Starting Small: Anna-Marie Ortiz Launches Cool Aunt Cleaners
Starting a business can be done on a small budget. Anna-Marie Ortiz is a perfect example of this. With just $2,000 from her savings, she launched her cleaning service, Cool Aunt Cleaners, in Portland, Oregon. Fast forward to now, and her business is pulling in an impressive $10,000 monthly.
Anna-Marie began her venture as a side job while working at a fintech startup. However, by September 2024, Cool Aunt Cleaners had evolved into a full-time endeavor. It’s estimated that the business will exceed $100,000 in revenue for the year.
Who is Anna-Marie Ortiz?
Anna-Marie grew up in Kansas and has a background in technology startups. Her journey also included stints at a plant shop and various other business explorations. When she moved to Portland, she wanted to create something of her own, leading her to consider a cleaning service—a choice she felt was practical and low-cost.
With her limited savings, she covered essential startup costs like cleaning supplies, a vacuum, a logo, a website, and marketing materials. She made sure to invest wisely, also paying for business registration and other must-haves.
Attracting Customers with Simple Strategies
To get her first clients, Ortiz relied on straightforward marketing techniques. She handed out flyers and business cards in her neighborhood, focusing on personal connections rather than expensive online ads. Word of mouth became a powerful tool, helping her business grow quickly.
Ortiz wanted to create a personal touch that customers often find lacking in traditional cleaning services. As a result, her company flourished, generating around $10,000 a month just over a year after its launch.
The Shift to Full-Time Entrepreneurship
Previously, Anna-Marie was working remotely for a fintech company, earning about $60,000 annually. While owning her own business allowed her to have more control over her work, it also involved making financial sacrifices. After committing full-time to her cleaning business, she adjusted her salary to around $29,000 per year.
Anna-Marie Ortiz’s journey illustrates that with determination, creativity, and a little risk, starting a business doesn’t have to take a huge investment—it can arise from a small idea, big dreams, and hard work.
