Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Sladowski.
Hi Dana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
When I was 20 years old, I had a lot of drive, but wasn’t sure on my direction and didn’t know I was about to start something that would shape my life in such a big way. I was a waitress and going to Macomb Community College to obtain an Associates of Business Administration. The waitress job wasn’t working out, and I wanted to make a difference while working for myself, so I started a company called Dee Dee’s Green Cleaning and Supply. We offered residential and office cleaning services, made all of our products from natural ingredients, offered them for sale to clients, and provided refills as needed to reduce single use plastic waste. After some time, the cleaning service really took off and making the products became too much, so I simplified to purchasing concentrated, natural products, and changed our name to Dee’s Green Cleaning.
After almost 5 years in business, we were so busy I could hardly keep up. I had become burnt out, stressed out, and was secretly struggling with substance abuse. I needed change and didn’t know how to get there, but when one of my full time employees quit, I made the difficult decision to downsize instead of moving forward. I kept a handful of clients, but looked for other career options. I eventually discovered personal development and started an in-depth study of yoga which helped me reconnect to myself and transformed my life in really amazing ways.
By mid 2021, I had sobered up, refined my professional skills, and was developing a business plan for a retreat and wellness center. The entrepreneur in me couldn’t bring myself to ever get a “job” however, so I didn’t have much money. What I did have, was a steady stream of people that had been reaching out for cleaning since I’d downsized. With some clarity, new skills, and a need for income, I decided to give cleaning a second chance so in September of that year, we were officially back in business. I stayed very small at first, still working on and anchored to the other business plan, but as I approached the 10 year anniversary of my company, I decided to go all in with Dee’s and haven’t looked back.
In the last couple years, I’ve gained the nationally respected and recognized Women’s Business Enterprise Certification, worked with a local non-profit, The Cleanup Club, to remove over 1,000 lbs of trash from The Clinton River and Lake St. Clair, partnered with Cleaning For A Reason to offer free home cleaning to cancer patients, and more than doubled my business in 2024. We’ve grown steadily throughout this year and were recently accepted into the Leadership Macomb Core Program which is designed to connect business leaders throughout the community, while educating them on various county issues and preparing them to go out and make a difference. I look forward to continuing to develop my own skills, growing my business, serving my community, and empowering others to follow their passions.
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?
Definitely not. Being an entrepreneur is like riding a roller coaster every single day, and it’s not always a fun one. Some days are absolutely amazing, and some days make me question if I can keep going. If I had to choose one struggle that’s challenged me the most, it’s leadership. There have been times I couldn’t lead myself very well, let alone anyone else. I’ve come a long way and believe I’ve become an effective leader in most instances, but still feel challenged to know what leadership style is most appropriate at times. I believe it’s a skill that can never be maxed out as life is ever changing, and plan to continue cultivating it for the rest of my days.
Another struggle I’ve faced is the company I’ve kept. The phrase “You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with” couldn’t be more true. There were some relationships I had where it was very obvious I needed to cut things off due to an intentional undermining of my wellbeing and success. There have been other relationships where it was less obvious, but I eventually realized the things we valued had become very different and I needed to create some distance if I wanted to have the health and growth I know I’m capable of.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Dee’s Green Cleaning is based in Macomb County and recently celebrated 12 years since it first began operations. We specialize in residential and light commercial cleaning work, and pride ourselves on the quality of our service. It’s not uncommon to hear our clients say “Our space has never been so clean!” – even if they’ve had another cleaning company.
Our community service sets us apart from other companies in that we regularly clean up litter within our communities, whether with a small group, or an organized cleanup. I love that this business has given me a way to give back to so many different organizations, and we regularly donate gift certificates for cleanings to various non-profits and fundraisers. We’ve also had the pleasure and privilege to offer free home cleaning to cancer patients undergoing treatment, which is a time where a healthy environment is critical.
I’m proud that we’ve gained the national Women’s Business Enterprise Certification, and that we get to make such a difference in our community. I’m also proud of how much we pour into our team and strive to make their time with us meaningful and rewarding because without them, we can’t provide great service for our clients.
How do you think about luck?
I feel very lucky to have been born in a location and time where women have the capability to be educated, pursue their passions, and speak freely. I also feel lucky to have ended up with the mindset that everything happens for me, not to me, because it totally changed my narrative around the challenging times of my life from things that hurt or hindered me, to things that made me stronger, kinder, and more loving.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.deesgreenclean.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deesgreenclean
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deesgreencleaning
