Exploring Life & Business with Tamara Richards of Assertive Cleaning Solutions, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Richards.

Tamara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
No — the previous version is strong, but it’s long for what they’re asking.

When an interviewer says “briefly walk us through your story,” they typically want 3–5 tight paragraphs that show:

1. Where you started
2. A defining challenge
3. A turning point
4. Where you are now

Not every detail — just the throughline.

Here’s a tightened, polished version that keeps depth without rambling:

—

My story started long before I owned a cleaning company. I grew up watching my grandfather run his plumbing business — and at 87, he’s still hands-on. Entrepreneurship was modeled for me early. As a kid, I was constantly creating — selling handmade jewelry and hair bows, starting a YouTube channel about rabbits, even sewing clothes for farm animals. Building things has always been part of who I am.

At the same time, my home life was emotionally complicated. I struggled as a teenager, dealt with an absent father, and eventually dropped out during my senior year to work. My grandparents supported me through that confusing season as best they could, giving me stability when I needed it most. Eventually, I chose to pay my own way to complete my high school diploma online — a decision that marked a shift toward taking ownership of my future.

I became a mother at 22, and that responsibility sharpened my direction. What started as cleaning evolved into building a business. I invested in mentorship, brought on a business coach and financial advisor, and focused on systems and growth. Today, I’ve built a team, a structured brand, and I’m continuing my education in business management while stepping into a brand ambassadorship with Janitor Cart.

My journey hasn’t been linear, but it’s been intentional — shaped by resilience, support, and a commitment to building something meaningful.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road.

Some of the hardest struggles weren’t business-related — they were personal. I grew up in an environment where emotional support was inconsistent. There was criticism, passive aggression, and at times direct aggression. That dynamic shaped me into someone who stayed quiet, observed everything, and kept thoughts to myself. For a long time, I operated from a place of survival rather than confidence.

Being the “silent observer” helped me read rooms and understand people, which later became an asset in leadership. But it also meant I had to intentionally unlearn shrinking myself.

Over the past few years, I’ve made a conscious decision to step into being the black sheep in the healthiest way possible — breaking patterns instead of repeating them. I’ve worked on my confidence, my voice, and my boundaries. I started taking dance fitness classes like BootyMix, which pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me reconnect with joy and expression. I chose to homeschool my child, creating the stable and intentional environment I didn’t always have. And I’ve become extremely selective about my circle — keeping it small, supportive, and aligned.

In business, the struggles looked different but felt similar: hiring the wrong people, learning hard financial lessons, navigating growth without a blueprint. I had to move from working reactively to leading strategically. That meant investing in mentorship, accepting feedback, and building systems instead of relying on hustle alone.

None of it has been smooth. But the resistance built resilience. The criticism built discernment. The instability built structure. Every struggle forced growth — personally and professionally — and ultimately shaped the leader I am today.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Assertive Cleaning Solutions, LLC?
Assertive Cleaning Solutions is a residential and commercial cleaning company built on structure, professionalism, and leadership — not just labor.

We specialize in recurring residential services, professional office cleaning, and property turnover projects. While many companies compete on price alone, we focus on systems, standards, and long-term partnerships. Our clients aren’t just booking a cleaning; they’re investing in reliability, communication, and a team that treats their property like an asset.

What sets us apart is operational intention. We don’t operate casually. We use structured training, documented procedures, professional-grade products, and clear service packages. I’ve invested in business coaching, financial advising, and ongoing education to ensure we grow responsibly — not recklessly. That discipline shows up in how we hire, how we price, and how we serve.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we represent professionalism in an industry that’s often underestimated. Cleaning is frequently viewed as “side work,” but we operate like a company with standards, accountability, and long-term vision. We focus heavily on recurring clients because consistency creates better results — both for the client and for the team.

We’re also expanding our influence within the industry. Stepping into a brand ambassadorship with Janitor Cart reflects our commitment to efficiency, product knowledge, and operational excellence. We don’t just use tools — we understand them and teach others how to use them effectively.

What I want readers to know is this: we are not just wiping surfaces. We are creating order, supporting businesses, helping families protect their time, and building careers within a structured environment. Assertive Cleaning Solutions stands for growth, standards, and leadership — and we’re just getting started.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If there’s one more thing I’d want readers to know, it’s that this didn’t begin as some grand, perfectly mapped-out company.

In 2020, it started as a solo cleaning job — just me, working with what I had, focused on doing excellent work for one client at a time. What I didn’t expect was how quickly it would grow into something deeper. Through referrals, relationships, and consistency, it evolved into something rooted in community.

Clients became long-term partners. Other business owners became collaborators. Team members became part of a shared mission. What started as income became impact.

I’m proud that this business reflects growth — personally and professionally. It reflects resilience, structure, and heart. It shows that something small, when handled with discipline and intention, can become something meaningful.

This company may have started with just me in 2020, but today it stands as a team-driven brand built on standards, service, and community — and we’re only continuing to build from here.