Name:
Amanda Whelan
Title:
Community Manager
Company:
Slate NYC
Contact info:
Email: amanda@slatenyc.com, company website: www.slatenyc.com
How many years have you been in business in NYC?
Our CEO, Miguel Zabludovsky, began Slate as a dry cleaning and laundry service in Manhattan’s West Village almost a decade ago. He got his start by landing a partnership with Rent the Runway, dry cleaning all of their gowns and dresses around New York City. Two years after that, he added home cleaning services to the mix. In early 2015, he upgraded the business model even further, launching daily home cleaning and recruiting a small but mighty team to grow the business. Miguel brought on serial entrepreneur, Katie Shea, in late 2015 and I joined as Slate’s Community Manager last March. Today, our daily home cleaning service is our fastest-growing offering and what sets us apart in the competitive home cleaning landscape.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
After working in sales and marketing in Southern California, I had the incredible opportunity to move to New York City and took it without hesitation. In moving here, I was instantly inspired by the people here, the hustle and bustle, the lives and achievements of the New Yorkers all around me. In my work, I wanted to help make their lives easier. The idea and inspiration behind our service is simple: while our customers are out crushing their personal & professional goals, we are crushing their in-home to-do list.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
Slate’s personal touch is hard to beat without committing to a live-in housekeeper. From the customized cleaning options to the care our Keepers take in completing each task, we try to make the experience as luxurious as possible while maintaining an affordable price point. As the company’s first full-time hire after Miguel & Katie, I’ve been lucky enough to experience almost every aspect of the business. From taking the time to find like-minded brand partners to personally communicating with users to incorporate their feedback, I’ve been able to help Slate become as thoughtful and thorough as it is helpful.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love hearing how our customers use the extra time in their day. From, “I was able to teach my child my grandmother’s recipe without worrying about clean up,” to “I was able to devote extra time to my project and reach my work deadline with ease,” it’s amazing to know that I’m helping hundreds of New Yorkers spend more time on the things that truly matter.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
When I need quiet or a mental recharge I love going to the New York Public Library’s book vault. The book train is pretty amazing!
How do you benefit mamas?
Slate gives mamas an hour of their day back. Whether it’s spent at the park with their kids or catching up with that friend you keep meaning to call, there is no gift more meaningful to a new mom than the gift of time.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
While life in the startup lane can sometimes feel chaotic, it’s feedback from our loyal users that keeps me going! Early on in my journey with Slate, a user reached out to me to say, “thank you,” for giving her the opportunity to “spend my energy cooking a delicious meal for my family when I get home, instead of tidying up while waiting for delivery.” It’s feedback like this that makes me realize we’re doing so much more than just cleaning; we’re helping people prioritize life’s most important moments.
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field:
I’m a big fan of NextCleaners! We have established an incredible partnership with them, entrusting them to handle our users’ laundry & dry cleaning needs. Over 60% of our home cleaning users also opt-in to our laundry services, and NextCleaners help us ensure a luxurious, high-end experience through every part of our service!
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
I frequently remind myself, “Be a warrior, not a worrier.” With a busy schedule, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The important thing is to focus on your action items and effective change, rather than time spent worrying about what can go wrong.
As moms, the day can easily escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
Step 1: Sign up for Slate! ;) Use promo code MAMATATA for an added incentive of 50% off your first week (up to $50 FREE)! Slate is the only daily (yes, daily!) home cleaning service in New York City, turning your home into a hotel room, all while you are out and about living your life.