Sparkle and Sheen
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Sparkle and Sheen
We are thrilled to have this opportunity to share the incredible story of Sparkle & Sheen, our beloved residential and commercial cleaning company. From humble beginnings to our current thriving state, we cannot contain our enthusiasm about how far we’ve come and the remarkable services we offer.
Our journey began during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, where the world needed support more than ever. As a family-run business, we witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by seniors and individuals in our community. It was a moment of realization, a call to action that ignited our passion to make a difference. We started by delivering groceries, handling laundry, and providing light housekeeping, all while offering genuine companionship to the elderly who often found themselves alone without any family nearby. It was in those moments of connection and service that Sparkle & Sheen was born.
Raquel, our beloved matriarch, brought with her over three decades of professional housekeeping experience. Her meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication became the backbone of our business. Meanwhile, Aaron, her son and a recent business graduate, eagerly joined forces to bring his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas to the table. Together, we embarked on a shared mission to not only provide exceptional cleaning services but also to create a warm, caring environment where our clients feel like family.
Our progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. In just four short years, we have experienced exponential growth, doubling our revenue year after year. This accomplishment is a testament to the trust and loyalty our clients have placed in us. We owe our success to the incredible Sparkle & Sheen Family, comprising our valued clients and our dedicated team of over 35 full-time staff members. Each individual plays an integral role in our journey, and their support has helped us reach new heights.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to our community. We firmly believe that a business is more than just profit and competition; it is about making a positive impact in people’s lives. Our core values revolve around giving back, and we actively engage with the community in various ways. We have forged partnerships with small businesses throughout Edmonton, allowing us to offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to our clients’ needs. Sparkle & Sheen has become a trusted one-stop-shop, where our clients can find solutions for all their needs.
But our dedication doesn’t stop there. We have recently embarked on exciting new ventures to further enhance our clients’ experience. A cutting-edge mobile app “Bizzi” is in the works, providing seamless booking, tracking, and personalized communication. Additionally, we are proud to announce the launch of our very own cleaning product line of “Made For Products”, carefully crafted to ensure the highest quality and eco-friendly standards. We believe that providing exceptional service extends beyond physical cleaning; it’s about creating a healthy and sustainable environment for our clients.
Our commitment to support and uplift others has extended beyond our immediate reach. Through our podcast “Maid to Talk”, we share our knowledge and experiences with fellow cleaning companies across Canada, offering guidance and support to help them succeed and avoid the pitfalls we encountered on our journey. We firmly believe that collaboration is the key to growth, and we view our competitors as allies, united in our shared purpose of making a positive difference. We have a Facebook Group called “Maid in Canada” where we hear fellow allies’ stories and offer extensive coaching free of charge, and offer a support group to cheer each other on along the journey.
So, dear friends, that is the story of Sparkle & Sheen, a business born out of compassion and a deep desire to serve. We are more than just a cleaning company; we are a community that embraces the values of care, empathy, and excellence. Our commitment to our clients and the people of Edmonton is unwavering. We are here to bring comfort, joy, and a sparkling shine to every home and workplace we touch.
At Sparkle & Sheen, making a positive impact in our local community is at the core of our business philosophy. We strive to go beyond providing exceptional cleaning services and actively engage with the community in various ways. Here’s how we make a positive impact:
1. Supporting Seniors: We started our business by recognizing the need for support among seniors in our community. We deliver groceries, assist with light housekeeping, and offer companionship to seniors who may not have family nearby. I remember in our first year, going to so many seniors’ homes, and playing Yahtzee and listening to their amazing life stories. They have expressed following the pandemic how much that meant to them in a time of need, and although we were not making any money from this, the impact was far superior than any monetary value that could come from it. We knew success was around the corner, and building this strong relationship would propel us in the future to develop a family orientated and trusted clientele. Through these services, we provide not only practical help but also emotional support and a sense of connection. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for seniors and ensure they feel valued and cared for.
2. Job Creation: As a growing business, we take pride in creating employment opportunities within our community. We have expanded our team to over 35 full-time staff members, providing stable and fulfilling jobs. By fostering a supportive work environment, offering competitive wages, and investing in training and development, we contribute to the local economy and empower individuals to thrive in their careers. We offer so much opportunity and compensation to our team to grow with the business and have created a working environment that shares the same values and visions that we set out from day 1. It is such an amazing culture, and if we did less in the community to save money, it would certainly all go to them as a bonus because none of this would be possible without the team supporting our goals. We view working here as an amazing career opportunity, and not just a job. We pay above industry standard and offer full benefits and numerous incentives. This is how we have managed to have 75% of our staff working 2+ years and have such low turnover in an industry that turnover is a major issue.
