We had the good fortune of connecting with Anesia Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Anesia, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I came up with the idea of my business sitting in my very first apartment one week after I was fired from my job in July of 2018. During that time, I was contemplating on what my next move would be. While I worked that out, I thought about what it was that I actually loved doing and not just something I had to do to live. I always knew, that the corporate world was not really for me. I’ve always been the type of person who can not look the other way when it came to how employees are treated at a lot of corporations. So I decided if I’m my own boss, and I am other people’s boss, then I could determine how things would be. I could set the example of how important it is to be compassionate and understanding in life. Also that we aren’t just living to work, but working to live.
I’ve always liked cleaning, even as a child. It was just something very satisfying to me for everything to be in an assigned place. I would just clean up around the house while my mom worked. As I got older I realized just how much she sacrificed for us being a single mother working night shift at a hospital as a nurse. So I thought the least I could do was make sure she came home to a clean space. She would be so appreciative and it seemed to change her whole mood some days honestly. The feeling I got from watching her just happy to be in a comfortable environment, and just breathe for a minute was very heartfelt. Keeping all of this in mind, I decided to start my own cleaning business. I studied, planned and read anything I could find on business and cleaning. Then in 2021 I became licensed and started Haven Cleaning LLC.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets me apart is that I don’t see others as competitors. I focus on my work and my clients. There are hundreds of other cleaning companies in my area but I know the amount of care and attention I put into my clients homes, is why they continue working with me. I build strong relationships with my clients. Being in another persons home is a very personal thing. You get to know them, their families, anniversaries and so forth. I’m proud to say that I’ve made friendships along the way because of my passion for my career. Haven is a safe place, and I have made sure each and everyone that I service, can trust and rely on me while I’m in their homes.
I got to where I am today with perseverance. Three months before I was going to open for business, my younger sister and nephew passed away. It was devastating to say the least. I didn’t want to do anything anymore. I thought about giving up on my dreams because I didn’t think I would ever get through that. It wasn’t easy, it’ll never get easy but it gets better. I pulled myself out of that place and thought about what she would want me to do. Move forward and continue living. She is what drives me the most. I know that I have to live up to everything we talked about. Breaking generational barriers in our family and going beyond what we could ever imagine. Along the way, I’ve learned to show myself grace. As gentle as I am with others, I deserve to be gentle to myself. It is important to have dreams, but it also important that you don’t push yourself so much that you forget the real reason behind your dreams. As long as you’re doing what you love, success will follow.
My brand is founded on sustainability. I spend a lot of time researching the best products to ensure they work well and also aren’t harmful to my clients and their pets. I care about what my people are inhaling and their overall health. This is not just a job for me, it’s something that I’m passionate about and show that with each client. I’m a small business now, but my niche is I connect with my clients and have real relationships with them. I’m not just in it for monetary gain, it’s the fellowship. How can I make a house feel like a home, you know?
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m more of a night owl, and i like the look of Birmingham at night. Moonshine at Elyton hotel would be the first place we’d stop. The vibes are always nice and they have good food and drinks. I like to sit outside a lot, and their rooftop has an amazing view of the city at night. Railroad park is one of my favorite spots to visit at night. Sitting by the water just breathing in fresh air and enjoying the moment.
After a night of sightseeing, Southern Kitchen is my go to brunch spot. Their fried green tomatoes with bacon tomato jam is to die for! Southern Kitchen is located in Birmingham’s uptown district. There are plenty of places to visit along the way within walking distance. I like to try new things and places, so usually I just play everything by ear in the city. There are a lot of hidden gems here, you just have to look.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost I’d like to thank God for blessing me with such a strong support system. There have been plenty of nights where I’ve stayed up worrying about my future and my goals. My family and closest friends, are the people I attribute my past and present accomplishments to. They encourage me and speak blessings over my life. They push me to take things day by day while reminding me to walk by faith and not by sight.
I especially want to give a special shout out to my best friend of 14 years Maya Smith. She is the reason I have this great opportunity to speak about my business and what I love doing. Thank you for believing in me at times when I couldn’t see myself.
Website: www.havencleaningllc.online
Instagram: www.instagram.com/havencleaningllc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/havencleaningllc/