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

Hi Darlene, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
During COVID, like a lot of us, I was quarantined at home reimagining what normal living would be for me and my family.

Creating and keeping peace in my life became one of my biggest priorities. I started to embrace the art of delegation and found ways to delegate tasks that I wasn’t either fond of or strong in doing.

As I started to embrace this mindset, I thought about how much happier a few people in my life would be if they would just do the same. The idea of the laundry service honestly came to be one day as I was joking with a friend of mine about how awesome it would be if I had this service for myself.

I went to my social platform and shared if anyone else would be open to this type of service and immediately received a great response on how this service is needed.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Mobile Laundry Detroit is a team of exceptional professionals that specializes in customer satisfaction and laundry care. With reserving an appointment online, mobilelaundrydetroit.com. our team will execute in picking up, washing, drying, folding your clothes with a delivery turnaround time of 24 hours. In some cases, the same day!

What I believe stands me out from the rest, outside of being a Detroit Native, is my family owned the only local black owned laundromat in the early 90’s in my neighborhood.

But my father, the late John Perkins Sr. used the brick and mortar, for more purposes than just laundry service.

It was a safe place for people (mostly young men in the community) to gather and obtain mentorship & share resources amongst one another to be successful and thrive. In addition, my father often offered free services to people in need. Being exposed to his methods in servitude contributed to edifying my character at an early age and I am proud to continue on his legacy in not only Mobile Laundry Detroit but my other venture with Lean Into It.

Lean Into It is a mantra I have lived by in the last few years. For me it embodies leaning into your GOD given gifts, creating a tribe and edifying a community together. Initially did a soft launch of a consulting service around this concept in early 2021- however, the concept has become bigger than what I expected and currently under a rebranding.   I plan to relaunch in the business model mid-2023.

Strengthening my relationship with GOD has been the single most important decision I have made in my life, period. I wear a lot of hats, outside of being an entrepreneur and I know if it had not been for my heavenly fathers grace and mercy, I would not be able to serve on the magnitude that I have so far and will continue to do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Specifically, the campus martius area.

Over the course of the last 10 years, the city has gone through tremendous efforts to partner with local businesses and residents to edify and create an experience for every walk of life. It seems like every weekend there is something great happening in the city and I love it!

A few spots off the beat and path of downtown that I would highly recommend if you were looking for a chill vibe would be The Griot, Willis Show Bar, The Congregation and The Spotlight. Great vibes!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to- my heavenly, father GOD, for I am nothing without his love & grace.

Next, every member of GOD’s Plan for every relationship I have formed with everyone in this group has edified my spiritual character, connected me with resources that I need to thrive and given me encouragement in my lowest points.

My tribe of friend-tors over the years. Too many to name, but they know who they are. Thank YOU for what you have been for me.

And last, but certainly not least, my children. Darell Alexander Young and Jordan Elijah Young. They are my legacy, bring so much joy and happiness to my life, daily. They give me a reason to PUSH every day. I love them dearly.

Website: mobilelaundrydetroit.com

Instagram: Mobile_Laundry_Detroit; darlene_perkins; leanintoit_withdarlene

Linkedin: Darlene Perkins

Image Credits
Q11 Photography BJSNAPPEDTHAT

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