I started cleaning about ten years ago here in Colorado. I started in the Springs dabbling doing dispensary cleans, small monthly business gigs, and homes for their owners.

With basic chemicals and cheap mops.

I didn't need to start cleaning. I mean I had a great and budding career at a 5-star hotel that I loved but was paid pennies. I was educated, graduated, and ran my own business prior to choosing this path too.

For me, it was the independence and ability to make money. On my time.

I absolutely hated making money for Colorado's biggest billionaire while I made less than 12.00 an hour in a position of valued importance on the front line. "Making" and training reservation agents for a high-class hotel wasn't easy. Other hotels even paid double that salary for the same position while they had lower star ratings.

I quickly burnt out on the hotel life and needed a better way to make a living.

I stayed for the love of the property and finally had had enough. I also had a side business and made money any way I could. I was a momma' hustler, all legal. And believe me, nobody messed with me or the kids.

Occasionally clients let me bring my puppy when I first got her. That was like a 'pet a dog therapy program'. But, wore thin chasing a chihuahua, and cleaning. Nope.

I fell in love with the people when I cleaned and helped others. That ignited my passion for writing, so I guess everything happens for a reason. And THANK YOU.

The good and the bad.

Cleaning was quick, good money for being a dirty job. I had two boys and their education to consider. So, I started my own cleaning business when I moved to a new town.

You're also like a built-in counselor, they divulge everything to you the longer you work for them. With that comes some serious difficulties too.

Let me just say that it sounds a lot easier to start a cleaning business, than it really is. Then reality hits hard there.

Rule #1 - Don't use basic b*tch chemicals!!

There are a lot of things someone should've told me before I dove in head first. Hence why I am writing this. For the would-be cleaning ladies.

It is not just a job. It becomes a life and what you tolerate is what you create.

There are a lot of things in life that are easier said than done. Cleaning is one of them.

For yourself alone. Then add other people's messes - quite overwhelming.

There were enormous gains and many losses made during my cleaning years.

What I found were the memories, good and bad, the people, the situations from horrendous to heartwarming, and the many life lessons learned; all had a huge impact on shaping my life, future, my opinion of myself, and the cataclysmic reason I broke free and found my own happiness without being ignorantly judged.

That's degrading. Not cool!

What a lot of people fail to understand in this type of relationship between a homeowner and someone you depend on to do the things you'd rather not do is; respect. You must maintain that, both ways.

They are in your home, secrets don't stay secret for long.

It is an unwritten rule for housecleaners and for our clients that we DO NOT "kiss and tell".

Meaning: what we see, do, hear or experience does not leave that home. This was a rule I closely followed and my clients kept me as a valued part of their families rather than some maid who came on Thursday.

Although, in this industry, you are screwed. Why?

Because no matter your race, background, education level, or your value; you will be judged.

And believe me, they will treat you lower, because you are a housecleaner.

You're hired help.

Not a friend. Not a family member.

Just help.

No matter your accomplishments, certificates, degrees, etc. Trust me.

This is an awful way to treat people but believe me it happens daily to millions of hardworking house cleaners. They deserve to be treated better. But look, our society which entrusts the teachers with our prized possessions pays minimal for them with our treasure. Dumb.

Yet pay so much more for liars, I meant to say, lawyers. I keep doing that. Well, the point made..

I've had so many crazy things happen to me since I started cleaning.

You may want to ask, why if I kept their secrecy and privacy would I want to break that now?

Simple. Because there are things that need to be said.

I will not mention names, locations, or telling ways to identify anyone; if you happen to find this book one day and read it. Realizing that you are in one of these stories. Don't be ashamed, we're all people. I forgave you when I wrote this. I've moved on from that life. Don't stress.

And no, I didn't mention your name.

I wrote them very dignifiedly. This isn't a personal attack at all. Just my way of showing the world how unique and small it can be at times.

And crazy, ironic, amazing, and how fate does work in mysterious ways.

But some of you really should treat people better. Really. Because, "some" of you, don't even deserve someone to do your dirty work with your lack of decency and respect. Just because you pay someone does not entitle you to be a dick.

Seriously. Someone had to say it.

For the ones who find themselves or family written in here that have been nothing but amazing to me, that's why you're in here. Because you've imprinted upon me better ways to be, act and do. Thank you.

You are amazing. And I have nothing ill to say rather I wanted to share your beauty with the world. Our friendship and the love I've learned as well.

To show everyone that through the dirt, grime and labels. Love was far more important along the way.

❤️