Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakaysha Redd
Hi Lakaysha , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2019, I found myself at one of the lowest points in my life; homeless, jobless, and without a strong family support system. During that time, an acquaintance generously allowed me to stay in her spare bedroom rent-free for six months. While living there, I began cleaning her mother’s house as a way to show gratitude, and this opened the door to new opportunities. Her mother referred me to an old friend, and from there, I began building a reputation for my cleaning services in Pasadena, CA.
I used my General Relief funds of $220 a month to print business cards and purchase cleaning supplies, one item at a time, until I had everything I needed. I spent my days walking through neighborhoods, passing out my business cards, and steadily gaining new clients through referrals. A pivotal moment came when a family member of the acquaintance introduced me to someone who owned a cleaning company for vacation rentals. I worked part-time with that company on weekends while attending college and holding down a call center job during the weekdays.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, beauty and nail salons were temporarily shut down until they could meet strict cleaning standards. That’s when my business, Reddy To Clean, gained significant traction in the beauty service sector. I saw an opportunity to revamp and refocus the business to specialize in luxury commercial cleaning for beauty service salons, vacation rentals, tattoo studios, office spaces, and post-construction cleanup. The decision to pivot came after hearing consistent feedback from salon and vacation rental owners that other cleaners weren’t meeting their expectations many complained about a lack of attention to detail and an absence of high-end, professional service. With Reddy To Clean, I committed to offering an all-inclusive, meticulous, and elevated cleaning experience tailored to luxury spaces.
Getting to where I am today required an incredible amount of determination, faith, and perseverance. After six months of living rent-free, I was asked to leave and found myself homeless once again. This time, though, I had a car, a cleaning business, and a job I didn’t love, all while attending college. It was an incredibly challenging season of my life, but I kept pushing forward, even when the path felt unclear. Looking back now, I see how those struggles shaped me; they built my character and taught me how to adapt, survive, and thrive. Every hardship prepared me to navigate the world with resilience and strength, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road for me. Over the past five years, as I worked to establish myself as a business owner and move forward from the challenges of being homeless in 2019, I’ve faced many hardships. I’ve been fired from multiple jobs; some due to the impacts of COVID-19 and others for different reasons and experienced homelessness again. During this time, I also dealt with the loss of my mother and a cousin, struggled with intermittent explosive disorder tied to depression and anxiety, faced suicidal thoughts, and came dangerously close to bankruptcy.
Through it all, my faith has been my anchor, giving me the strength to keep moving forward even on the rockiest of paths. These experiences have been deeply challenging, but they’ve taught me the importance of resilience and the value of taking life one day at a time. Each struggle has shaped me, pushing me to grow in faith, perseverance, and self-awareness. While the journey hasn’t been easy, it has made me stronger and more determined to create positive change not only for myself but for others as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of Reddy To Clean . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Reddy To Clean is my passion project and the embodiment of my vision to redefine the cleaning industry as a professional luxury cleaning business. We specialize in all-inclusive services tailored for beauty service salons, vacation rentals, tattoo studios, office spaces, and post-construction cleanup. What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence and attention to detail. We don’t just clean spaces; we create environments that are pristine, inviting, and reflective of the high standards our clients uphold.
Our all-inclusive offerings include restocking essential supplies, laundry services, monthly electrostatic disinfectant spraying, and quarterly floor maintenance; ensuring that every aspect of cleanliness and organization is addressed. What makes me most proud is how Reddy To Clean has carved out a unique niche in Southern California, offering services that many didn’t even realize they needed until they worked with us.
Beyond our services, Reddy To Clean is also about creating opportunities. I’m proud to lead a company that provides jobs and training, particularly for individuals reentering the workforce, including formerly incarcerated people and this year we founded Reddy To Care the philanthropic arm of Reddy To Clean that focuses on providing essentials, resources and job training to unhoused and formerly incarcerated individuals. This December 2024; Reddy To Care hosted its 1st Annual “Bags of Blessings” Giveaway at The Flintridge Center for young & adult women gifting gently used purses filled with essential hygiene items. My journey from starting this business to becoming a trusted partner for so many businesses is a testament to persistence, passion, and purpose. I attribute nothing to being lucky; I am blessed to have the skills, courage, and persistence in my purpose to want to create a brand that helps simplify one person’s life while helping another learn and grow as a professional and citizen.
To your readers, I want them to know that Reddy To Clean is here to simplify their lives, elevate their spaces, and be a partner in maintaining the excellence they work so hard to achieve. If you’re looking for more than just cleaning, if you’re looking for peace of mind and an opportunity to give back; we’re reddy to make it happen.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success is more than financial stability; it’s about creating a meaningful, impactful life while empowering others to do the same. As an entrepreneur I’ve seen firsthand how success isn’t just about personal achievement but also about building opportunities for others.
The success I strive for is holistic: running my businesses seamlessly from anywhere in the world, fostering a culture of growth and support within my companies, and empowering others; especially women like me who’ve faced challenges; to rise above and create their own legacies. Success is about giving back to the communities, people, and organizations that have been instrumental in my journey. It’s living a life of freedom, joy, and purpose; whether that’s hosting fun events to connect with friends and others, traveling the world, spending time giving back, waking up to slow mornings or having the resources for therapy, better healthcare, or a business manager to maintain balance and well-being in my life.
I was confined for 14 years, and that experience has made me fiercely protective of my peace, freedom, and authenticity. Success to me means using my resources to uplift others while continuing to live a life that honors the lessons of my past and aligns with my purpose. It’s about living fully, giving generously, and staying grounded in my mission to inspire and empower others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reddytoclean.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reddytoclean & https://www.instagram.com/lredd89
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069266949221
Image Credits
Bags of Blessings Images: Perris Mykel
