Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalalah Harvey.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I started The Wiz Wash, it was a joke. I bought my first car wash kit July 2018. I would post myself on Snapchat and Instagram washing my own car and I would caption my videos, “pull up, $10.00, for a wash”. Consistently. My family and friends would start to inquire and a year later because of them, I have been able to build a foundation for a growing successful business. It slowly grew to become my main hustle outside of my normal day job. I obtained my small business license early 2019, so now when I reach my goal of where my business will be in due time, I can legally conduct business with corporations throughout the Los Angeles County.
I’ve been doing this outside in my backyard for a little over a year now. Occasionally, I’d work out of my Kia Stinger, pack up all my supplies, and with the understanding from my loyal customers, I am able to utilize their electricity and water source.
What made me get serious was that the people around me encouraged me to continue and grow the car wash and also I personally wanted to create generational wealth. Right now, at this moment my older brother has been why I haven’t given it up. He is incarcerated and knowing that it will be hard for him to come home and find work, I have created a foundation of opportunity for us to run this business as a family business. He is taking business courses while incarcerated and uses The Wiz Wash as his business model. To know that he is developing ideas also, it keeps me going daily.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Most definitely not a smooth road, but it has been a rewarding journey. Investing money into my business the way I would love to is just not where I am right now, but with the help of my family investing, I have been able to provide quality service to my supporters. There may be days where I have multiple cars and no help. If I do pick up mobile jobs, I don’t have my own water source or electricity. I work out of my own vehicle if I am not in my own backyard and it’s not the ideal vehicle to do mobile washing, but I always work with whatever resources I have and I appreciate those who allow me to use their sources to do my job.
The Wiz Wash – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Wiz Wash is a small developing auto detailing business. I go by Wiz/ Wiz Kalalah and that’s where I got the name from.
I specialize in car wash services and I’m known for putting The Wiz in your Wash and being up before the sun. My personality is known by my peers, and it works well with what I do.
My personality is what sets me apart from others, my professionalism, creativity, and humbleness. I believe I truly create an atmosphere for my clients to have a safe space to have conversation while I work for them. Sometimes my jobs turn into therapy sessions. I get to learn a lot about people, network, share knowledge, all while providing a service. Knowing that once the individual leaves with a wash, they’ll think of me as the reason why they now have a cleaner car than when they came.
I am most proud of being able to execute my ideas for my own company and continuing to perfect my craft with every car that I touch. Being able to take what I thought of as a joke, into an actual source of income, made me realize that I could do anything. Starting a business was not something I ever thought of doing. I am grateful that I was able to tap into the business mindset and grow with it.
I have dreams and goals of owning a space where I can have friends and family who have businesses can all generate income and conduct business. I know many of hardworking individuals who are in the food business, fitness, bartending, cosmetology, fashion and much more. Why not have an all in one space where everyone can win together. Many people are selfish when they get into whatever business they are in, and that has never been me. I am putting myself in a position to put others in a position.
I don’t know too many women, Black women who are dedicated and committed to performing in this male-dominated field.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is earning respect, love, and admiration from those who watched you grow and those who have been supportive. It’s about consistently fulfilling your purpose without worrying about the dollar. Money will come to you as long as you put out the hard work. I am a very successful individual, and my success continuously grows day by day. Success has levels. I don’t put myself in a box based on socioeconomic status.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 3236973019
- Email: wizkalalah@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thewizwash @wizkalalah
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