3. Community Partnerships: We actively collaborate with small businesses in Edmonton to create a network of trusted professionals. These partnerships not only enhance the range of services we offer but also strengthen the local economy. By supporting and promoting other local businesses, we contribute to their growth and success, fostering a sense of collaboration and community spirit.
4. Awards and Recognition: Our commitment to community impact has been acknowledged through various awards and recognition. We have been honored for our outstanding contributions and dedication to making a positive difference. These accolades not only validate our efforts but also inspire us to continue finding innovative ways to uplift our community. We won the 2019 Jobber Grant, where they chose 30 small businesses across North America that were impacting the community. We were the only Canadian company to be selected that year.
5. Podcast and Coaching: Through our podcast and coaching initiatives, we extend our impact beyond our immediate reach. We share our knowledge and experiences with other cleaning companies across Canada, offering guidance and support to help them succeed. By providing mentorship and sharing best practices, we contribute to the growth and professionalism of the industry as a whole.
6. Environmental Consciousness: We prioritize sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly practices into our operations. We are launching our own cleaning product line that aligns with our commitment to minimizing our ecological footprint. By offering green cleaning alternatives, we promote a healthier environment and encourage others to adopt sustainable practices.
7. Community Involvement: We actively participate in community events, fundraisers, and initiatives. Whether it’s volunteering our time, sponsoring local activities, or supporting charitable organizations, we strive to make a positive impact beyond the realm of our business. We believe in giving back to the community that has embraced and supported us. We volunteer at the Edmonton Food Bank every second Saturday, did a team Blood Drive, and various volunteer work around Edmonton. We have also launched many initiatives to impact people in need. We did a Ukraine Drive while the refugees were in need of household items. We filled our storage with bicycles, couches, clothing items, kitchen supplies, coffee tables, etc. and found Ukrainians in need through Facebook Groups and delivered items in need. Since then, we have hired many Ukrainians that do not speak fluent English and have showed patience in helping them grow and achieve their dreams and offer financial support and a full support system of team members there for them. We also do a Pay-it-Forward program that we take submissions all month long and choose one person in need to receive a full Top-To-Bottom Deluxe Clean free of charge. We view this as an opportunity to give them a fresh start and change the way they view having a clean home, and how it can impact their life to be more organized and driven, and to let them know they have us there for them and are not alone in their struggles. This program means the world to us, and we would offer more not-for-profit incentives if we had a little more financial freedom. We also do gift baskets for every little holiday. On Mother’s Day, we took submissions from children on what their mother means to them. We chose one winner to receive a 1000$ gift basket and a letter written by Raquel on what it means to be a mother to her. She was going through chemo and wrote us the nicest letter I have ever read on what that basket and letter meant to her, and lifted her spirits despite what she was going through. I am happy to report that she has since entered remission and is doing well. Alongside all these things, we donate free cleans or gift certificates to so many fundraisers, silent auctions, and charities around Edmonton to support local sports teams, foundations, and many more. Lastly, I can’t not speak about the family we have created with our clients. We had a client going through a difficult time with her two daughters, ages 15 and 17, both going through Labrune Syndrome at the same time. It is a very rare type of cancer. We opened up our newsletter that month reaching out to the Sparkle & Sheen Family, asking for support. Any donations to the Switzer Family, we matched half the donation with Sparkle & Sheen bucks that they could use on services at a later date. We raised over 1000$ in a day, and the family was so appreciative that we had them on our Podcast to spread awareness and hear their heart wrenching story (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPC0G_aWnFI). It shows the support Sparkle & Sheen offers, and you are more than a client to us, and we truly care about everyone to their core that uses our services, and created an environment that we are always all there for each other. I could talk about this all day because we are truly so passionate about it, and we will never stop developing new ways Sparkle & Sheen can leave a lasting impact on the community.
8. In summary, Sparkle & Sheen makes a substantial impact in our local community by supporting seniors, creating job opportunities, fostering community partnerships, sharing knowledge, promoting sustainability, and actively engaging in community involvement. We are committed to being more than just a cleaning company; we are a catalyst for positive change, striving to improve lives, empower individuals, and build a strong and connected community.