In this episode of the HerStory Podcast, host Kylie King is joined by Lisa Di Bella, the founder of Di Bella Cleaning Services. Lisa shares her powerful transition from the “retail jungle” of Big W and Woolworths management to building a thriving, family-focused cleaning business in Western Sydney. After years of 100-hour fortnights and missing critical family milestones, Lisa used her maternity leave as a springboard to reclaim her time and design a career that puts family first.

Lisa dives into the operational side of the cleaning industry, discussing the challenges of finding staff with a true “eye for detail” and the importance of professional training. Whether you are a working mom looking to outsource your housework or an aspiring entrepreneur wanting to escape the 9-to-5 grind, Lisa’s story offers a practical roadmap for turning a personal passion into a scalable, 10-year success story.

What You’ll Learn in Episode 27

• How to leverage maternity leave to transition from a corporate retail job to business ownership.

• The reality of “salary management” in retail and why many professionals are actually working for less than minimum wage.

• Why family-owned business values lead to better employee retention and client satisfaction.

• The “eye for detail” training framework: why four weeks of supervised training is essential for quality control.

• How to transition “off the tools” as a business owner to focus on CEO-level growth and scaling.

• The pros and cons of the cleaning franchise model and Lisa’s vision for a flexible, supportive alternative.

• Professional cleaning tips and “secret weapons” like magic erasers and specialized window tools for a high-end finish.

• How to build long-term client loyalty through small acts of kindness and community engagement.

Lisa is the proud owner of Di Bella Cleaning Service, a business she established in 2014 during her maternity leave. Although she initially felt a sense of solitude, Lisa recognised the shared challenges faced by many in balancing work and family life.

Her motivation to start the business stemmed from a desire to assist families in reclaiming precious time for themselves whether it be enjoying weekends, spending quality moments with loved ones, or simply indulging in some relaxation with a good book.

A decade later, even in the face of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Lisa continues to stand strong, dedicated to supporting as many families as possible.

Find Lisa:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DiBellaCleaningServices
Instagram: www.instagram.com/dibellacleaningservices
Website: www.dibellacleaningservices.com.au

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