Inspiring Conversations with Alexis Abdulraheem of The Rise Cleaners

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Abdulraheem

Hi Alexis, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The inspiration for Rise Cleaners came from my personal journey, filled with ups and downs, and the understanding of how easily young people can find themselves in difficult situations.

I envisioned a company that would do more than just provide cleaning services; I wanted to create a safe haven where young people could learn the value of hard work, responsibility, and integrity. Rise Cleaners became a symbol of hope and opportunity—a place where youth could find purpose and direction through employment and mentorship. As my business grows, so does my vision. I aim to create programs that further empower our youth, offering workshops on life skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. My dream is to see the next generation equipped with the tools they need to succeed, breaking cycles of hardship and creating a brighter future.

In the end, Rise Cleaners isn’t just a cleaning service; it’s a movement—a commitment to lifting others up, fostering community, and creating a legacy of hope and inspiration. Every time we step into a new space, I’m reminded of the purpose behind it all: to empower our youth, strengthen our families, and rise together toward a better tomorrow.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting Rise Cleaners was not just a business endeavor; it was a journey filled with challenges that tested my resolve and determination. As a self-funded venture, the road was often steep, with obstacles at every turn. Yet, each struggle shaped my vision and strengthened my commitment to creating something meaningful for my family and community.

One of the most significant challenges I faced was the lack of financial resources. Starting from scratch meant that I had to bootstrap the business with limited capital. There were moments when I questioned whether I could sustain this dream, but my passion kept me moving forward.

Wearing multiple hats was another struggle that came with the territory. As a Black woman entrepreneur, I found myself juggling various roles—cleaner, marketer, accountant, and manager—all while balancing the demands of being a mother. Each day required me to shift gears and adapt to new challenges, often leaving me exhausted. I had to learn quickly, navigating areas I was unfamiliar with, from accounting software to digital marketing strategies, often without guidance or mentorship.

Additionally, the entrepreneurial landscape can feel isolating, especially when few people around you share the same mindset. I often found myself surrounded by well-meaning friends and family who, while supportive, didn’t fully understand the complexities of running a business. Their lack of experience in entrepreneurship made it challenging for me to find mentors or networks that could provide the guidance I desperately needed. I had to rely on my instincts and seek knowledge independently, often through late-night research and trial and error.

We’ve been impressed with The Rise Cleaners , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Rise Cleaners, we’re more than just a cleaning service—we’re a community-driven business dedicated to uplifting our neighborhood while providing top-notch cleaning solutions. What sets us apart from other cleaning companies is not just our commitment to excellence but our deep-rooted mission to create opportunities for growth and connection within our community.

The journey from idea to execution has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Watching this vision come to life has filled me with immense pride, knowing that every step I took was driven by passion and determination.

One of the core philosophies of Rise Cleaners is to foster relationships that strengthen our community. We believe in the power of collaboration, which is why we actively seek to contract with other small businesses. By doing this, we ensure that money stays within our local economy, helping our neighbors thrive alongside us. Whether it’s partnering with a local supply store or collaborating with a nearby café for our team’s breaks, every connection we make reinforces our commitment to supporting those around us.

In addition to building community partnerships, we offer unique incentives to our customers through referral discounts and recurring service discounts. We understand the importance of relationships, and we want to reward our loyal customers for spreading the word about our services. When clients refer us to their friends and family, they not only receive a discount but also help us grow our community of satisfied customers. Our recurring service discounts encourage clients to choose us for their ongoing cleaning needs, reinforcing the trust they place in our team.

At Rise Cleaners, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized and reliable services. We understand that every home and business is unique, which is why we tailor our cleaning services.

Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the challenges I’ve overcome and the milestones I’ve achieved. From the initial spark of an idea to the business we have today, Rise Cleaners embodies the belief that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to community, we can rise above. I am proud to lead a company that not only cleans spaces but also fosters connections, supports local businesses, and inspires young people to find their path.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for businesses across the globe, and Rise Cleaners was no exception. However, it also served as a powerful teacher, imparting valuable lessons that have shaped our operations and reinforced our commitment to our clients and community.
The pandemic forced us to pivot quickly in response to changing regulations and client needs. As health guidelines evolved, we had to adapt our cleaning protocols to ensure the safety of our clients and team. This meant investing in high-quality disinfectants, implementing rigorous sanitation procedures, and keeping abreast of the latest health recommendations. The pandemic highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses and community members. We realized that many of our companies were struggling, and it was crucial to be there for them. That’s why community is at our core!

Pricing:

• $100-250 standard commercial cleaning
• $200-600 post construction cleaning
• $150-450 move-out/move in cleaning
• $150-250 deep cleaning
• $110-250 for all daycare centers

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.therisecleaners.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therisecleaners?igsh=MTJiZGh2a2RwcTc1MQ==