Meet Racquel McGee | Owner & Cleaning Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Racquel McGee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Racquel, how do you think about risk?
Racquel McGee of Spotless Detroit Risk Taking: How do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career? When I hear the word “risk,” I equate that with taking a leap out on faith. It is part of what you need when taking a chance on yourself…faith and the actual act. For years I’ve battled with trying to find my passion until one day it finally came to me. I was visiting a friend’s house (that had recently purchased his home), to do my laundry. He had stepped out for a few and while there, I noticed it wasn’t quite tidy. So I literally, with no effort, cleaned and organized that house from top to bottom. Could not help myself what so ever. He came back and was like, “Wow, should I pay you?” I said no, but this just sparked my interest in turning this into a business. Who would’ve thought cleanliness would be my passion?! “Aha” moments came left and right, just realizing that ever since I was a child I’ve always been neat, a low-key germaphobe and enjoyed being organized. Initially, my company Spotless Detroit was just a side gig. Three years ago, when Spotless Detroit was born, I was a full-time employee with the city of Detroit. Spotless Detroit took up most of my weekends, until I started working for Wayne State University. While employed there, I gave Spotless Detroit a little more of my time because I took a pay cut and my hours allowed me to take on more jobs after work. As time went on, I grew to hate working at WSU. Literally every morning I dreaded going there. Fast forward to August 2019. My family and I found out that my great aunt Peggy had been diagnosed with Stage 4 bone cancer on top of suffering from dementia and diabetes. Instead of scrambling to find a caregiver, I decided to leave WSU and assist with taking care of her. I figured I could kill three birds with one stone. I could leave WSU, care for my Aunt and build on Spotless Detroit. Teachable moment here…when caring for a loved one, it takes all of you. You become drained because you’re not only taking care of someone who’s ill, but you’re watching a loved one’s health decline drastically. It was tough to say the least. My mind was not in the best space to even think about Spotless Detroit. Falling into a breakdown, as I like to describe it, I decided to snap out of it and figured this thing out. I began reading a book that a client of mine gave me called Fear Is My Homeboy by Judi Holler. GAME CHANGER. It was chapter two for me titled, “The Universe Has Your Back.” And I quote, “That jump, even when you’re scared, that’s faith.” Taking a chance on myself, that risk of jumping out on faith, I was terrified. I decided to switch my thought process and began asking myself, “What if you did go full time with Spotless Detroit? What if it does work?” Positive vibes only at this point. My aunt needed care which exceeded what I could offer. Once we found a facility that we were comfortable with, I took that “risk,” that leap of faith and decided to trust God and myself. By May 2020 opportunity after opportunity presented itself. My phone has been off the hook, even during these unprecedented times we’re living in right now. I’m beyond blessed and grateful for any and all opportunities that have come my way. What I’ve learned is taking a risk does not have to be a dangerous thing if your heart is in the right place. If this is what you desire, GO FOR IT. Creating Spotless Detroit, betting on myself and creating my own lane has opened endless opportunities and helped me with building my confidence and learning to trust God even more. Faith without work is dead.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets Spotless Detroit apart from other cleaning services is that we go in clean and come out dirty. It’s nothing cute about cleaning, no French maid outfits over here. We’re going in tackling tough jobs that’ll leave you in awe. My goal after each job is making sure you feel at peace in your space. I was taught to always treat people how you wanted to be treated. So with that being said, my trusted “Spotties” (what I like to call the team) and I go in and WE MEAN CLEAN. What makes me proud is that most of my clientele have came from word of mouth. That’s big to me. It means you’re doing something right. I want people to know that Spotless Detroit isn’t just a hustle, it’s my passion. I enjoy cleaning, always have. It brings me joy bringing organization into so many homes. I live for the reaction! You’re home can often reflect what’s going on with you. Yes I understand some people are busy and may not have the time nor energy to clean, but some people are depressed or may even battle with Compulsive hoarding. Spotless Detroit has encountered all kinds of scenarios and it’s our pleasure to come bring peace and cleanliness into your home. It’s not easy being a business owner but I wouldn’t dare go back to a 9-5. No shade at all because each job I have ever worked taught me many skills that I use to maintain professionalism with my clients. Creating your own schedule, getting paid to do what you love, meeting new people and making connections, it’s nothing like it. Watching my “business baby” grow a little more each year is so exciting and rewarding. Your brand will reflect how much work you put into it and my plan is to take Spotless Detroit to greater heights.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Detroit has so many hidden gems! My family and close friends call me “Dora the Explorer” or “Little Miss Detroit” because I’m always looking for new and exciting places to visit within the city. I’m definitely a foodie and a bar/lounge type of girl so if we’re hanging be prepared to be “clatchet” (classy and ratchet). It’s Friday night in the city so the first order of business is feeding our bellies. We’ll first head over to my favorite Italian restaurant called Ottava Via located in Detroit’s historic Corktown to have great food and cocktails. Afterwards we’ll head over to Sugar House and or Two James just up a few blocks to indulge in more cocktails and conversation. Once we get tired of being classy and want to loosen our wigs a bit, we’ll swing thru good ole Teresa’s Place located on Detroit’s west side. Teresa’s is my “Cheers“.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shout out all the powerful women in my family and close circle, especially my Aunt Peggy. She lived her life apologetically and I admire that.

Instagram: @spotlessdetroit
Facebook: Spotless Detroit LLC
Other: Website coming soon.

Image Credits
Q11 Studios Damani Gatewood