Meet Maria Cruz | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Cruz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk has been the foundation of my journey. Moving to US from Puerto Rico with nothing, no family here, no connections, not even knowing the language and with a 3 years old son with autism, was the biggest risk I ever took. I had to start from zero, learning, adapting, and pushing forward despite every challenge. But risk also brings opportunity. The same mindset led me to start my company. Building a business isn’t just about offering a service, it’s about earning trust, proving your worth, and taking bold steps to forward my growth.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Well, I’d say that with a mix of vision, determination, and a little frustration, And with the increase in building and population in Charlotte I saw an opportunity to offer a reliable, efficient service that’s truly makes people’s lives easier. That’s how 123 Cleaning Services was born. With the idea that a clean space not only looks good, but also brings peace of mind and saves time. That’s what we offer our clients. Running a business isn’t easy and isn’t just about passion, it’s about persistence, problem-solving, and sometimes just rolling up your sleeves and getting things done. The most important lesson my business has taught me is that it’s never too late to start, to learn, and to dream bigger. At 40, “that by the way, it’s not old”, with two kids, I decided to take the leap entrepreneurship. After having taken the tough decision to quit my job and focus entirely on my kids, because my daughter when was born refused bottles, only wanted to nurse directly, and there was no way I could leave her with anyone, Then, just when I was trying to figure that out, my son, who has autism, started more advanced therapies. He needed me to take him to his sessions constantly, which meant I needed even more flexibility. As much as I loved being there for them, I started feeling stuck. That’s when a friend dropped the question: Why don’t you start your own business and make your own schedule? At first it wasn’t how I thought. There have been moments of doubt, times when giving up felt easier, but I’ve learned that failure and discouragement are part of the journey.What’s not an option is giving up or settling. Success isn’t about never failing. It’s about getting back up every time, fight and persevere. I once heard that “discipline weighs ounces, but regret weights tons” and I wasn’t willing to carry tons on my back. Today I am proud of what I have built. I want to continue growing and learning. And be able to reach those homes who need my help to make their days easier. I’m inspired by challenges. The kind that make you question your sanity but also push you to grow. Like figuring out how to start a business with zero experience but a whole lot of determination. I thrive on proving to myself that I can handle whatever life throws at me (even if it sometimes feel like life is throwing furniture). Seeing my kids happy. my team thriving, and my business growing- that’s what keep me going and continue to offer a trustworthy, quality and personalized service according to the needs of each home. Because I know that not all of us need the same things.
By the way, my daughter is still breastfeeding for sleep and is 3 year, my son still in therapy but only once a week and I almost no free time, but learning and falling in love with life more and more every day.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend or a family came to visit, I’d plan a trip that combines the best of nature, culture and food.
First, we’d start the day at one of our beautiful botanical garden or in the mountains, breathing fresh air and enjoying landscapes that truly help you disconnect from everything. A peaceful trail, surrounded by flowers. trees, birds and butterflies, would be the perfect way to recharge. Then, nothing beats a quick escape to the beach. Even though I am not more in Puerto Rico, the feeling of the sand and the sound of the ocean always take me back home.
For food, even though my home cuisine is always present in my house, when I go out, I love exploring flavors from other countries. So, we’d look for a place with authentic Mexican tacos, a pizzeria with wood-fired dough, a nice burger or a Chinese restaurant with greats dumplings. At sunset, we’d take a walk through the down town, admiring its architecture and exploring its museums. And while I’m not into nightlife, I do enjoy watching how others have fun, the lights, music and that vibrant atmosphere that brings the city. It would be a perfect vacation for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I thanks God who never leaves my side. My family who always support me no matter where they are, especially my husband and my children. As well my friends, they are with me every step of the way. In fact, it was a friend who planted the idea of starting my own business. At first, I laughed at it, but the idea kept nagging at me. And here I am, running my own cleaning company, doing what I love, and proving that sometimes, the best opportunities come when your mindset opens to receive it.

Website: https://123cleaningservicesllc.com

Instagram: 123cleaningservicesllc

Facebook: 123 Cleaning Services LLC

Yelp: 123 Cleaning Services

Other: 704-222-9786