Raquel Hughes , owner of multiple cleaning service businesses since ' 92 , leverages her business degree and personal experiences with ADHD and OCD to create a cleaning company that goes above and beyond ! In addition to creating an environment where clients feel supported and understood , environmental sustainability is also prioritized with a 100 % Canadian-made eco-friendly cleaning line . Raquel embraces tech , invests in team development , and focuses on eco-friendly practices . She emphasizes adaptability , staying informed on trends , and collaborating with peers for innovative strategies . This has allowed her to build a successful business and in turn , she has launched Maid to Learn , a coaching initiative , that allows her to support the growth of cleaning companies and share her knowledge with future industry leaders as they start their own success journeys !
RAQUEL ON ....
THE VALUE OF TIME Time is life ’ s most valuable commodity ! Do you find yourself wishing there were more hours in your week ? Are you tired of juggling so many things at one time ? One of the key goals at Sparkle & Sheen is to help others find relief when life becomes too hectic or overwhelming by take a few chores off your hands . Raquel offers a comprehensive life support approach that goes beyond cleaning and includes groceries , errands , pet care , coaching , podcasts and more !
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP To aspiring women leaders , my advice is straightforward : know your worth and never settle for less . Embrace the journey , transform your challenges into opportunities as you love your life and rock your business with unwavering confidence . Your potential knows no limits , and you have the power to shatter any glass ceiling in your path .
GIVING BACK Several years ago , we launched the Pay It Forward Cleaning Services program , representing our dedication to giving back to the communities that have supported us throughout our journey . With this movement , we provide free cleaning services to those in need within our community . These recipients may include elderly individuals , families facing financial hardships , or individuals dealing with health challenges . By extending a helping hand in maintaining a clean and comfortable living environment , we hope to alleviate some of the burdens they may be facing . As we continue to expand our business , we remain steadfast in our commitment to the Pay It Forward Cleaning Services program . Maid To Help , our not for profit was established this year to take this initiative further and move it Canada wide instead of just in our City of Edmonton . We aspire to inspire other businesses in our industry to adopt similar initiatives , creating a ripple effect of positive change in communities across the region . - Sparkle & Sheen Organize and Cleaning Services , www . sparkleandsheen . ca
Glen Dobson has worked in the kitchen and cabinetry industry for over 25 years ! In 2022 , when the company he worked for was closed , he saw a need in the retail aspect of the business and decided to launch Heart of Home to meet this demand . The business plan was to be a cabinet retailer , working with a manufacturer that was moving away from retail . And then , the manufacturer made the decision not to offer a dealer program . Overnight Glen ’ s business model was no longer valid . Glen , together with his dedicated and creative team , had to pivot quickly . Fortunately , years of experience in cabinet manufacturing allowed Glen and his team to develop a plan to become self-sufficient and produce their own products . As a result , they can offer a wider array of products , with better production speed and quality control . “ Heart of Home ” is not just a name , it ’ s a truth . The kitchen is the hub of most homes and as their slogan says , it is the space “ where families come together :” Glen hopes to leave a lasting impression on both customers and staff while also building a business he can pass down to his children .
GLEN ON …..
STARTING A BUSINESS Choose something you are passionate about and have skill in doing . Don ’ t focus on the money at first . If you ’ re good at what you do , that will come . Then , make sure you have a solid business plan . Once you have a plan A , develop a plan B , C , D and F . Don ’ t let yourself be in a position where a change can make or break your business .
THE FUTURE OF THE KITCHEN INDUSTRY The costs and impact of sourcing products around the world is becoming a challenge . I believe we will see a continued shift towards local supply and this allows us to align ourselves with local suppliers and support our local community better .
LIFE OUTSIDE OF WORK My hobbies include music ( I have been singing in a band for the past 30 years ) as well as skiing and golf . My wife and I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren so we know it ' s important to put family and mental health before business . I try and remind myself of the airplane oxygen mentality . “ Apply your own mask before assisting others ”. You are useless to your team if you are not healthy . You need to step away occasionally and breathe so you can come back to the business refreshed and with new clarity ! - Heart of Home Kitchen & Bath , www . hohkitchens . ca