Kim’s Deluxe Kleaning is a family-owned cleaning business based in Hawke’s Bay, founded by Kim after discovering her passion for helping others and a desire to create something of her own. With a background in health and wellbeing, Kim turned a humble beginning – armed with her home vacuum and self-printed flyers – into a thriving business known for its professionalism, reliability and personal touch. Built on word-of-mouth referrals and strong community roots, Kim’s Deluxe Kleaning has grown into a trusted name in both domestic and commercial cleaning, driven by values of hard work, family and resilience. Their team is dedicated to delivering the kind of customised cleaning that suits a client’s unique demands. Here Kim talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind her business, her biggest breakthrough, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The Passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
I’ve always had a passion for helping people. I studied at EIT completing a certificate in Health and Wellbeing. After graduating, I applied for numerous jobs but didn’t get accepted for the ones I wanted, due to no experience. So, long story short, I took up a cleaning job at Wattie’s, worked there for 2 years, and decided I was destined for somewhere else. I started another part-time job with a commercial and domestic cleaning business, which started me on this pathway, becoming a contractor with them. Whilst I was doing this, it occurred to me that I could do this for myself, so I took a chance on my vision and a few months later, Kim’s Deluxe Kleaning was created – with a bit of support from my daughter’s kindergarten owner!
The Launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I already had pre-purchased products, used my own vacuum cleaner from home and printed out some cards and flyers from Vistaprint. We did a bit of networking while I was working for the other company and set up a Facebook page and posted on community pages. My husband also did a drive around dropping flyers and cards to local real estate businesses and certain areas of our local community.
We built up a good network so that people would refer me through word of mouth. We dropped flyers at our daughters daycare, made some little gift packs and sold them to some of the staff and also online.
In my first year, I worked alone until I had enough work. Then I asked my husband to jump in with me and help – when he realised I was making more money than him, he wanted to join in.
We restocked our supplies in bulk, purchased a new commercial vacuum and started an account at the local cleaning store. We then hired two new team members and then eventually, as they dropped off, we hired more. Then, things started to slow down, and Covid hit. Once we got the all clear to restart, things picked up again, but over the four years, we have had a good run of employees.
The innovation: What was your biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
Oh I remember this day clearly. Our moko’s nan recommended us to the local vets’ practice.. She is the custodian of the sports park here in Hawke’s Bay, and we also helped them out in the past. The family work for the company Initial Hygiene Services so they have networks in the local community. They mentioned to her that they were looking for another cleaner, so she recommended us.
A few days later, we got a phone call from the managers asking us if we could go in and do a meet and greet, draw up a proposal for 2 sites – the Napier site and the Hastings site – and bring it into the meeting.
I felt good because I felt comfortable and they were willing to give us an opportunity and a chance to prove ourselves, and that we were capable of doing the job to the highest standard. We gave them our proposal (our first time doing one of these), which was accepted there and then.
This was our first ever big contract and an eye opener for us. From then on, we made a name for ourselves and focused on growing the business – employing staff and branding my car in bright pink words along with my logo: the lotus flower.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
We prioritise family time picking up our kids from school at least a few days a week, which is really important for our seven-year-old daughter.
The weekends are our free time. We binge on a Saturday or go for a lunch outing once a month.
We have adult children so sometimes the girls will spend time with them. This means we get downtime quite often. The girls chip in and help around the house. We live a crazy busy lifestyle but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
