Newly established Shine Brite Cleaning and Projects does not proclaim to offer something entirely different from what’s readily available on the market, but promises to serve clients dutifully irrespective of size. Transform SA Online’s field reporter, Joy Kunene, asked the company’s founder and director, Jessica Jacobs, on its approach.
TSAO: We are glad to have you as part of our initiative of promoting small businesses that have potential for growth and contribute to economic development. Tell us about the specific services that you provide.
SBCP (JJ): We, as Shine Brite Cleaning Services we are honoured to be part of your platform too. Thanks very much for your interest in our services. They include industrial cleaning, corporate cleaning, tiling, painting, paving and bricklaying.
TSAO: We see that your services are not any different from that is already available. Is there something you aim to do differently, if any?
SBCP (JJ): One must understand being an entrepreneur in any field is all about having passion, and our passion is to establish good relationships with clients. Simply put, the client is treated like royalty. We do not take them for granted.
TSAO: Personally, why did you choose to specialise in the services you have mentioned instead of something unique in sectors that are not overtraded?
SBCP: Let me clarify one thing. People think to succeed in businesses you have to trade in a product or service they believe is unique. But allow me to differ. It’s a matter of how you brand yourself, which is best defined by exceptional customer services.
TSAO: Jessica, do you have a background in the services which the company provides?
SBCP (JJ): I have been in the cleaning industry for ten years as an employee. Having felt that had gained adequate experience, I decided to establish a cleaning business and manage it part-time with a view to go full time later.
TSAO: In a word, what could you say distinguishes Shine Brite Cleaning and Projects from hordes of competitors out there?
Our cleaning services are exceptional and our employees bend over backs to deliver the best possible service. We have five full-time cleaners and we hire contractors when we have projects.
TSAO: What can you cite as some of your obstacles as a small business?
SBCP (JJ): For now what we consider as our main obstacles are access to funding and promoting our business to ensure that it grows and is well-known. What we have also noticed is that some clients want to be provided services at a price which is way below what we do regard as market-related.
At the moment, I am still employed so I only have limited time to meet new clients. I can only concentrate on the business over weekends.
TSAO: What plans do you have for 2016?
SBCP (JJ): God willing, I am planning to focus on the business next year full time. I also want to do research and find out avenues through which I can secure funding. Furthermore, as a proponent of empowerment, I want to start a programme to encourage cleaners to go back to school to learn to read and write.
