Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Aquilina.
Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story started like a lot of people’s do—I was just trying to make my way. I didn’t begin with a big business plan or a fancy background. I started with grit, a strong work ethic, and a deep belief that if I gave people quality and consistency, it would build into something bigger.
At the beginning, it was just me doing the work—cleaning, managing schedules, answering calls, handling problems, and learning everything the hard way in real time. Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve had seasons where things felt uncertain, where I questioned myself, and where I had to push through exhaustion and doubt.
But I also had moments that reminded me why I started—the first time a client said, “I trust you,” the first referral, and the first time I realized people weren’t just hiring me to clean; they were hiring me to bring peace into their home or workplace. Over time, I grew from simply providing a service into building something that represents who I am: integrity, reliability, and pride in doing things the right way.
I’ve built systems, improved processes, trained others, and learned how to lead—not perfectly, but with intention. Today, I’m grateful because I’ve been able to turn something that started as survival into something meaningful and sustainable. I’m still learning every day, but I’m proud of where I am—not because it was easy, but because I stayed committed even when it wasn’t. And I believe the best part of the story is that I’m still building.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No—it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. From the outside, people often see the business growth and assume it’s been this steady climb. But behind the scenes, there have been a lot of moments where I’ve had to fight through things most people don’t talk about—mentally, emotionally, and internally.
One of my biggest struggles has been carrying the weight of responsibility—knowing that people rely on me, that clients trust me, and that if something goes wrong, it falls on me. In the early days, I felt like I had to be everything at once: the cleaner, the scheduler, the customer service rep, the problem-solver, the owner—and it was exhausting. There were times I was physically tired, but mentally even more drained.
Internally, I’ve had to overcome self-doubt, especially during seasons where growth felt slow or when setbacks hit. I’ve had to push past that voice that tells you, “Maybe you’re not ready,” or “Maybe you can’t do this.” I’ve had to learn how to keep moving even when I didn’t feel confident yet—and that took real courage.
Another major struggle has been learning how to let go of control, because when you care deeply, you want everything done right. I’ve had to grow from doing everything myself into trusting systems, training people, and realizing that leadership isn’t about doing it all—it’s about building something that can run with consistency, even when I’m not the one doing every task.
I’ve also had to face the internal struggle of burnout—because when you’re ambitious, you’ll keep pushing even when your body and mind are asking you to slow down. I’ve had to learn how to balance being driven with being healthy, and how to protect my energy so I can stay in this long-term.
But I think what I’m most proud of is that I didn’t quit—even in the moments where I was tired, overwhelmed, or doubting myself. Every struggle has shaped me into a stronger version of myself—not just as a business owner, but as a person. And I’m still growing, still learning, and still building—but I’m grateful for the hard parts, because they taught me who I really am.
As you know, we’re big fans of Dust to Glory LLC.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At the heart of it, we’re a cleaning company, but what we really do is create peace, order, and comfort for people in their homes and workplaces.
We provide professional residential and commercial cleaning services, specializing in high-detail cleaning with consistency—not quick, surface-level work. Our clients often come to us because they’ve tried other companies and didn’t feel the job was done with care. We’re known for being reliable, thorough, and professional—the kind of team people feel comfortable trusting in their space. What sets us apart is the way we operate.
We don’t run our business with a “get in and get out” mindset. We run it with standards, systems, and accountability. Every visit is structured, every cleaning is approached with intention, and our goal isn’t just to make a home look clean—it’s to make it feel clean.
We focus heavily on consistency and quality control, professionalism, communication, trust, integrity, and detailed processes that create results people can see and feel. A big part of what makes us different is that we treat cleaning like a craft. It’s not random, it’s not rushed, and we don’t come in with a “good enough” mentality. We train our team to follow a clear process so clients aren’t getting a different experience every time.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of what Dust to Glory represents. I’m proud that we’ve built a reputation where people don’t just hire us once—they keep us, refer us, and trust us. I’m proud that our brand stands for high standards and strong character, and that our clients feel like they’re getting more than a service. They’re getting a sense of relief.
Dust to Glory is personal to me because it reflects transformation—taking something messy, chaotic, or neglected and turning it into something beautiful and manageable. That’s what we do, and it’s what I believe in.
What I want readers to know is this: when you work with Dust to Glory, you’re not just hiring someone to clean. You’re hiring a company that values trust, excellence, and consistency. We take pride in the details, we take pride in showing up, and we take pride in leaving every space better than we found it. We’re building more than a cleaning business—we’re building a brand people can rely on, one that reflects the kind of care and quality that’s hard to find today.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are a few ways people can work with me, collaborate with my brand, or support what I’m building.
First and foremost, people can work with Dust to Glory by booking our cleaning services, whether residential or commercial. We’re always excited to connect with clients who value consistency, professionalism, and a high standard of care, because that’s exactly what we deliver.
For collaboration, I love partnering with real estate professionals, Airbnb hosts and property managers, local businesses and offices, and other service-based brands that align with quality and integrity. I’m also open to collaborations that elevate the community, including networking events, business features, vendor partnerships, and content opportunities.
As far as support, the biggest way people can help is simple: share Dust to Glory’s name and contact information, leave a review, or refer us to someone who needs a five-star cleaning experience. You can also engage with our content and follow our journey. Word-of-mouth has played a huge role in our growth, and I never take that kind of support lightly.
For anyone who wants to connect directly, you can reach out through our website or social platforms. I love meeting people who are building something of their own, and I’m always open to supporting and collaborating where it makes sense.
Pricing:
- Relocation Clean (premium service) – Free estimates available.
- Signature Deep Clean (premium service) – Free estimates available.
- Upkeep Cleans (weekly, bi-weekly, & monthly frequencies offered.) Pricing varies by the scope of work. Contact us for your FREE estimate.
- Interior Oven or Interior Refrigerator Clean – $60
- Carpet Cleaning – Pricing varies by the scope of work. Contact us for your FREE estimate today!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dust2gloryllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dust2gloryllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dust2gloryllc
