azucena’s Cleaning LLC,” she said with a smile.
If you’re in need of reliable residential or commercial cleaning services, you can visit Azucena’s website at azucenascleaning.com or call 503-779-5906 for a quote. Azucena’s Cleaning LLC is dedicated to making your home or office sparkle, so you can focus on the things that matter most.
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Apr. 22nd, 2021