Ohlashia is a driven entrepreneur with a vision for transforming a laundromat in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was born in Texas but grew up in Birch Run, Michigan, where she would later attend Central Michigan University, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts in Therapeutic Recreation.
In 2015 she moved to Fort Wayne to pursue her career as a Recreational Therapist helping individuals with developmental disabilities. With a drive to find a passive income while also doing something that helped our community, she decided to look further into an industry she has always been interested in, laundromats. Ohlashia went around town, speaking with several laundromat owners about their experiences and seeking advice.
After several unproductive conversations, Ohlashia came across the owner of the Spy Run laundromat, who provided her with invaluable insights and connections. Through these connections and new-found knowledge, she decided to purchase Georges Kwik Wash off Taylor Street on October 16th, 2022. Through the years, this location has gained a poor reputation, but Ohlashia is determined to turn things around with several improvements and a significant focus on customer service.
Since acquiring the business, she has made several changes, including adding 22 new machines, repainting the entire space, and installing an arcade with a candy and claw machine for children to enjoy. She has also hired several employees to ensure someone is always on duty to help customers with anything they need. She has plans to continue making enhancements once revenue picks up.
Customers can use their self-service laundry machines, which are always kept clean and well-maintained for their convenience. Or, for those who prefer a more hands-off approach to laundry, the laundromat also offers a wash, dry, and fold service at an affordable rate of $1 per pound. This is a service that already exists in the company, but Ohlashia is committed to ensuring that clients are more aware of this service’s availability.
Aside from creating a better space for clients to enjoy, Ohlashia focuses heavily on providing the best customer service possible. During our conversation, she stated, “I have been in a lot of laundromats where the people were very unfriendly and rude, but what I want to do is have the best customer service at our laundromat. I want it to feel like we’re family when people walk in the door. I want our employees to know everyone’s name.” She told us that one of her favorite things about owning this location is being able to talk to everyone that comes inside. She loves hearing about their stories and building relationships with her clients.
Taking on a company that was starting to gain a poor reputation over the years isn’t easy, especially for someone new to the business world. For Ohlashia, managing the day-to-day operations of a laundromat and leading a team of employees is an entirely new experience; but that won’t steer her away from her goals. Through hard work and dedication, she has implemented changes that have improved the quality of service and made the laundromat a more enjoyable and comforting place for customers and employees alike. She acknowledges that there will be challenges along the way, but she is determined to learn as she goes, taking on whatever comes her way.
Ohlashia’s story is a reminder that anyone can achieve their dreams with hard work and perseverance. Her commitment to excellence and community building makes her a valuable asset to the Fort Wayne community. She is an inspiration to others who are looking to start their own businesses or pursue their passions.
If you want to know what you can do to help Ohlashia achieve her goals of transforming this business, head over to 1126 Taylor Street to personally experience the changes she has made! Don’t forget to leave a positive review so others can see what amazing things are happening at Georges Kwik Wash. Ohlashia said it best "Come on in, kick off your shoes, and let us take care of your laundry needs. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and connected to something bigger than just doing laundry.”
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