She started her part-time office cleaning business with a bucket, some cloths and a borrowed vacuum cleaner.

Now, she has given up her day job to focus full-time on her business, has more than doubled her customer base and is a finalist in the upcoming Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network Awards.

Kelly Powell said goodbye to her role role in project management after 10 years with the same insurance company on may 30

She will now devote all her energy to the business she runs with husband Jamee, Kapow’s Cleaning Services.

The couple have hired three people, with a fourth due to start soon.

To say that 2013 has been a huge year for Kelly is an understatement.

“I would say around 60-70% of my new business comes from direct word-of-mouth referrals,” she said.

“I have also actively looked to hire people with challenges because I see the value in helping people understand their own self-worth”

“I only purchase cleaning supplies from local cleaning suppliers, either locally or australian made.”

“And cleaning requests I can’t provide services for, I forward to other local small businesses.”

“If we help each other, we get greater results!”

Kapow’s Cleaning Services has expanded it’s product range to offer potted plants for offices as well as residential cleaning.

“I like to think it is never about what you can lose, it’s always about what you can gain,” Kelly said.

Sunshine Coast Daily