Sharon Prater remembers her son, Darren, as an organized go-getter. In high school, she said he drafted a plan to open his own business.
But the former Righetti High School student’s life was tragically cut short on Dec. 7, 2004, when he and two other students died in a car crash on Rice Ranch Road. He was only 17 years old.
Years later, Prater, inspired by her son’s memory, transformed her grief into a business, S and J Cleaning Solutions.
She brought her friend, Joyce Rebhan, on as her business partner, and the two first-time entrepreneurs created a solution to cleaning all that’s dirty. They clean houses, businesses, and move-ins, and they’re already looking to be the go-to for apartment cleaning services.
Although Prater said the idea for her own cleaning business came before the death of her son, it was put on hold after he died. In the last couple of years, however, Prater and Rebhan began discussing the idea again. Last July, they both took the plunge and filed for a business license.
“It feels good just to put your foot forward,” Prater said.
Figuring out the details came next. Both Rebhan and Prater drew from their experience as single mothers. When it came to running a household with kids, Prater explained, she was always on the lookout for the best or most efficient cleaning product.
Instead of hourly rates, which they say can get expensive for customers, they use flat fees. The fees vary; they start at $75 and go up from there based on a variety of factors, like the difficulty of cleaning, size of the space, and ease of access.
It’s essentially an “all-around” cleaning service, Rebhan said, adding that she and Prater bring the latest in cleaning expertise. Rebhan adds that she’ll even do some ironing if that’s what the job requires. Each brings her own individual set of talents to the job.
When you pay for their cleaning services, you don’t just get a spotless and well-organized house, you get personality. Both Prater and Rebhan are outgoing and enthusiastic.
“We’re very down to earth,” Prater said. “We’re more personal. That’s what makes us different.”
The positive energy they bring to the job comes from the fact that they are good friends. Rebhan, 49, is originally from the San Fernando Valley and Prater, 44, is originally from Seychelles (an archipelago north of Madagascar), although she’s lived in Santa Maria since the age of 6.
Following her son’s death, Prater worked at several part-time jobs and even earned a certificate in medical billing. She was also a U.S. Navy reservist for a period of time. Rebhan worked as a grocery store cashier for 22 years.
Prater and Rebhan met each other years ago when they were both going through tough times.
“I chose Joyce because she’s my shining light,” Prater said.
Running your own business requires a lot of marketing and motivation. When starting off, Prater did a lot of footwork. She went door-to-door and introduced herself and her business to people.
They don’t have a website, or even a Facebook profile. Yet, they have five regular clients and are gaining more. They’ve been getting a majority of their customers through word-of-mouth.
Last month, Coast Hills Credit Union in Orcutt nominated S and J Cleaning Solutions as business of the month for October, which Prater said was a huge promotion.
Both Prater and Rebhan understand that some people might be apprehensive about starting their own business, but they said all it takes is a little courage to try. It’s still a learning process for them, but they both find happiness in doing what they do and being with each other.
“If you have a dream, don’t be afraid,” Rebhan said. “Take the steps, even if they’re baby steps. Try to keep positive thoughts and people around you. If you want it bad enough, you’ll achieve it.”
If he were alive today, Prater knows her son, Darren, would be proud of her.
“He just wanted his mom to be successful and happy, and I want to make him happy,” Prater said. “Whoever thought that cleaning would make you so happy?”
Need your house cleaned? Prater and Rebhan can be reached at 406-4795.
Staff Writer David Minsky wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, email, or mail.
This article appears in Dec 15-22, 2016.
