CELEBRATING LATINA LEADERS INTERVIEWS – March 2025
Esme Miranda, Squeaky Services
To celebrate Latina leaders this month, we reached out to Latina business owners and nonprofit leaders to ask about challenges, inspirations, and their perspective on what is ahead.
Esme Miranda, founder and president of Squeaky Services, founded her business in 2018. Squeaky Services specializes in both expert commercial and residential cleaning, with an eco-friendly approach and a commitment to exceeding their clients’ expectations.
Why did you start Squeaky Services?
I started Squeaky Services in 2018 because I wanted more for my family. At the time, I was working hard but felt like I was just surviving, not building something meaningful. I wanted to create a business that didn’t just provide for my kids and me but also created opportunities for others—especially people who needed good jobs with fair pay and flexibility.
Cleaning has always been something I took pride in. I grew up understanding the value of hard work and how a clean, organized space can change a person’s mindset and bring them peace. But I also saw how the cleaning industry often undervalued its workers. I wanted to change that. Squeaky Services was built on the idea that we can provide top-quality service while treating employees with respect, paying them well, and allowing them to have a life outside of work. It’s not just a cleaning company; it’s a business with heart, where people matter.
What was your biggest challenge in starting and growing your business? How did you overcome this?
Starting out, the biggest challenge was getting people to trust me. I remember reaching out to potential clients, walking into businesses, and introducing myself—sometimes being ignored or brushed off. That was tough. There were moments of doubt when I questioned if I had made the right decision. But I refused to give up. Instead, I leaned into networking and building relationships. I didn’t just ask for business—I showed up, listened, and found ways to support others first. I focused on delivering the absolute best service, knowing that word-of-mouth would eventually work in my favor. One of the most defining moments was when a small business took a chance on me. I poured everything into making sure they were beyond satisfied. That one happy client led to referrals, which led to bigger contracts, and that’s how we grew. It was slow at first, but through grit, consistency, and a commitment to doing the right thing, Squeaky Services became what it is today.
Who/what inspires you?
My biggest inspiration is my kids. Every single thing I do is with them in mind. I want them to see that success isn’t just about making money—it’s about hard work, integrity, and lifting others up along the way. I want to build something that one day, they can look at and say, ‘My mom built this from nothing.’ Beyond that, I’m inspired by other small business owners who don’t give up, who face challenge after challenge and still show up every day. I know what it feels like to doubt yourself, to wonder if you’re doing the right thing, but I also know what it feels like to push through and see the rewards. That keeps me going. And honestly, my team inspires me. Seeing them grow, provide for their families, and take pride in their work reminds me why I started this in the first place. It’s not just about me—it’s about all of us building something bigger together.
