From Survivor to Entrepreneur: How Monarch Cleaning Services Took Flight with WBC
Like the monarch butterfly, known for its resilience and transformation, the story of Monarch Cleaning Services is one of strength, perseverance and new beginnings.
Lourdes was no stranger to the resources offered by Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC). Since 2019, she had leveraged programs available to the community — resources she relied on when filing for divorce from her then-husband. These programs provided guidance, support, and knowledge, but the real challenge came when she needed to take bold steps to rebuild her life and provide for her children.
It was this determination, paired with her connection to CPLC, that eventually led her to the Prestamos Women’s Business Center
Doubt, Divorce and Daring Dreams
After going through a difficult divorce, Lourdes knew she had to figure out a way to make ends meet and provide for her two children. With experience in residential cleaning and a few clients already trusting her, she decided to take the next big step – launching and registering her business.
“I had doubts about whether I could do it. My self-esteem was very low at that time, and I didn’t know how to get started or take the first step.”
Battling doubt and fear of whether she would be able to make it as an entrepreneur, she faced those fears and did what she didn’t think she could. In 2022, with the help of the Women’s Business Center’s Economic Empowerment Program, Lourdes took the leap and launched her business. Monarch Cleaning Services morphed from an idea to a business.
The Economic Empowerment program is a cohort offered in partnership with CPLC’s De Colores. The 7-week entrepreneur series equips resilient women like Lourdes with the tools, resources and knowledge to explore, launch and grow their business ideas. Lourdes embraced every lesson the program offered.
“Each class has so much information that one couldn’t even imagine that they would need to learn. A step-by-step process of what it takes to run a business.”
A Jefa at Heart
In March 2025, Monarch Cleaning Services became one of the 22 women-owned businesses to participate in the inaugural Jefas Mercado, an outdoor market celebrating women entrepreneurs and showcasing graduates of the Economic Empowerment Program. For Lourdes, the event was more than a marketplace — it was a chance to connect directly with her community.
“A lot of attendees learned about my business, and I was able to learn from them – what their needs were. Talking to the community helped me discover that my business doesn’t just have to revolve around cleaning – it can also help organize and improve efficiency.”
The experience also taught her that she still had so much left to learn, including social media marketing, promotions and getting the word out about her services. Something she’s currently working on with the help of WBC.
Resilience and Redefining Success
Unfortunately, just one month after the Jefas Mercado event, Lourdes fell seriously ill with a lung infection, which left her bedridden and unable to work for months. The health scare forced Lourdes to lean into and find strength in her relationship with God and her two kids.
“They’re the ones who gave me the strength to fight and push through.”
That motivation inspired Lourdes to enlist help. She hired her first employee to handle all the jobs she was no longer able to attend to herself. This allowed her to give her body time to heal while still serving her clients.
The humbling experience taught her that there’s more to life than work – and that success isn’t defined by your title or experience, but rather your health.
“This illness taught me that you must really reflect on what you want and how you can achieve it. Because health is everything. If you have health, you are already successful.”
Today, only months after her health scare, Lourdes feels blessed to ease back into her business. She’s taking all the lessons learned using them to better show up for her clients, her children, her community and herself.
Transform Your Space with Monarch Cleaning Services
In the face of adversity, Monarch Cleaning Services is flourishing – with a growing team, offerings and customized packages. The team offers residential cleaning, organizing, window cleaning and trash removal. Their specialty? A personalized approach to meet the needs of each individual client.
“The services we offer are tailored to the client’s preferences. We can’t just do things our own way, because it truly comes down to what the client wants. If a client needs something special or different, we are professionals in making it happen. Our goal is to save our clients time – because time is worth its weight in gold.”
Just as the monarch butterfly symbolizes transformation and resilience, Monarch Cleaning Services is dedicated to helping clients transform their spaces with care and attention. By hiring Monarch Cleaning Services, you’re not only enjoying a spotless home or office — you’re also supporting the inspiring journey of a woman entrepreneur who turned challenges into new beginnings.
Contact Monarch Cleaning Services today at 623-299-1691 to request a quote or book your next Phoenix-area cleaning.
