Today we’d like to introduce you to Tameika Hinton.
MEIKA’s is the acronym formed from the owner-operator, Tameika Hinton. Born & raised on the south side of Chicago in the West Pullman area. I always knew I would have a business as a young child. As early as 3rd grade I was selling candy, chips & juice to classmates. By 5th grade I was designing wicker baskets & hairpins to sell at church, raking leaves, shoveling snow & cleaning the elderly homes on my block. As a young adult, all my jobs were sales related and dealing with homes. 2003 I had a life-altering shift causing me to be a single parent. One day sitting on my couch overlooking my lake, I came up with different acronyms that included me utilizing my name. At that moment, MEIKAs was formed; with no specific type of business.
I soon was hired in 2004 as a kitchen/bath designer at a very popular place. Loving my job designing customers dream kitchens I made more money on commission than my regular pay. My daughter received her 1st C. I had a meeting with H.R. & store manager and requested a set schedule so I can be home to assist with homework. Not only was my request denied, I was asked to become full time meaning longer days, more night shifts and more weekends. Some would’ve been excited, as it was a promotion. For me, it was a choice of working longer irregular hours or my child education. I denied the offer and soon was faced with less hours.
Christmas season of 2006, I asked a contractor if he needed any help with estimates for his clients, etc. He replied, “no, but I do need help with keeping my home cleaned, organized & eating some home cooked meals.” “Can you help with that? Can you cook greens, meatloaf, chicken, salmon croquet’s, baked mac & cheese… soul food?” I started the following week cooking, cleaning & organizing his home happily. Cleaning, organizing & cooking for the contractor, weekly, turned into his girlfriend hiring me bi-weekly & her mom hiring me bi-weekly and their cousin occasionally. I realized I had a business, and went to get business cards created.
I finally was able to put my business name to use! Making Efficient Improvements Keeping it Affordable. I was able to utilize my natural gift, OCD. The cleaning and organizing had started to be a consistent part-time means of income to support my family.
While working one day at the job, I noticed there was a lady that had a cart full of supplies. Which to me meant she either owns a boatload of properties, manages or an agent. Nevertheless, we need to meet! Perhaps the places needed cleaning. I introduced my self and we exchanged cards. She told me to call her the next day. When I called she told me she needed about 100+ foreclosed homes spruced up, when can my crew & I start. My cup was running over….. LITERALLY!
2008 I requested a leave of absence so I can get some personal matters figured out. My leave was approved. I went to the restroom and told the lady I can start. I then called several people to get my crew together. Our 1st cleaning with her was lived in by squatters, no running water or electricity… MEIKAs had so many homes to clean and a small crew. Due to the change of law regarding foreclosed homes our list was finally completed.
Currently, we’ve cleaned over 1,500 spaces. It’s truly a blessing to have changed so many lives through cleaning & organizing over almost 11 years I look back and think; I would’ve never knew amazing experiences lied in me asking one question to two people. How their YES, opened opportunities door & has changed my life. Has given me the opportunity for others to earn money. How in the midst of not knowing and in my storm my faith to provide allowed me to hear the higher spirit speak to me. This was a moment, The Art of Transformation.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey as a businesswoman has been a walk of obedience, faith, sacrifice & conquering. As a business owner, this hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve started with pure faith & confidence in myself. I had no plan or direction except to go above and beyond for each home & business I cleaned/organized. I was able to utilize my OCD to help others. I soon was in need to hire team members.
After just a few years, I learned more about chemicals & how they affect our health. I researched how we can disinfect and sanitize healthier. From that moment we started green cleaning. As a business owner starting out I was the “octopus owner”. The owner who wears multiple hats; owner, operator, marketer, administrator, human resource, receptionist, employee trainer, investor, employee transportation, etc.
Just starting out I missed a lot of family & friends gatherings, annual trips and social events for the lack of funds, myself being on public transportation or utilizing the time to rest. My family & friends didn’t understand my passion. They would forward me job postings that are career focused. Monetary sacrifices were made to invest in products, equipment and make payroll.
I finally realized my journey as a business owner everyone will not see, understand or believe in my dream as I do. The seed of MEIKAs vision was planted in me to sow. There’s a blessing in me knowing that sacrificing temporarily for attaining & maintaining for the life I dream of is what I’ve done. Nothing great is built overnight! Word of mouth has been 98% of how MEIKAs has received each of our clients for the past 11yrs. We’ve cleaned thousands of spaces.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the MEIKAs Cleaning & Organizing Service story. Tell us more about the business.
MEIKAs Cleaning & Organizational clients are at ease knowing that we have over 11yrs in the cleaning business. Our goal is to provide a high standard of service in the Chicagoland & surrounding area. We are dedicated to providing quality work, reliability, and professional service.
MEIKAs cleaning solutions are earth friendly and hospital-grade disinfectants. MEIKAs is dedicated to keeping our cleaning services through, consistent & customized to our client’s needs. All our team members are aware of safety policies and regulations, have ongoing training & product knowledge.
We specialize in deep cleaning and space management. We teach our clients the importance of having a clean & organized space. We teach them how to maintain their space. MEIKAs knows that having a cleaned & organized space, touches our clients; mentally, physically, emotionally & financially.
We strive to give our customers adequate, knowledgeable and superior service. We have completed several certification classes & ongoing training.
We are a qualified Residential & Commercial Cleaning & Organizing Service with many field skill sets & Certifications:
-Green Cleaning
-OSHA Certification
-Construction Management
-Ongoing professional training of safety & chemical usage.
-LEED Preparation
-Janitorial Service Franchise Owner
-Section 3 Business Concern
MEIKAs most recent accomplishments:
-Professional Organizer Panelist for Chicago Women’s Conference 2015 at South Suburban College
-The Black Mall 2017 Best Black Cleaning/ Janitorial Service Award
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I personally don’t believe in luck. MEIKAs was started through a personal journey of following my instinct. I know that doing what I love has taught me so much. It’s amazing when passion meets purpose.
Life & being a business owner has been all lessons & experiences. I’m a firm believer of hands-on experience. Our hard work, endurance and keeping the doors open has been a blessing. The gift that keeps giving; 98% of our business is from customers referrals. I appreciate all my customers. Our solution-driven model has created lasting relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.meikainc.com
- Phone: (773)619-2966
- Email: cleaning@meikainc.com
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/meikascleaning/
Image Credit:
TBM
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