MARGAO: Dynamic mother-daughter duo Glenda and Althea Fernandes have built a reputation for their meticulous attention to detail, dedication to customer satisfaction, and commitment to sustainability. But Althea’s journey to becoming a cleaning entrepreneur was not a traditional one - she left behind a lucrative corporate career to join her mother in the family business, which is now a household name in
South Goa.
After completing her MBA in Mumbai, Althea began working a corporate job in Bangalore – but always had a nagging feeling that she was meant to do much more.
“In 2005, my mother Glenda, a veteran in the hospitality industry and housekeeper extraordinaire, started her cleaning service Kleen Kraft with a small team, and was constantly swamped with work. I decided to quit my job and moved back to Goa to in 2011. Best decision ever,” laughs Althea.
Althea recalls how she learnt the business on the job- driving her cleaners to their assignments, traversing the State from Pernem to Canacona, and even cleaning luxury yachts docked in Goa. “I soon discovered that this line of work is a perfect fit for me - it not only satisfies my urge to transform spaces from drab and dirty to squeaky clean, but also offers incredible opportunities for connection and growth. Every day brings new encounters with people from diverse backgrounds, making each day exciting, with never a moment of monotony.”
Kleen Kraft operates in two verticals – they handle regular cleaning contracts for institutions like hotels, hospitals, schools, colleges, and corporates. Additionally, they have a specialised team of around 20 cleaners trained in floor treatments, deep cleaning of upholstered furniture, and mattresses. Dressed in jaunty printed uniforms and carrying old-school tiffin boxes, Althea’s cleaning executives stand out wherever they go. Trained to be professional, the young men take the effort to reach every nook and cranny, and are often spotted on high ladders, cleaning the rafters and glass facades of shops and homes. “It doesn’t matter who the client is, or how big or small the job is – whether it is a contract for Rs 2,000 or Rs two lakh, my team approaches the job with the same enthusiasm because they take ownership of the work that they do.”
Althea has also managed to retain a lot of her best employees for over 8 years – a feat very few businesses in Goa can boast of. “The problems of finding and retaining dedicated workers persists, but we try to keep the team happy,” she says.
After a busy week of site visits, managing staff and servicing clients, the weekend surely brings respite? “My weekends are often more exhausting than the work week – but I’m not complaining,” laughs Althea. After her regular three-hour cycle ride in the morning, she spends her Sundays volunteering at Margao’s Soup Kitchen, serving people food and washing up after. “We’ve been a part of the Soup Kitchen since 2014. It’s important work – it gives me a reality-check and is something I look forward to every weekend,” she quips.
Althea is also big on fitness and spends a lot of time outdoors. As a seasoned triathlete, Althea was one of the few women who completed the prestigious Iron Man Challenge in Panjim a few years ago, which entailed cycling, running, and swimming. “Living in Goa is a blessing for sports enthusiasts,” she says. “The ideal weather conditions make it perfect for running and other endurance sports. I highly recommend everyone to take up these activities - they’re a great way to boost mental and physical well-being, and a recipe for a happy, healthy life.”