When Andrea Cruz-Babcock arrived in the United States in 1999, she came with a dream shared by many: the hope of building a better life. But her journey didn’t follow a straight path, nor was it handed to her. Instead, Andrea carved her own way: one that started in a tiny shed in Mexico and led to the creation of The Art of Cleaning, a standout cleaning service in Minnesota known not just for sparkling results, but for the heart behind the work.
A Legacy Born From Modest Roots
Andrea’s story begins in Mexico, in a one-room shelter barely large enough to house her parents, siblings, and extended family. “It wasn’t even a house,” she recalls. “It was a shed – eight by ten, with no floors, no windows, just plastic and thin metal sheets.” But even in those modest conditions, her mother instilled in her something priceless: the value of a clean and peaceful home, regardless of circumstance.
“My mother was a genius,” Andrea says. “She taught us that just because you live in poverty doesn't mean your environment has to be dirty. She made it an art, and that's where the name of my business comes from.”
That early lesson became the foundation of a life mission: to create a business where cleaning is not just a task but a source of dignity and pride.
Building a Business From the Ground Up
After working a series of unfulfilling jobs in the U.S., Andrea realized she was chasing a version of the American Dream that didn’t fit her. She didn't have formal training or a college diploma. In fact, she was a high school dropout. But she had something else, a vision and the teachings of her mother.
Andrea started The Art of Cleaning more than 12 years ago – though she admits she’s likely been doing the work much longer. With no mentors or industry support, she relied solely on her upbringing and a self-taught approach to business. What began as a solo venture soon turned into a growing company known for its customer-first culture.
"I didn’t care about the money, I still don’t. What I care about is the connection with my clients, and the impact we make in their lives."
More Than Cleaning — It's a Calling
Today, The Art of Cleaning is a multi-million dollar enterprise serving the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro with a full range of cleaning services, from residential and commercial cleanings to move-in/move-out services, home staging and more. They are especially known for accommodating same-day appointments.
But what truly sets Andrea’s business apart is the deep emotional investment she and her team bring to every job.
“I’m not a 9-to-5 business owner,” Andrea says. “If a client texts me at 11 p.m. or 3 a.m., I’ll answer. I’ve done it. Because to me, this isn’t just a service – it’s a relationship.”
Andrea’s passion has created a ripple effect. Clients frequently share how the company changed their lives, not just by cleaning their homes, but by relieving stress, restoring peace, and offering compassion when it’s needed most.
Cleaning for a Cause
One of the most powerful elements of Andrea’s mission is her commitment to giving back. She launched a community outreach service within her company, which she calls Cleaning for a Cause, providing pro bono cleaning services to individuals facing illness, hardship or other challenges.
“We never ask questions,” she explains. “If someone needs help, and a client connects us to them, we go. No charge, no expectations. Just help.”
These moments, Andrea says, are her proudest. From helping a sick client return to a clean, peaceful home to relieving burdened or grieving family members, these are the victories that matter most.
Growing with Grace — and Gratitude
The business has grown year after year – by 20 to 30% annually – but Andrea remains grounded.
“I don’t even pay attention to the numbers,” she admits. “My husband John does, he keeps his eyes on the books, and I just focus on making sure our clients are happy and our employees are valued.”
And valued they are. The Art of Cleaning isn’t just a customer-centered business – it’s an employee-centered one, too. Staff are encouraged to set their own pay goals, speak up when they feel undervalued, and grow within the company. Andrea sees them not just as employees but as family.
“As a woman-owned and woman-managed business, we are all about empowerment,” she says. “From my general manager, Srey, to my supervisors Ana and Maria, we are comprised of strong women who drive our business,” Andrea says.
Recognition and a Future Built on Values
Andrea’s journey has been recognized in publications like the Minneapolis / St.Paul Business Journal, an acknowledgment she never dreamed possible.
“Someone like me – no training, no college, no resources – getting featured in a major business journal? That’s something I never thought could happen. But it did. And I built it from nothing.”
She did it with resilience. She did it with purpose. And above all, she did it with heart.
Andrea Cruz-Babcock’s story is not just about cleaning. It's about transformation – turning scarcity into beauty, hardship into opportunity, and a childhood memory into a thriving, values-driven business.
To learn more or to book a service visit www.theartofcleaningmn.com