Temitope’s Journey: From Banking Career To Cleaning Business Success

Temitope Akinwale, founder of TeeTidy Cleaning Services, transitioned from the banking sector into entrepreneurship, driven by passion, discipline, and a desire to promote healthier living environments.

A graduate of Forest Economics and Governance, Akinwale said her exposure to discussions around sustainability, environmental conservation, hygiene, and healthy living deepened her understanding of the importance of clean environments to people’s health, productivity, and overall well-being.

Before venturing into business, she worked in the banking sector, but later discovered that her true passion was in building something more personal and impact-driven.

This passion eventually led to the establishment of TeeTidy Cleaning Services, a professional cleaning company focused on restoring shine and freshness to residential and commercial spaces.

According to her, “At TeeTidy, we believe that a clean environment promotes comfort, productivity, peace of mind, and healthier living.”

Akinwale explained that her interest in cleaning and organisation began during childhood through the influence of her mother, who worked as a school helper. During school holidays, she and her siblings assisted in cleaning classrooms and maintaining the school environment.

“At the time, it seemed like an ordinary responsibility, but those experiences unknowingly shaped my understanding of cleanliness, discipline, and organisation,” she said.

She noted that over time, she developed satisfaction in transforming untidy spaces into clean and welcoming environments, adding that those early experiences laid the foundation for her future business vision.

According to Akinwale, she later realised that cleanliness goes beyond appearance, stressing that it contributes significantly to comfort, wellness, and quality of life.

Her goal, she said, was not just to provide cleaning services, but to build a business that promotes professionalism, healthier living, and environmental consciousness.

“One of my biggest achievements so far has been overcoming procrastination and taking the bold step to launch the business. For a long time, the idea remained a dream, but I eventually realised that growth only begins when action is taken,” she stated.

Although TeeTidy Cleaning Services is still in its early stages, Akinwale disclosed that the company has successfully handled several cleaning projects with positive feedback from clients.

However, she admitted that the journey has not been without challenges. According to her, gaining customer trust as a new brand was one of the major hurdles in the early stage of the business.

“Many potential customers were initially cautious, so I relied heavily on referrals, personal marketing, and consistently delivering quality service to build credibility,” she explained.

She also identified logistics, resource management, and balancing pricing with customer expectations as key operational challenges.

To overcome these difficulties, Akinwale said she focused on professionalism, consistency, and customer satisfaction while ensuring every project was completed to a high standard.

“I also learned that competing solely on price is not sustainable. Instead, I focused on attention to detail, professionalism, and delivering value that clients could appreciate,” she added.

Speaking on the cleaning industry, she described it as a potentially lucrative sector, stressing that success depends on service quality, trust, consistency, and proper understanding of the market.

She advised aspiring entrepreneurs to remain determined despite challenges.

“Challenges will always come, but it is important to face them strategically and remain consistent. Building trust with clients, maintaining professionalism, and staying committed to quality service are key ingredients for long-term success,” Akinwale said.