Hello from the West Coast and a new Blogger!

Hello :)

My name is Care, and I have owned the 'Domestic Goddess at Home since 1981.

After living in England for a year at the age of 19, and returning home just before turning 21, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do for a living. I called my Dad at work, and he suggested I grab the telephone book from his desk (I was in his home office whilst he was at his office in town), open the book to a random page, close my eyes and just stab at the page.

I did so. "What now" I asked.

"That is the person you are going to call to tell them you offer housecleaning services," he replied bluntly.

"I can't do that!"

" Yes you can. Just call them, tell them what you offer in the way of house cleaning services and how much you are charging,".

My father was a life insurance broker, and he was well acquainted with the skill of 'cold calling' potential clients. I, on the other hand, for being as friendly and out-going as I was and am, am very shy when I first meet anyone.

"Weelllll ok," I said with an unsure tone in my voice.

So, long story short, that is exactly what I did. Within the week, I had a full schedule of clients and I've never looked back.

The business has been wonderful in many ways. I have met so many wonderful people, and some not so wonderful people.

In 2005 I moved the business to a small resort town, and it grew by leaps and bounds. However, what I experienced there, was not something I had experienced anywhere else. I kept getting ripped off!

Now, personal clients never did. But anyone associated with the real estate world, vacation rental companies or construction companies, on a regular basis would simply not pay me, lie through their teeth or just outrightly be dishonest.

I have now a rule that I don't deal with anyone without a contract, and I will investigate a potential client quite thoroughly before doing business with them. I ask for a healthy deposit, and they balk at paying same, I simply do not do business with them.

In 2007, after working 10 - 16 hours a day, quite happily, I was informed by my doctor that I would no longer be able to continue working long hours, and that I would have to face the fact that I would have to let the business go. It seemed that I had suffered a back injury when I was younger, that had now decided to manifest itself in a very painful way, which will only continue to get worse, as there is nerve damage as well. (hence the horrible pain).

I have come to terms with it, after holding onto my paddle tightly for that trip down the river of 'Denile". I still work with one client as it's not every day and my back can cope with a bit of work now and then.

I had been thinking of writing a blog for several months, and I just decided, NOW or never :)

The content of this blog will range from simple tips (how to remove a stain from your faux suede sofa cushion) to where to purchase furniture/appliances to what to look for when purchasing a home.

I hope you will all enjoy my blog and please feel free to comment, to follow me, and to share some of your tips and tricks! One of the joys of my business is that I never stop learning! and if I can share this with you, then that makes me happy:)

oxo
Care