Self-employment
Water-only cleaning cloths appeal to green usersSmall biz cleans upWith an increasingly "green" society, starting a small business that helps to protect the environment is a good bet. "We've got innovative cleaning products that won't harm the Earth," entrepreneur Norna O'Brien says. ROGER PIERCE -- www.bizlaunch.ca |
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 [ 2007-09-26 ] |
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Norna O'Brien markets chemical-free cleaning products to Canadians.
O'Brien's company, Streak Free Canada (www.streakfree.ca), offers people an alternative way to clean without using chemicals.
"Our market is literally anyone who cleans anything, including homeowners, tradespeople and professional cleaners," O'Brien says. "Our products make cleaning easier, faster and more economical."
One of the company's most popular products is called "The Ultimate Cloth," constructed from "MiraFiber" technology. Because of its special design, The Ultimate Cloth only needs water to clean just about any surface. Cleansers and solvents are not necessary, and users simply rinse it out.
The product works on kitchens, bathrooms, mirrors, windows, countertops, appliances, electronics, boats, vehicles and more.
In business since 2005, O'Brien says she became an entrepreneur to achieve a level of accomplishment that she couldn't get working for someone else. However, such independence comes at a price.
"We used all of our personal credit and savings to launch this business," she says. "I've learned it's hard to start a business by just jumping into it. You've got to plan ahead to get your strategy and financing in place before you start marketing and selling."
O'Brien was attracted to the cleaning industry because of its growth rate and the chance to help protect Mother Earth by using innovative cleaning products like The Ultimate Cloth.
"Everyone should think about future generations and start doing whatever he or she can to help clean up our environment," she says.
Meanwhile, O'Brien plans to build her business one clean window at a time. "I want to make Streak Free Canada a household name within five years," she says.
Would you ever work for a social or charitable enterprise in the third sector?