Today we’d like to introduce you to Adahy Oropeza.
Hi Adahy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a first generation immigrant, born in Mexico, but have lived in South Carolina since I was about 2 years old. My mom made many sacrifices to provide a life of opportunity for my sisters and me. She was a single mom and taught us, through example, how to dream big and work incredibly hard. She didn’t know her ability to overcome adversity would strongly influence the course of my life forever. I’m so grateful to have a mom like her.
I started working when I was 14 years old and used every job as an opportunity to learn new skills and contribute to society. For over a decade, I explored different job environments and by the time I was 17, I learned that I loved business and leadership. Over time, my work environments changed from retail and restaurants to office work and corporate life.
In 2022, I was unexpectedly let go from a job and 2 months later, I started a cleaning business. 4 years later, I have an incredible team and a strong local brand. We’ve served hundreds of families and businesses in Florence, SC and surrounding areas, as well as provided job opportunities to over 60 individuals, and have had the chance to sponsor important causes that are close to our team. At 28 years old, I am incredibly fulfilled and blessed to live a life with freedom that I never thought was within reach.
Anyone who is an entrepreneur, especially scaling a business, understands how difficult of a journey it is. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my incredible support system, specifically my partner, soon to be fiancé’, Jared! He has believed in me and poured into me, every step of the way. When I was tired, sad, and ready to throw in the towel, he was always the source of my strength to keep going and to not give up on my dreams. Jared has not only helped me keep the big picture in mind, but he has also been incredibly patient with me at home. Scaling a business absolutely bleeds into our personal life, and I’m so grateful to have a partner who supports and respects my mission.
This business has turned out to be a hidden gem in my life. I’ve unlocked new levels of confidence and skills that will transfer to any other venture I explore in the future. I’ve grown so much as an individual, a leader, a partner, a sister, and a daughter. I cannot wait to see where life continues to lead me, and I am even more excited to continue sharing this journey with those that I love.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Although I get to reap the benefits now, the last 4 years have been anything but easy. They have been some of the most challenging, as well as some of the most rewarding years of my life.
I had a business mentor that beautifully articulated the challenges of growing a business, he said “the growth of a business is a direct reflection of the growth of the business owner”.
Such a hard pill to swallow! As someone who deeply values growth, I set a huge goal for myself to scale my business to $1 million in revenue. Although it is possible, I was only able to reach a quarter of the way by my 2nd year in business. Since then, I can’t get past that mark.
The realization that my growth stops here has been the most difficult part of this journey. I’ve had the opportunity to meet several cleaning business owners across the US and Canada who kept going, despite the challenges we all face.
To be surrounded by others who found a way, and for me to willingly stay behind, is a frustration that few may understand. It’s a challenge of ego, of pride, of the desire to want to keep climbing, but it’s also a renewing experience; embracing my evolving values and redefining what success actually means to me.
In the end, I’ve remembered my million dollar revenue goal was a side quest, and this business was never meant to be the end all be all. It was successful because I came in with a set of skills, an intrinsic desire to be great, and sheer curiosity to test myself and what I’m made of.
Ultimately, the time away from my family, missed holidays, missed anniversaries, missed birthdays, the early mornings, the late nights, the weekends, the tears, the sweat, the mental overloads- the moments no one sees, the moments no one wants to talk about or applaud for- the moments that break most, including myself, made me realize that this is just the beginning of my entrepreneurship journey.
I’m so grateful for each of these difficult moments that unlocked new levels of growth. Each time, they’ve taught me about who I am and what I value. I never thought a cleaning business would teach me so much, and I’m so grateful it has.
I still learn every day, and some days, weeks, and months are easier than others. Whichever way, owning a business forces an entrepreneur to face their truths and to either step up or step down. I’ve always loved a good challenge, and maybe my goals for the business have changed, but my goals for life have not. Here’s to many more challenges, and a lot more growth!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, I own a professional cleaning service here in Florence, SC.
Any big plans?
My plans for the future are to sustain my current business while dabbling in new business ventures that allow me to travel more!
