— Rejoice Maids is a locally owned house cleaning company in Woodstock, GA. Gemma, who grew up in the Philippines in a disadvantaged family, moved to America years ago and is a self-made serial entrepreneur passionate about caring for people and serving her community. Her business has grown to seven vehicles and 25 employees serving 11+ cities. —

1. How has the COVID-19 situation impacted your business recently?

We have plenty of cancellations. Some clients pay for the cleanings without us cleaning their homes. They know our employees rely on their paycheck. I stay positive and have no time to be negative. Sales may be a little down, but I am certain it will double up. In this situation, this is the time to learn and contemplate.

2. How have you and your business adapted to the situation?

Our situation is the same as everyone: surprised. We did not anticipate the huge impact of this pandemic to our community, nation, and the world. We adapt to survive. I as the leader of my business am determined to ride this chaos. We are expert cleaners. Now, we are focusing on cleaning for health. Since we are on the frontline, my duty to my employees is to arm them with current knowledge and tools to do their jobs.

Since we are on the frontline, my duty to my employees is to arm them with current knowledge and tools to do their jobs.

3. How have you prepared and led your team/employees?

I am the captain of my ship. My actions are being watched by my employees. Monday to Friday, I show up every morning to teach, remind and encourage. They have to see me resolute and ready to battle with them. I always tell my employees, “we are in this together.”

They have to see me resolute and ready to battle with them.

4. What new things/perspectives (or old ones reinforced) have you learned about yourself, your business, and/or your community?

I am a strong leader. My business expertise is needed in the community. And, Cherokee County is full of strong business owners.

5. How have you stayed focused and positive?

Every day I wake up thanking God I am in this country. My husband, my kids, and grandchildren love me. I have a thriving business. I have wonderful employees. I live in this beautiful community full of nice people. Those reasons are enough to stay focused, be positive and just be grateful. What is there to be negative about?

6. What are some encouraging thoughts or stories you have heard that have kept you grounded?

My favorite song is “My Way”, by Frank Sinatra. I try to live my life without regrets. I always listen to that song to remind myself to live my life, my way.

To learn more about Gemma Beylouny or Rejoice Maids, visit rejoicemaids.com.

Stay tuned tomorrow, Friday, March 20, 2020, for our fourth story and entrepreneur. We hope you are inspired by these stories and motivated to stay in the game to support them together.

Have ideas, questions or stories? Reach out to us at cherokeega.org or emailing us directly: info@cherokeega.org.