Exploring Life & Business with Ray Vasquez of Inshape Cleaning

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Vasquez.

Hi Ray, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Ray and I’m a proud Latina, a mother to a beautiful daughter, and now a business owner here in Los Angeles. My journey has been anything but traditional, but it’s mine — and I’m grateful for everything.

I started off as a personal trainer. Health and fitness were a big part of my life, and I loved being able to help people feel strong and confident in their own skin. But life changes when you become a mother — your perspective shifts, your priorities realign. I wanted more stability, more growth, and something that could truly provide for my daughter and me long-term.

That’s when I decided to take a leap and start a cleaning business. I had no background in it, just a vision and the belief that I could make it happen. I knew what it meant to work hard — and I wasn’t afraid to start from the bottom. I’ve cleaned homes myself, knocked on doors, handled clients, and slowly began building something I could be proud of.

What started as an idea is now a growing business. We serve residential homes, Airbnb properties, and commercial spaces across LA. But more than that, we bring care, trust, and heart into every space we clean.

I share my story because I want other women — especially Latina women and moms — to know that it’s okay to start over. It’s okay to take risks. You don’t have to wait for the “perfect time.” You just have to believe in yourself, even when it feels scary.

This is just the beginning for me. I’m building a legacy — not just for my daughter, but for every woman who’s ever felt like the odds were stacked against her.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting this business came with a lot of challenges — not just in the work itself, but mentally and emotionally too. As a Latina woman and a mom, I’ve had to overcome doubts, judgment, and fear at every stage.

One of the biggest obstacles was simply believing I could do it. When you don’t come from a business background or have a lot of resources, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. I didn’t have investors or a full team. I had to figure things out on my own — how to get clients, how to price services, how to build trust. There were times I was cleaning houses myself during the day, answering emails at night, and still making sure I was fully present for my daughter. It was exhausting, but I never let it break me.

Another challenge has been proving that cleaning is a real business — professional, necessary, and worthy of respect. Some people look down on it, but the truth is, it takes discipline, communication, and serious work ethic. We don’t just clean—we care. And that matters.

Lastly, there’s the constant challenge of balance. Being a mother, running a business, and still trying to show up for myself—it’s a daily juggle. But every challenge has made me stronger, and more committed to the life I’m building for us.

We’ve been impressed with Inshape Cleaning, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is a professional cleaning company based in LA, IE and OC. We specialize in residential homes, Airbnb turnovers, and commercial properties — but what truly sets us apart is the care and intention we bring to every space we touch.

We don’t just “clean.” We restore peace of mind, create order, and help our clients feel proud of their spaces. Whether it’s preparing a home for a new baby, turning over a vacation rental for the next guest, or deep cleaning an office for a fresh start — we understand that every job matters.

We’re Latina-owned, woman-owned, and built from the ground up with hard work and heart. I started this business with no formal background in cleaning services — just a strong work ethic, a vision, and a desire to create something real. Now, we’re growing steadily through word of mouth, client referrals, and the relationships we’ve built.

We value trust, consistency, and clear communication. That’s why many of our clients return again and again — they know we show up, and we do it right.

To me, this business isn’t just about cleaning — it’s about empowerment. It’s about building a legacy, providing opportunities, and showing other women — that it’s possible to start from scratch and create something meaningful.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Starting this business was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken — but it was also one of the most necessary.

I left behind the comfort of a steady job and a routine I was familiar with. As a personal trainer, I had built relationships and a schedule that worked, but deep down, I knew I wanted more. I wanted to create something that I owned — something that had no limit on its potential. That meant stepping into the unknown with no guarantees, no backup plan, and no safety net.

As a mom, that risk felt even heavier. It’s not just about me — every decision I make affects my daughter. But I also knew that playing it safe wouldn’t build the life I wanted for us. I wanted her to see firsthand what it looks like to believe in yourself, even when it’s scary.

Starting a business in a field I had no prior experience in, using my own savings, reaching out to strangers for work, showing up day after day — that was all a risk. But I trusted my work ethic, my values, and my ability to connect with people. And every client who said yes gave me more courage to keep going.

Taking that risk was the best decision I’ve ever made. It taught me that growth doesn’t happen in comfort — it happens when you bet on yourself, even when the odds aren’t perfect.

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