At 30 years old, Anna-Marie Ortiz has proven that success doesn’t always require a college degree.
With determination and a leap of faith, Ortiz transformed her side hustle, Cool Aunt Cleaners, into a thriving cleaning business in Portland, Oregon, now earning an average of $10,000 per month.
From Side Hustle to Full-Time Business
Ortiz, inspired by her entrepreneurial spirit and the flexibility of self-employment, launched her cleaning business in 2022 with her last $2,000 in savings.
With a simple plan—no expensive courses or elaborate strategies—she purchased supplies, built a website, and created a logo.
“I think people spend too much time over-preparing,” Ortiz shared with CNBC. “Just go out there and do it, make it happen.”
Her practical approach paid off. By focusing on downtown Portland condos, which offered better profit margins, and refining her pricing strategy, she grew the business to serve 15-20 recurring clients.
By November 2023, Ortiz left her $60,000-a-year fintech job to dedicate herself to Cool Aunt Cleaners full-time.
The Road to Entrepreneurship
Ortiz’s journey began in her 20s when she left college to work at startups in Kansas, gaining hands-on experience in sales, marketing, and project management.
Although her first venture—a plant shop launched during the pandemic—didn’t survive, Ortiz’s determination to create something lasting remained steadfast.
Recognizing the low overhead costs and evergreen demand for cleaning services, she decided to build her business from the ground up, setting her sights on creating a “seven-figure” enterprise.
Overcoming Challenges
Starting without a perfect plan didn’t deter Ortiz. She embraced trial and error, learning to pivot quickly.
Early hiring missteps and underpricing led her to adjust her approach, eventually creating a sustainable pay structure and a manageable workload with the help of a part-time employee.
While she pays herself $29,000 annually—less than half her previous salary—Ortiz values the independence and flexibility of being her own boss.
“I love being my own boss. It allows me to make my own decisions and create a work environment that reflects my values,” she said.
Building Wealth on Her Own Terms
Ortiz’s success story underscores the importance of taking risks and seizing opportunities.
Her decision to “go all in” has paid off, creating a stable income and a business aligned with her vision and priorities.
For those hesitant to start, Ortiz offers simple advice: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Just start and adapt as you go.”
