I started my career while I was still in school and couldn't be happier

A woman who made a kind gesture in her teenage years has gone on to turn it into a career. Leah Houghton, 21, began cleaning to help those closest to her.

Leah, from Runcorn, continued cleaning when she went to college, where she studied geography, law and psychology. However, she didn’t want to go to university studying these subjects. She decided on a different approach. While she was still in college, she joined Well-Polished, a firm which operates across the country linking self-employed cleaners to those who require their services.

Leah said: “I started off as a teenager. I was cleaning alongside my school work. I did get pocket money but it was more about helping my friends and family out. My nan was disabled so she couldn’t do it herself.”

Within a few years of joining the agency, she has become a franchise holder of the St Helens branch. Leah says it can feel tough holding such a position at a young age.

When asked what other people say to her at being a 21 year-old franchisee, she said: “I don't normally tell other people my age. I worry it will affect how they see my capability. As a young business owner, I have to confront my imposter syndrome, those moments where you think you're not capable of owning a franchise and running a business.

“The transition from being a cleaner to owning a franchise felt daunting when I started off. Over time, I've learnt to trust my ability. I've worked from the ground up. I know what the cleaners are going through.”

Leah believes cleaning can be a rewarding profession to enter. She said: “I manage a team of 20 self-employed cleaners. Day to day is about speaking to them and making sure they’re happy. Cleaners at St Helens Well Polished earn between £13 and £16 an hour. With franchisees, it’s a business model - what they make depends on what they put into it.

“One of the best things about being a cleaner is the flexibility and how rewarding it is. A lot of people like those who are elderly can't clean. It’s great to help them out.”

Leah believes cleaning and similar roles can be an option for people like herself who don’t want to go down the academic path. She said: “I'm in a completely different place to where I was. I just want other people to know you don't have to take the traditional route.

“It can be quite daunting deciding what you want to do. People should look at places you might not think of but offer good career progression, such as cleaning or even a clothing company. I felt rushed when I left college. There were too many options and I was quite confused. Just having that self-belief that you can do is key.

“Looking back from where I started, I'm proud but you don't think of it like that. It's just about those little wins along the way. We’re hoping to inspire others to join this field.”