We had the good fortune of connecting with Tarvia Bills-Hardison and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tarvia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process was simple. I’d lost my apartment and found myself without a roof over my head and I refused to go to backwards. I was homeless and broke! I moved to the city running from a terrible situation. I had limited resources and embarrassed to let family and friends know what was going on with me. I stayed with different friends and in a hotel. I began to work odd jobs from CNA, HOUSEKEEPING and WAITRESSING. I started waitress and I got my very first client from this. I began to do my research on cleaning companies and I literally told my best friend I was going to start cleaning houses and she responded “WHAT CAN I DO!” We made flyers and I began walk neighborhoods leaving my information. During this time I met my (now husband) who moved me to Arlington with him because I was still homeless and living in a hotel. I kept waitressing but I also wanted to continue to clean houses. I began to receive more and more requests for my services all due to my first client (Who is STILL WITH ME!!). Once my clientele grew, I had to take a leave of absence. During the leave of absence, I continued to research to build my brand. In 2016, I attended an Arlington Black Chamber meeting not knowing this meeting would change my life FOREVER!!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I absolutely love my career of choice!! People always ask “why this career” and I tell them that I have always loved to clean, just maybe a hint of OCD ..but I get such great joy in making something look good or even fresh and clean. I think what sets TBTCL apart from others is that I go in each job with the idea of this is a ‘new addition to my family’ and I have met and have so many new family members from all walks of life! I’m so excited and it gives my heart such great joy to see what the Lord has next for me. I always say “I’ll be the next Tabitha Brown of cleaning” ..Lol… while becoming TikTok famous!! This road to building my brand hasn’t been easy and I’m still continuing to build. I have had so many challenges from staff not staying on, to having vehicles damaged and even finding two clients deceased. My most difficult task to-date was learning how to service clients during a pandemic! I want the world to know that this journey has NOT BEEN EASY… but with God’s grace and mercy, I have made it and making it! I always try to be the best person before being ‘The Cleaning Lady’ and I’m always working to bring some good and encouragement to all. I never hesitate to share information or knowledge that I have learned because SOMEONE HELPED ME and everyday I am working to build my brand to make Tarvia Bills The Cleaning Lady a household name!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My weekly visits would consist of Home Depot and Lowe’s (my favorites …of course). Being a sports fan, I would definitely recommend a Dallas Cowboys or Texas Rangers game! I must say the DFW area has some of the greatest fun, hangout, brunch and dining spots…Crumbl Cookies, Ida Clarie, Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles and Jamaica Gates for the best Caribbean Food and dancing. I would also take them to the House of Blues, Biscuit Bar, Dallas Farmers Market, Elizabeth Anna’s and Urban Farm & Garden… just to name a few!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I, Tarvia Bills The Cleaning Lady would not be where I am today if it weren’t for My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. MY ROCK, my husband Richard Hardison Jr. My sons-Chance, Jared & Jordan. My ENTIRE FAMILY!! Nina Evans (social media manager). The Arlington Black Chamber. Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. Petrina Bonnick-Higgins, CEO of Higgins and Thorton Consulting Services LLC. Rob Matwick, VP Business Ops Texas Rangers. Manhattan Construction. Con-Real Construction. Jeff Postell of PostL Group. Jarvis Hill of Jarvis Hill State Farm. Monica Bailey Jackson of LeVis Consulting Group. Marvin Charles Sr. of Charles Pest Control Services Inc. and many others!
Website: Www.tarviabillsthecleaninglady.com
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/tbtcleaninglady.
Linkedin: http://LinkedIn.com/in/tarvia-bills-hardison-316a49132
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/cleaningladytb
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/tarviabillsthecleaninglady.
Youtube: https://www.YouTube.com/channel/.UClbdxA3jQWORjFClnynZAv