WS Chronicle

By Busta Brown

2020 was a rough year for both big and small businesses due to COVID-19. Even now in 2021, many small businesses continue to suffer due to lack of customers. 

So, what do you do? 

You remain resilient and get creative. Beverly Davis did just that. “My mother told me to never depend on anyone, so I started my own business. I wanted to do something that I would be comfortable doing with my children when they get older. Having my own business allows me to have financial freedom, I can dedicate more time to my two children and teach them the way as well,” shared Beverly Davis. 

Her business offers something most of us that are on the go or have children don’t have a lot of time or energy to do: our laundry! On June 21 Beverly launched Triad Mobile Laundry in Winston-Salem. As we were talking, I was thinking about the pile of laundry I have to deal with and how to schedule a day and time for the mother of two to fit me in for a pick up. 

Triad Mobile Laundry not only cleans your clothes, but does basic alterations and other services as well. “If you have clothes that need to go to Goodwill, we’ll pick them up and deliver them for you. Maybe you have a late appointment or dinner date, and you’re in a rush and don’t have time to do your laundry. We’ll come pick them up, wash, iron, fold and then bag them within 24-48 hours. I have press services as well, and sometimes you might wash and dry your laundry, but are too tired to do the rest. Triad Mobile Laundry will come do that for you. We offer same-day service and delivery as well,” shared Beverly. 

The young entrepreneur said she communicates with her customers to make sure the products that she uses fit their needs. She sanitizes the laundry as well, to keep her customers safe and healthy. “If a customer or child has allergies or sensitive skin, I make sure they put that in a special request box,” shared Beverly. 

Her first customers were family and friends and she provided such excellent service, the word spread quickly. “My mom, my family and my best friend were amazing. Between sharing my posts on social media and word of mouth, it’s been awesome. They are my biggest support system.” 

What she loves most about the business is traveling, meeting new people, and helping her community. “I really enjoy making life easier for my customers, and what I do helps relieve stress. Also, we don’t have enough jobs, so when I purchase my own building and additional vehicles, I’m looking to hire people that other businesses turn away. I want to hire people that are disabled, because doing laundry and folding doesn’t take a lot of heavy lifting or a lot of movement. 

“I also want to hire and mentor young people, so they will know how to make money, budget and save. I had my son at 17 years old, so I know the struggles young people go through. One of the things I struggled with was time management and organizational skills. I want to help navigate youth through the things I didn’t know or understood when I was their age,” said Beverly. 

The Winston-Salem native said what helped Triad Mobile Laundry become a household name is being open to feedback from her first customers, “As a new business, you’re going to make some mistakes, so no matter how bad or good, I needed the feedback to make sure I gave my future customers the best service.” 

I asked Beverly to share some advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs. “Do lots of research for yourself and don’t depend on someone else’s facts. Sometimes when you talk to a lot of different people, you’ll get different answers and it can get confusing, because every experience is different. But you do need to reach out to other entrepreneurs that have the experience,” shared Davis. 

Triad Mobile Laundry customers are extremely satisfied with their services. “I am a busy mom that works full time and owns a business. I’m always behind on folding laundry. I booked with Triad Mobile Laundry twice already and I’m hooked. Her service is amazing and customer service is one of the best. I will continue to use Triad Mobile and will recommend everyone I know to book,” said one mother. One male customer shared that he works 12-hour shifts and doesn’t have a washer or dryer in his apartment, so he loves the service. And his parents are disabled and Triad Laundry gives them one less chore to do. Repeat customers are the most important testiment for any business. 

The quote that keeps Beverly Davis resilient: “If there’s a will, there’s a way.  I say it all the time to my kids and co-workers. No matter what the situation is or how impossible you think it is. I truly believe in my heart if you can encourage yourself that this is what you want, you can do it. It won’t come easy, because the work will be hard. But you will get it done. You have to be willing to put in that work.” 

My Business of the Month is Triad Mobile Laundry in Winston-Salem. For more information, call 336-422-6347, follow them on Facebook @triadmobilelaundry, or visit triadmobilelaundry.com