Polishing success: Shanel’s
Clean Queen rise
Shanel Dennis’s journey to entrepreneurship demonstrates the power of blending diverse skills and passions into a thriving business. Before founding The Clean Queen, Shanel spent six years in the finance industry, where she honed her analytical skills and developed a sharp eye for detail. However, despite her success in the structured environment of finance, she felt a strong pull towards something more dynamic.
Cross-pollination
She was deeply captivated by the process of building and operating businesses. Shanel shares, “I was fascinated by how businesses are built and operated, and I knew that one day, I wanted to create something of my own. My interest in the hospitality industry grew when I took on a role with an Airbnb management company. This experience was eye-opening, as it allowed me to see the potential in the short-term rental market and the growing demand for unique, high-quality stays.”
This laid the groundwork for what would eventually become The Clean Queen—a business that combines her financial expertise with a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences.
“This experience was eye-opening, as it allowed me to see the potential in the short-term rental market and the growing demand for unique, high-quality stays ”
Launching The Clean Queen
In 2021, Shanel took the plunge into entrepreneurship, launching The Clean Queen with the goal of elevating the standards of short-term rental management. Her experience in finance proved invaluable as she navigated the complexities of running a business.
“Starting my business was a process that combined careful planning with a lot of hands-on learning,” Shanel explains. She began by building a portfolio that showcased the unique features of the properties she managed, understanding that in the Airbnb industry, high-quality visuals are crucial.
Shanel: “I quickly realized that visuals are incredibly powerful in this industry—beautiful, well-composed images can make all the difference in attracting guests. So, I invested time in learning photography techniques and curated a portfolio that highlighted the unique features of each property.”
Her early efforts paid off when she secured her first major client through Bark, a platform that connects service providers with potential clients. This milestone, she says, “validated my business model and set the stage for future success.”
“I quickly realized that visuals are incredibly powerful in this industry”
High standards
As The Clean Queen grew, so did the challenges, particularly in maintaining the high standards that Shanel had set for her business. Managing a team of cleaners and ensuring that properties were consistently spotless between guest stays required meticulous coordination. “The quality of cleaning directly impacts guest satisfaction and reviews,” she notes, emphasizing the importance of reliability and efficiency in her operations.
Realizing the workload was growing, she decided to bring her sister on board. Having her involved has been a game-changer. Shanel: “Not only do we work well together, but she also brought fresh ideas and energy to the business. We were able to divide responsibilities and cover more ground, which helped us expand more quickly than I initially anticipated.”
Shanel’s commitment to excellence has been a driving force behind her success. She has learned that being an entrepreneur requires resilience, adaptability, and the ability to build strong relationships, qualities that have become the bedrock of her business.
“Realizing the workload was growing, she decided to bring her sister on board ”
Streamlining operations with Vev
Initially, Shanel managed bookings through WhatsApp, which allowed for direct and personal communication with her clients. However, as her business grew and the number of bookings increased, this method became less practical. With a busy schedule, responding to booking inquiries in a timely manner was challenging, and clients often had to wait several hours for a response, which could impact their decision-making process.
Recognizing the need for a more efficient and professional solution, she realized that a booking system would greatly streamline the process. The Clean Queen needed a system that would allow clients to view real-time availability and make bookings instantly, without having to wait for manual confirmation. This would not only improve the client experience but also help Shanel manage her time more effectively.
“Vev stood out as the ideal choice, because it offers a comprehensive booking management system that met these needs. It allowed for real-time updates on availability, automated booking confirmations, and an organized dashboard to manage appointments. By integrating Vev into my operations, I was able to enhance professionalism, reduce response times, and provide a smoother, more efficient booking experience for my clients.” Shanel explains.
“By integrating Vev into my operations, I was able to enhance professionalism, reduce response times, and provide a smoother, more efficient booking experience for my clients”
Engaging with industry communities
An essential part of Shanel’s success has been her active involvement in various industry communities. She is a member of several industry associations related to short-term rental management, where she accesses valuable resources, networking opportunities, and insights into best practices and regulatory changes.
Shanel also participates in professional networking groups and forums dedicated to real estate and property management, which allows her to connect with other professionals, share experiences, and stay ahead of emerging trends and challenges.
Additionally, she engages with local business communities and chambers of commerce, building relationships with other entrepreneurs and service providers that often lead to collaborations and referrals.
Online forums and social media groups related to Airbnb and property management provide her with a platform to discuss industry-specific issues, share knowledge, and seek advice from peers. These communities not only keep Shanel informed and connected but also provide opportunities for growth, collaboration, and continuous learning.
“These communities not only keep Shanel informed and connected but also provide opportunities for growth, collaboration, and continuous learning ”
Ambitions for future growth
Looking ahead, Shanel has ambitious plans for The Clean Queen. She envisions expanding her portfolio of properties, increasing her client base, and continuing to leverage technology to streamline her operations. She plans to continue refining her business model, incorporating advanced technologies that will allow her to manage a larger portfolio of properties with the same level of care and attention that has become her trademark.
“In five years, I see my business evolving into a leading player in the property management and short-term rental industry,” she shares, with aspirations of growing into a million-pound enterprise. As she reflects on her journey so far, Shanel is driven by the same motivation that inspired her to start her business: the desire to create something innovative and meaningful.
“I see my business evolving into a leading player in the property management and short-term rental industry”
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