Back in December of 2013 I had the pleasure of interviewing Felicia McGee, owner of TCL Cleaning Services, and am happy to report that business is so good that she has had to hire a new crew member and will perhaps add another very soon. That is good news in a time when the economy is struggling, and at the time we talked she mentioned that she would add “green cleaning” to her services in time for spring. Up until that time, clients had to provide their own products if they were concerned with the chemicals present in standard cleaning products and wished for her to use an alternative.
Felicia did her homework, and found commercial products that would get the job done, as well as researched recipes and formulated her own products. And, she was quick to assure me, “There is no extra charge for green cleaning.” Not surprisingly, she found that the vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice used by our great grandmothers to make their houses sparkle really do work, and have the added benefit of no side effects. Lavender oil is another natural product from generations ago, and was commonly used long before it was known that it has antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. She has added it to her spring green line up.
Regarding commercially prepared cleaning products, after doing some experimentation Felicia has settled upon Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyers, and Method brands. Because of her commitment to giving her customers outstanding service, she will pre-test a green product at a prospective client’s home prior to doing the rest of the house in order to assure that the client is satisfied.
Felicia got her start when was 15 years old by working with her mom, who owned her own cleaning business. She fell in love with it, and when the time was right, she continued on the tradition by starting her own business here in Athens in 2011. “I genuinely love what I am doing,” she told me at the start, and I knew she meant what she said. I must confess: I am fascinated by someone who claims such a love, let alone one who has parlayed it into a thriving business.
Since December I have gotten to know Felicia better, and she is someone I would completely trust to take care of my home. She is a thoughtful, generous, savvy businesswoman who loves Athens and loves to give back to the community. During the holidays she gave gifts to her customers, but she didn’t stop there. She gave gift bags to the homeless. “They are not homeless bags,” she says, “They are hand up bags.” She is also the co-founder of the North Alabama Business Network, and has been involved in donating to the Family Resource Center.
Her “gift” to us this season is TCL’s Spring Cleaning package, which includes the basic?cleaning package plus baseboards, blinds, windowsills, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and the exterior of kitchen and bathroom cabinets. For a 2,000 square foot home the price is $150. “We will customize to meet your needs,” she told me. TCL will also take one-time clients, as well as new customers who set up on a recurring schedule, and there is no contract requirement.
In addition, she told me, “For readers of Athens Now who purchase the spring cleaning package, we’ll take $10 off if you book before May 1st.” Also, if customers give referrals to Felicia, she’ll take off an additional $10, and some restrictions apply. “We are already filling up for spring cleaning,” she said, so you need to make sure you don’t miss out on either the special or Felicia’s and her TCL crew’s tender loving care for your home. Here are some of the things satisfied customers have had to say about their work:
“A HUGE thank you to TCL!! I came home to a spotless house this afternoon. After working 50+ hours a week, this was a huge weight off my mind. And I trust them wholeheartedly! Great job! Definite recommendation from me!”
“As a busy mommy of 2, I was in desperate need of some cleaning help. TCL came in and cleaned my house and it looks wonderful! It was a HUGE help and I would recommend them to anyone! Thank you so much!!”
“My nasty, disgusting carpet looks awesome. The best part was just leaving my key and trusting my home to you, I know it is safe in your hands. I love working with people who have integrity like you. I would recommend you to anyone.”
“Thank you TCL Cleaning Service for the terrific job you do for our office. Housekeeping was a task that we tried to manage internally for way too long. You do a better job than we could for ourselves, and allow us to focus on serving our clients. I would strongly recommend you to anyone who is in need of commercial cleaning services.”
TCL Cleaning Services
256-497-8927
tclcleaning@mail.com
www.tclcleaningserv.com
Facebook: facebook.com/tclcleaning
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
