Dr. Valandra Oliver (pictured) is a full-time associate professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She loves her career, but an entrepreneurial spirit began to burst out of her.
Oliver first contemplated starting a business about four years ago when she moved to Pine Bluff and was so busy she needed help with house cleaning. When she couldn’t find a local cleaning service that was licensed and insured, Oliver immediately realized there was a need.
Meanwhile, she noticed how financially challenged many single parents, as well as working parents, in the community were. She wanted to help the community by starting her own business and hiring part-time workers who needed extra income.
In September 2017, Dr. Oliver said she “stepped out on faith” and launched Bella Cleaning Services.
Bella Cleaning Services, LLC is a commercial and residential janitorial service in Pine Bluff. Using homemade cleaning products, the business also offers pre- and post-event cleaning, salon and barber shop cleaning, move in and out clean-up, post-construction clean-up, and churches and places of worship cleaning.
After getting her business started, Oliver hit an obstacle. She needed help on how to obtain commercial janitorial referrals and business resources. She heard about ASBTDC’s free consulting services through the Internet and contacted the office at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
The center was able to provide her with the information she needed and help her with her business plan. “I feel like I have friends, that I am not alone,” she said.
The cleaning service has gained 10 contracts since Oliver began working with ASBTDC.
Oliver plans to stay in touch with ASBTDC and recently participated in the Southeast Arkansas Rural Business Development Conference co-sponsored by the center.