With a life of drugs, crime and incarceration long behind her, Shantae Holmes has found a new life as an entrepreneur, reports StarTribune.
Holmes has started a laundromat called, “All Washed Up.” It had been years since the last laundromat closed its doors in that area, and she felt it was time to bring a much needed service back home.
“I was humbled,” she recalled. “My faith reemerged. And I am surrounded by wonderful family, friends and mentors.”
Holmes, 39, is also a mom, a cancer survivor and engaged to be married.
The business has grown every month, and faster since the winter storms subsided. Yet Holmes still hasn’t generated enough monthly cash flow yet to pay herself a salary after operating and interest expenses owed on the clean, bright business equipped with 44 new washers and dryers.
Holmes, a North High graduate, is rolling out a low-cost marketing plan that ranges from fliers to spots on KMOJ Radio and a long-delayed electronic sign.
“Business is getting better,” Holmes said. “We had a rough winter. People are starting to find us. We have TV and Wi-Fi and we pick up and deliver.”
Photo by Alisha Vargas