By Lynette Kozosi
WINDHOEK
Based in Katutura, Speedy Mini Laundry, owned by Ruth Kavari, provides services to clients at affordable prices. The Mini Laundry that operates from home, employs two people, and the customers, mostly from Katutura, come from all walks of life.
Kavari, who was employed by Jet Cleaners & Dryers as a sorter / ironer and counterhand for almost 20 years, started the laundry business when her boss passed away in 1996.
” I never had any plans to start my own business, but my boss’s death inspired me to become independent, and age was also a contributing factor,” said Ruth.
Kavari was born in Okakarara 54 years ago, a twin sister in a family of 12. She lost her twin to a stroke earlier this year.
As a single mother of six children, four of whom are still dependent on her, Kavari says she is able to afford the basic needs and school fees for her children with the income she earns from her business.
” I’m thankful for the little that God has given me, and at least I’m able to help my people. The income is not a lot, but I also sell lunch meals for extra money to pay my workers,” Kavari said.
Kavari collected bricks that lay around in the streets to build and add the extra rooms to her house from which she operates the business.
From years of experience, Kavari is able to judge from the material of the clothes and decides whether they are dry-cleanable or not. Those clothes she cannot do herself, she refers to Lana Dry Cleaners at a discount price.
Despite the cheap prices, some people still fail to come and collect their garments on time. And when they don’t come, they are given a year’s grace, after which an announcement is made through radio.
“There are more customers making use of our services in winter and at month-end. The rest of the time business is a bit slow,” says Kavari.
There is no real threat from competition as there are only two such businesses operating in Katutura. The other is situated in Independence Avenue.
” Running a business requires a lot of patience, and a person should be able to admit one’s mistakes with a smile when customers come to you and complain. The most important thing is the ability to work with people,” Kavari said.
Speedy Dry Cleaners [or Speedy Mini Laundry], which has been operating for more than ten years, is situated in Richard Tjiramba Street at Erf No. 6390.