Meet Bettina Bennett-Walker | Entrepreneur | Philanthropist | Technology Project Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bettina Bennett-Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bettina, how do you think about risk?
Risk is a constant thing, but it is how we respond to risk. For example, I remember being in 3rd grade and for the summer my mom put me in swimming classes. During my time in swim camp the instructor taught me the basics in the shallow water. The instructor allowed us to practice on every step of how to maneuver in the water, whether it is for leisure or survival. Weeks passed and we were presented to run and jump in the deep end of the pool. At first I was hesitant because I never took the risk of swimming in deep water. The guy ahead of me, ran and jumped, the other kids started backing out of the line, but I stayed. When it was my turn, I looked around and the thought ran through my mind was either now or never. Needless to say, I ran and jumped. As soon as I jumped in my body automatically remembered what I was taught in the shallow end of the pool and I was fine. When it comes to risks in my life/career my mentally is either now or never. Some opportunities only come once in a life time and if you missed that opportunity you can miss out on the direction of purpose.

What should our readers know about your business?

What sets my business apart from others is the service delivery and our technology platform. When I first started I knew that my skills set in tech, would be a game changer for my business. We have a easy to use client portal that allows future and existing customers to place their needs and upcoming appointments in their file so we can review their needs. I am an owner that works with my team. I will never have my team to do something that I wouldn’t do because that is how you treat people.

Lessons I have learned in business is you are going to make mistakes but it is how you turn those mistakes into opportunities of growth. Also all money is not good money, sometimes I can conduct an in person consultation and I can sense that something is off I will decline services because I will not put my team at risk for injury.

My business is where it is today is because of God, my support system and my team. It has not been easy, working with staff, finding balance and working through COVID 19 when half of my staff was out sick but cleanings had to continue. I had to make a decision to stop our residential cleanings and continue to focus on our commercial contracts until everyone became well. That was a tough decision, but now we are back fully staffed and accepting residential clients with strict guidelines to keep everyone safe.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Downtown Atlanta has grown to a different capacity but I would take them to Shane’s bbq, the original one, in Stockbridge. My new love and place to visit is the New Black Wall Street in Lithonia. I love the concept and the layout for black owned businesses to help circulate the black dollars in our community. The art, the shops and among other things are unmarked at the New Black Wall Street.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My business is named after my grandmother and my mother. I have witnessed these women be the backbone of the family by being a person of wisdom, guidance and support. Growing up, I use to spends summers with my grandmother and she would work for a family by providing residential cleaning with maid service. She would get up early in the morning fix breakfast and pack us a lunch with a snack to head to the family’s house she was serving. We would clean their home from top to bottom. At the age of 6, I learned how to clean and organize a home by working with my grandma. I would help her because the faster she would finish the quicker we could go home and play. My mother would also clean homes on the side to make extra money for savings or to pay things off so I would see her work two jobs some seasons. When I sit back and look at the legacy of women in my family they are hard workers not only just in work but also in family. I watch these two women give their last or sacrifice for their children in so many ways. My father was an entrepreneur. He ran and operated many businesses because he didn’t like working for other people. Growing up I would do inventory for his gas station, he showed me how to balance an operation budget and taught me to talk to anyone that you make contact with whether it is in an elevator or riding the bus be friendly and polite because you may be talking to a millionaire. My husband has been my biggest supporter since starting my business. I was talking to him about starting my business and one day he gifted me my LLC and start up funds to make “Miss Annie’s” come alive. I remember that day, I just cried and cried because we were just dating but he sowed into my vision.

Website: https://linktr.ee/missanniejanitorialservicesllc