From Side Hustle to Six Figures: Anna-Marie Ortiz’s Journey Building Cool Aunt Cleaners
Anna-Marie Ortiz, a 30-year-old entrepreneur, bypassed the conventional wisdom of meticulous planning and instead jumped headfirst into building her cleaning business, Cool Aunt Cleaners. Starting with just $2,000 and a “go-getter” attitude, she transformed a side hustle into a thriving, full-time enterprise generating an average of $10,000 per month by September 2024. This inspiring story showcases the power of decisive action, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and pivot, all crucial elements for entrepreneurial success. Her journey is a testament to the fact that achieving financial independence doesn’t always require an extensive business plan or years of preparation; sometimes, it simply necessitates taking the leap.
Key Takeaways: From Side Hustle to Six-Figure Success
- Aggressive Action Trumps Over-Planning: Ortiz prioritized action over analysis, proving that sometimes, starting is more important than perfect preparation.
- Adaptability is Key: Facing challenges, she quickly adjusted her pricing and target market (focusing on smaller condos for higher profitability), demonstrating her adaptability.
- Profitable Pivots: Ortiz learned from early mistakes, such as scaling back her staffing to align costs with revenue, showcasing successful pivoting in action.
- Financial Independence, Not Just a Big Salary: Ortiz prioritizes independence and flexibility over a higher salary, highlighting the intrinsic rewards of entrepreneurship.
- Building Wealth on Your Own Terms: This story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to chase their own dreams and define success on their terms.
The Genesis of Cool Aunt Cleaners
Ortiz’s entrepreneurial spirit ignited in her twenties while working at Kansas startups, where she gained invaluable experience in sales, marketing, and project management, describing it as her “untraditional four-year degree in business.” Although a previous venture, a plant shop started in 2020 with a friend, ultimately failed due to pandemic-related challenges, the experience fueled her determination. By 2022, having moved to Portland and working remotely, she yearned for a business with low overhead and high demand.
Cleaning emerged as the perfect solution. With her last $2,000 in savings, she invested in supplies, created a website, and carefully designed a logo. From the outset, she wasn’t simply aiming for a stable business; her vision was ambitious: a “seven-figure” enterprise.
Navigating the Challenges and Finding Success
Ortiz’s approach was distinctly different. Rather than waiting for the “perfect” moment or strategy, she took the initiative. She embraced challenges, acknowledging that her initial pricing strategy needed adjustment. She identified a more profitable niche: cleaning smaller condos near downtown Portland, which proved more lucrative than larger residential homes. This decisive shift underscores her adaptability and willingness to learn and adjust.
The Leap of Faith: Leaving Corporate Security
By November 2023, her business had grown significantly. The success of Cool Aunt Cleaners allowed Ortiz to leave her $60,000-a-year fintech job and pursue entrepreneurship full-time. Her business is projected to generate over $100,000 in revenue in 2024, serving between 15 and 20 recurring clients. This remarkable growth is a testament to her dedication and strategic decision-making.
Strategic Hiring and Scaling Back
Ortiz’s journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Early on, she hired several employees but quickly realised that her pricing structure didn’t cover the increased labor costs. Instead of stubbornly clinging to her initial plan, she made a critical pivot, scaling back staffing and focusing on refining her pricing strategy. This ability to adapt her staffing levels demonstrated her willingness to adjust to the realities of her rapidly growing business. She now employs a part-time worker and frequently lends a hand herself, striking a balance between growth and profitability.
The Value of Independence and Flexibility
While her current annual income of $29,000 is notably less than her previous salary, the trade-off is worth it for Ortiz. She prioritizes the unparalleled freedom and flexibility that come with being her own boss. For her, the intangible benefits of setting her own hours and creating a work environment aligned with her values far outweigh the financial difference. This decision mirrors a growing trend, where many entrepreneurs prioritize lifestyle and work-life balance over solely pursuing the highest possible salary.
A Message for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Ortiz’s story is a powerful reminder that wealth creation involves more than just a high salary; it’s about creating something of your own and pursuing your passions. This requires courage, initiative, and a willingness to take risks. Her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs? “Just go out there and do it, make it happen.” She emphasizes the importance of taking action and not getting bogged down in endless planning and preparation. Ortiz’s journey, from initial investment of just $2000 to a projected six-figure business, stands as inspirational evidence of what is possible with determination, quick thinking, and a willingness to embrace change.
