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Redefining Smart Homes

Have you ever looked at a seemingly ordinary task and thought, “There has to be a better way”? That’s how my journey with Cleanster began. What started as a side project to connect freelancers with clients quickly transformed into a mission to revolutionize how we think about cleaning and automation.

It wasn’t just about solving a problem; it was about creating something meaningful—something that empowered people and made life easier. From stepping into homes to do the cleaning myself, to building a platform that leverages cutting-edge technology, every step of this journey has taught me the power of innovation and determination.

From an Idea to a Global Brand

The inspiration behind Cleanster came from recognizing how unreliable and fragmented cleaning services were and how technology could fix that. My co-founder and I worked hard to create a platform that automated processes like scheduling, tracking, and communication. This way, property managers could automate their cleaning needs, and cleaners could focus on building their craft.

The journey wasn’t without challenges. Scaling Cleanster while maintaining the quality of service was one of the toughest parts. Every new market came with unique regulations and cultural nuances, and we had to adapt quickly. There was also the issue of building trust in an industry where cleaners often face inconsistent pay and clients struggle to find reliable services.

But I’ve learned to see challenges as opportunities. Listening to feedback has been key. Whether it was from cleaners or clients, those insights helped us build tools like dynamic scheduling and real-time tracking. We created a system that wasn’t just efficient but also fair and empowering for everyone involved.

The Role of Smart Technology

Cleanster has grown into more than a cleaning platform. It’s my way of showing how technology can transform everyday tasks. Smart home technology isn’t just about gadgets like voice assistants or thermostats—it’s also about creating service ecosystems that integrate seamlessly into people’s lives.

I’ve always believed there’s a huge untapped opportunity in automating service-based solutions, and that’s where Cleanster stands out. By combining smart tools with automation for property managers, we’ve bridged a gap that most of the industry has overlooked.

Advice for Black Innovators

As a Black woman in the smart home tech space, I know how important representation is. This industry is full of opportunities for innovation and leadership, and I encourage young Black innovators to jump in. Don’t just participate— be part of those shaping the future.

My advice? Be bold, stay curious, and use your unique perspective to solve problems that matter to your community. Smart home tech is about more than convenience; it’s about creating sustainable, inclusive solutions that make a lasting impact.

What’s Next for Cleanster?

Looking ahead, I’m excited about scaling Cleanster globally and integrating more advanced technologies like AI. My goal is to make life easier for property managers and cleaners alike, while continuing to empower communities through technology.

At its core, Cleanster is a story of resilience, grit, and purpose. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but this is just the beginning.

Gloria Oppong

Gloria Oppong

About Author

Gloria Oppong, Co-founder and CEO of Cleanster, is a mother of three, a hustler, and a go-getter. She learned how the cleaning industry works and helped craft the Cleanster platform. Gloria began her entrepreneurial journey in Ghana, collaborating with her mother to manage a school business, overseeing an impressive 300 students and a team of 10 teachers, from nursery to primary levels. She quickly fell in love with managing people and decided to take a detour to learn how both small and large businesses operate. With a steadfast focus on the hospitality sector, Gloria explored the intricacies of businesses like Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix) and the Jewish General Hospital, where she worked for over 15 years. Armed with this knowledge, she laid the cornerstone for Cleanster. She also tested her understanding of network effects by helping to build Facebook groups with over 300K members, connecting cleaners and hosts, with more than 50K daily active users. Her focus on managing people, understanding network effects, and how both small and large businesses operate has built a solid foundation for Cleanster today.

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