How Sandra Ruiz Built a Thriving Laundry & Dry Cleaning Business

Hi, I’m Sandra, and I run a laundry and dry Cleaners here in Austin, Texas. We’ve been in operation for about five years now, offering a full range of laundry services including wash-and-fold, dry cleaning, stain treatment, garment repairs, and eco-friendly options. We serve both residential clients and a growing list of local businesses, including spas, salons, and boutique hotels. My team and I focus on delivering consistent, high-quality results while making the entire process as convenient as possible for our customers.

We’ve built our reputation around reliability and a personalized touch. From the start, we implemented a pick-up and delivery model alongside our brick-and-mortar location, which has really taken off—especially post-pandemic. Our clients appreciate that they can schedule everything online and trust us with their favorite clothes, specialty items, or even their weekly laundry.

Honestly, it came from a mix of frustration and opportunity. Before launching my business, I was working in property management and constantly had to deal with tenant complaints about inconsistent laundry services. I also struggled to find a local cleaner I could rely on for my own clothes. That’s when the idea clicked—there was a clear gap in the market for a dependable, customer-focused laundry service with modern convenience built in.

I’ve always loved the idea of creating systems and services that make people’s lives easier. Laundry is one of those things everyone needs but no one wants to deal with. So I wanted to create a business that made it easy, efficient, and even enjoyable.

For me, success is a blend of customer satisfaction, team well-being, and steady growth. If our clients are happy, if our team feels valued and motivated, and if we’re hitting sustainable growth milestones each year, then I know we’re on the right path. I pay close attention to our reviews, repeat business, and the number of referrals we get—those are real indicators that we’re doing something right.

Financial success is important, of course, but I also define success by how well we adapt and evolve. Whether it's switching to more eco-friendly cleaning solvents, upgrading our logistics software, or offering flexible subscriptions, staying innovative while maintaining our core values is key. That kind of alignment between service quality and operational excellence is what I strive for every day.

If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would invest in technology much earlier. In the beginning, we were very manual with scheduling, invoicing, and customer communication, and that really slowed us down. Once we adopted a proper CRM system and route optimization tools, our efficiency—and customer satisfaction—skyrocketed. I underestimated how crucial the right software is, especially for a logistics-heavy service like this.

I’d also spend more time upfront building partnerships. It took me a while to realize how valuable local connections could be, whether with realtors, apartment complexes, or even coworking spaces. Starting those relationships earlier would’ve accelerated our client base significantly. In hindsight, I see that business is just as much about relationships as it is about service.

Start small but think big. Begin with a clearly defined service area, test your operations, and refine your customer experience before trying to expand. Consistency and reliability are everything in this business—if you mess up someone’s favorite shirt, they won’t come back. Focus on training your staff well, and invest in quality equipment from the get-go.

Also, don’t underestimate marketing. People won’t know how great your service is unless you tell them—and show them. Use social proof like reviews, before-and-after photos, and customer testimonials. And lastly, make convenience your priority. Offer flexible scheduling, pick-up and delivery, and online payments. People will pay for peace of mind, and that’s ultimately what you’re selling.

When I first started, I was just hoping to break even within the first year, which thankfully I did. Now, five years in, FreshFold generates around $22,000–$25,000 in monthly revenue, with a profit margin of roughly 20–25% depending on seasonal fluctuations. So we're looking at a consistent six-figure income annually after expenses.

A big chunk of our revenue comes from commercial accounts, which are more stable and scalable compared to residential clients. I’ve also diversified income streams by offering premium services like same-day turnaround and garment preservation. It's taken time to get here, but with the right systems and team, it’s become a very solid and rewarding business.