Introduction & Background
When Anna Novak arrived in the U.S. from Poland in 2012, she had little more than a suitcase, a strong work ethic, and a dream of building a better life. She had spent years cleaning offices and homes in Warsaw, but starting from scratch in a new country wasn’t easy.
“I knew I had to start somewhere, and cleaning was something I was really good at,” Anna recalls. “At first, I was working for other companies, but I kept thinking—why not do this for myself?”
With borrowed supplies and a small ad in the local paper, she took on her first client. That one client led to another, and before long, she was running her own cleaning business: Novak Cleaning Services.
Business Journey & Growth
Anna’s early days were tough. She juggled multiple jobs, cleaned homes during the day, and worked as a waitress at night to make ends meet.
“I had no money for advertising, so I relied on referrals. I made sure every home was spotless because I knew that if I did a great job, people would recommend me.”
As her reputation grew, so did her business. She was able to quit her second job, invest in better equipment, and, within a year, hire her first employee. By 2018, she had five cleaners working with her. Today, NOVA CLEANING is a 20-person operation, serving hundreds of clients in the area.
Challenges & Lessons Learned
Like many business owners, Anna faced challenges along the way. One of her biggest hurdles was learning how to delegate.
“For the longest time, I tried to do everything myself—scheduling, cleaning, customer service. I was exhausted. When I finally started trusting my employees and letting go of control, that’s when my business really took off.”
Another lesson?Pricing her services fairly.
“In the beginning, I was charging too little just to get clients. But I realized that if I wanted to grow, I had to charge what my work was worth. That was a hard lesson, but an important one.”
Community & Impact
Beyond running a successful business, Anna is passionate about giving back. She offers free monthly cleanings to local seniors who need help but can’t afford professional services.
“I know what it’s like to struggle, so if I can make someone’s life a little easier, I want to do that,” she says.
She also makes a point to hire other immigrants who, like her, are looking for a fresh start.
“I’ve been in their shoes. I know how hard it is to start over in a new country, and if I can give someone an opportunity, I will.”
Future & Advice
As for the future, Anna has big but practical dreams.
“I don’t need to be the biggest company out there—I just want to keep growing steadily while keeping my employees happy and my clients satisfied.”
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
“Start before you’re ready. If you wait for the perfect moment, you’ll never begin. Work hard, be reliable, and treat people with respect. That’s how you build something that lasts.”