Exploring Life & Business with Seda Lair of Tip Top Dry Cleanres

Today we’d like to introduce you to Seda Lair.

Hi Seda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Sixteen years ago, I moved to California from Seattle, Washington to purchase a small, family-owned dry cleaning business from a relative. It was a big life change—leaving behind my corporate career to become my own boss.

Tip Top Cleaners, located near the Caltech has a long and proud history. According to the Huntington Library archives, the business was established in late 1930s, and we even have a photograph dated 1941 as proof of its early days. It has been a family-owned business ever since, serving the Pasadena community for generations.

Over the years, many customers have shared wonderful stories with us. Some recall that the original owners even operated small satellite locations, including one at Caltech, where faculty, staff, and students would conveniently drop off their dry cleaning, and it would be returned to them later. These stories paint a beautiful picture of a different era in Pasadena.

At some point, a close family member purchased the business from the original owners, and eventually, I took over. With the tremendous support of our Pasadena neighbors and community, Tip Top Cleaners has continued to serve through many moments in history— including recessions, earthquakes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and local challenges like San Gabriel mountain’s fires.

We feel truly blessed to be part of this community. We take great pride in what we do and want our customers to know they can always depend on us for quality cleaning and on-time delivery.

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?
During COVID, I almost had to close my cleaners—but I stuck with it, hoping things would get better. I am glad I did. Couldn’t have done without the kind support of Pasadnea community.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

My dry cleaning business is built on a simple idea: people trust us with the items that matter most to them, and we take that responsibility seriously. From everyday garments to delicate fabrics and specialty pieces, we focus on delivering consistent, high-quality care while preserving the life and look of each item.

What sets us apart is our attention to detail and our commitment to customer relationships. We don’t see our clients as transactions—we get to know their preferences, their routines, and what matters to them. That personal connection allows us to provide a level of service that feels tailored rather than routine.

We also place a strong emphasis on using effective, fabric-conscious cleaning methods and maintaining a clean, organized operation behind the scenes. Our goal is not just to clean clothes, but to give customers confidence—whether they’re heading to work, an event, or simply going about their day.

Over time, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, care, and professionalism. For me, it’s not just about running a business—it’s about creating a service people can depend on and feel good about returning to.

We are ,One-stop shop — not just dry cleaning, but also:
tailoring (suits, dresses, wedding gowns)
leather & suede cleaning
rug cleaning

What matters most to you? Why?
On time delivery, Clean garments , exepasional customer service

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tiptopcleanerspasadena.com
• Facebook: fb.com/tiptopcleanerspasadena
• Instagram: tip_top_cleaners_pasadena
• Yelp: Tip Top Cleaners Pasadena