Today we’d like to introduce you to Gladis Martinez
Hi Gladis, 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?
I’m Gladis, and my story began in a small, colorful corner of Honduras. I was the seventh child, and while my family didn’t have much, I had the greatest gift—a mother who gave me everything she could. My mother, Victoria, was more than my mother; she was my inspiration, my role model, and a true Proverbs 31 woman. Abraham Lincoln’s words speak to my heart when he says, “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my mother.” That’s how I feel about her. She gave her entire heart to us, through every joy and every hardship, teaching me that life’s struggles don’t define us but shape us into who we are meant to become.
Victoria raised us alone, with a strength and warmth that could only come from someone who knew what it was to struggle—and still see beauty. She taught me to love people, to find joy in serving others, and to work with purpose. Though money was tight, she found ways to make life feel abundant, bringing laughter to our home and food to our table. I have so many memories of her cheerful voice, guiding us, teaching us. She instilled an entrepreneurial spark in me and my siblings early on. She encouraged us to be resourceful, to look for ways to help others, and to dream of bigger lives than what we could see.
One memory stands out: the lemon tree that grew in our backyard, its branches heavy with bright, beautiful lemons. I was only eight, but I felt like that tree was my first opportunity to build something of my own. At first, I picked lemons and sold them door-to-door in the city, and it was rewarding, but soon I realized there was more I could do. I began selling in bulk to local shops, then struck a deal with a friend to help carry the lemons into town and sell alongside me. That was my first taste of what it meant to run a business, and I loved it.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In 2005, life shifted once more. My mom had the chance to move to the United States, and she brought me with her. I was 18 years old and a single mother with my one-year-old son in my arms. It was overwhelming and exciting to be in a new country with my whole life ahead of me. I had the chance to study social work, sponsored by people who believed in me, and I poured myself into every class, every job, every opportunity to build a new future. Those years were hard—I worked several jobs and studied with barely any sleep—but I was determined to make something of myself and give my son a better life.
Eventually, my path led me to South Carolina, where my sister Sagrario and I started a small cleaning business. I’ll never forget the joy I felt working in this field, and the feeling of seeing a home transformed by our hands. For me, cleaning was never just about making things look nice; it was about creating spaces where people could relax, feel comfortable, and truly be at peace. I quickly realized this was what I was meant to do.
Today, that little business has grown into ENEZ Cleaning Services LLC in North Carolina. Our family-owned company has grown beyond what I ever imagined, and I feel incredibly blessed to wake up each day knowing that what we do matters to our clients. Cleaning is a labor of love for me. When we step into a home, we treat it as if it’s our own, bringing care, detail, and products that reflect our commitment to our clients’ health and happiness. We know a clean space brings calm and comfort, and I am honored to help people enjoy the places they call home.
Every step of my journey has brought me back to the values my mother instilled in me: resilience, faith, love for others, and the joy of hard work. I thank God every day for her, and though she’s no longer here with me, I feel her in everything I do. She showed me the way, and now I am grateful to pass that legacy on to my own children. I also thank my husband because he has taught me to trust and love again, and my children carry on the values their grandmother lived out every day.
I’m resilient, determined, and a lifelong learner. I’ve never forgotten my roots, and I take joy and responsibility in being able to generate jobs and opportunities for others through my business. This year has been a turning point, where ENEZ Cleaning Services is reaching new heights. I am grateful for every client, friend, and family member God has placed in my life for such a time as this. Here’s to every struggle, every triumph, and the unwavering love of a mother who taught me to believe in myself and to create something beautiful in this world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ENEZ SERVICES LLC ?
ENEZ Services is cleaning company with a large focus on residential cleaning. We offer residential services ranging from a one time Deep Cleaning to Move out/in! Need a more frequent service? We got that covered as well! From monthly to weekly we can take care of your cleaning needs! Our commercial side is small but certainly growing as well! We clean Office spaces, showrooms and more!
We primarily work in Durham and surrounding areas. Also in areas such Wendell Falls and Pittsboro.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The most important characteristic that has shaped my success is love—the love for God, for family, and for people. This love, rooted deeply in my upbringing, is what has guided me in every step of my journey. My mother, Victoria, showed me that when you approach life with love and faith, you find strength to overcome struggles and joy in serving others.
God’s hand has been evident in my life through every challenge and triumph. My mother’s faith, even in the toughest times, reminded me to trust in His plan and to see each day as an opportunity to glorify Him through my work and relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.enezservices.com
- Instagram: @enezservicesllc
- Facebook: ENEZ Services LLC
- Yelp: Enez services