Thirteen years ago, Terri Johnson started Healthy Cleaning Solutions in uptown New Orleans after her previous employer of 22 years abruptly closed down. She optimistically looked forward to her second career – a cleaning service with an emphasis on child care centers. After launching the business, she quickly expanded into residential and commercial cleaning. She added a nurse consultant to her staff and marketed her services as a health-based janitorial company ready for the challenges of COVID-19. Her reputation and brand grew, leading to engagement with larger clients in the event management space including the Essence Festival, Hogs for the Cause, and the Crescent City Classic.
Her success led to her becoming the first Black woman to sign a cleaning contract with Kern Studios, owner of Mardi Gras World, to clean their floats, and ultimately, their commercial properties. She came to HOPE through its supplier diversity program looking to diversify her portfolio of companies. After completing the six-month program, she qualified for a $10,000 forgivable loan.
With this funding, she is embarking on new ventures including lawn care. She advocates for new business owners to explore financing opportunities with institutions like HOPE for lower interest rates and the valuable network offered to members.