Meet Melinda Gonzalez of Cleveland

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melinda Gonzalez.

Hi Melinda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
All 4 You Cleaning Services LLC is a locally owned cleaning company providing residential, commercial, janitorial, and sanitation services throughout Northeast Ohio since 2012. We are a woman-owned Hispanic minority business committed to delivering high-quality, detail-driven service backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee while creating jobs and opportunities within our community.

Our mission goes beyond cleaning. Through our work we aim to provide reliable service while also creating opportunities for others. One example is our LETITSHINE program, which focuses on mentoring and providing work opportunities for youth aging out of the foster care system.
Survival more than anything inspired the beginning of my business. I grew up in the foster care system starting at the age of five and remained there until I aged out. Later in life, I left a relationship involving physical, emotional, and financial abuse with my three children and very limited resources.

At that time I did not set out with the intention of building a business. I was simply trying to support my family and create stability when I had very few options and little formal education.

What began as a way to survive eventually grew through hard work, word of mouth, and determination. Over time it developed into what is now All 4 You Cleaning Services, which has proudly remained in operation since 2012. My vision for 2026 is a full relaunch of my company as I continue rebuilding after my cancer recovery. I hope to fully utilize my certifications to pursue larger contracts while continuing to grow my business in Northeast Ohio. I also hope to expand operations in the future and eventually purchase a commercial building for my business. was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and I take great pride in building a business in the same community that shaped my life. Through my story I hope other women leaving domestic violence situations know that it is possible to rebuild, regain confidence, and create stability for themselves and their children. Through my LETITSHINE program I support youth aging out of the foster care system by providing mentorship and work opportunities. As someone who grew up in foster care, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate life without stability or guidance. My goal is to help others see that there is always a path forward and that our past does not define our future.
I am not only a survivor of domestic violence, not only a survivor of the foster care system, a survivor of being a teen mother, I am also a breast cancer survivor.
Thank you
Melinda

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?
No, it has not been a smooth road. My journey began with growing up in the foster care system from the age of five until I aged out around 19. That alone came with instability, lack of support, and the kind of survival mindset that makes it hard to think about long-term plans, education, or business ownership.

Later in life, I also survived domestic violence, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse. I left that relationship with my three children and very limited resources. At that time, I was not trying to build a business in the traditional sense—I was trying to survive, create stability, and find a way to provide for my family.

Along the way, I also had to overcome limited formal education, learn business systems on my own, and navigate the financial and operational side of running a company. More recently, I faced another major challenge when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. Managing my health while continuing to lead my team and maintain my business required strength, adaptability, and support.

So no, it has not been a smooth road. But every challenge has helped shape me into a stronger woman, stronger leader, and stronger business owner.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
All 4 You Cleaning Services specializes in residential, commercial, janitorial, and sanitation services throughout Northeast Ohio. We are known for our detail-driven approach and consistency. We take pride in doing the work thoroughly, not just quickly. For example, many of our residential cleanings are done by hand rather than relying on traditional mopping methods, which allows us to provide a deeper and more precise clean.

What sets us apart is the level of personal accountability and trust we build with our clients. As the owner, I stay directly involved in the business, and all bookings come through me. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee—if something is not done right, we correct it immediately.

A major part of our success is the strength of our team. My right-hand person, Marie Boyan, along with the rest of our staff, plays a critical role in maintaining the quality and reliability our clients expect. I truly value my team—they are not just employees, they are an essential part of the business and the standard we uphold every day.

Beyond the services themselves, what I am most proud of is what this business represents. What started as a way to survive has grown into a company that provides jobs, supports families, and gives back to the community. Through our LETITSHINE program, we help mentor youth aging out of the foster care system, giving them an opportunity to gain experience, build confidence, and see a different path forward.

I am also proud to be a Hispanic woman business owner with certifications such as MBE, SBE, HBE, and EDGE. Those represent not only the work I’ve put into building this company, but also my commitment to growing a business that creates opportunities for others.

At the end of the day, we are known for more than just cleaning—we are known for reliability, integrity, and building something meaningful within our community.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I would say that no matter where you come from or what you’ve been through, your starting point does not define your future.

I grew up in the foster care system from the age of five until I aged out, survived domestic violence, and later faced breast cancer while running my business. None of those experiences were easy, and even now, being a survivor is something that continues every day.

One thing I’ve learned is that healing is not a straight line. You have to remind yourself to be gentle with yourself and understand that growth takes time. There is no set timeline. What you’ve been through can stay with you in different ways—mentally, emotionally, and in ways people don’t always talk about, like PTSD. It can show up at any moment, even when you feel like you’ve moved forward.

But being a survivor also means continuing to take steps forward, even on the hard days. It means choosing to keep going, to keep building, and to keep believing that there is more ahead.

I also want to speak on something that connects directly to my business. Cleaning is often seen as a luxury, but in many ways, it is connected to mental health and overall well-being. When a home feels overwhelming or out of control, it can add to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Many families today are balancing so much, and even when there is time, there is not always the mental energy to manage everything.

Our goal is not just to clean homes, but to help bring a sense of peace, structure, and relief into people’s lives. Whether it’s a busy parent, a family navigating challenges, or someone simply feeling overwhelmed, having support in your home can make a real difference.

At the heart of my business is the LETITSHINE program. It originally started as a way to support youth aging out of the foster care system, because I understand what it feels like to be in that dark place without guidance. Over time, I’ve realized it’s bigger than that. LETITSHINE is about reminding people that no matter what they’ve been through, it’s never too late to find your light again.

Today, I take pride not only in my business, but in what it represents. It represents resilience, growth, and the ability to rebuild. It also represents giving back—whether that’s through creating jobs, supporting my team, or mentoring others.

If there’s one thing I hope people take from my story, it’s that there is always a way forward. You don’t have to have everything figured out. You just have to keep going, one step at a time, and give yourself the grace to grow through the process. #LetItShine

Contact Info:

• Website: All4you.cleaning
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/all4youcleaning
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/All4YouCleaningServices
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/8maHCirNhj