Hyacinth Tucker is a dynamic entrepreneur whose journey from Jamaica to the United States, coupled with her service as an Army veteran, has shaped her into a resilient and purpose-driven leader. As the founder of The Laundry Basket LLC, Hyacinth has redefined the laundry and dry-cleaning industry through eco-friendly practices, workforce development, and unwavering community impact. Her commitment to sustainability and social responsibility has not only set her business apart but also created opportunities for underserved populations. In this Faces of Entrepreneurship profile, Hyacinth shares her inspiring story, the lessons learned along the way, and her bold vision for the future of The Laundry Basket LLC and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What does “entrepreneurship” mean to you? How has your understanding of it evolved over time?
Hyacinth Tucker: Entrepreneurship means identifying a problem, creating a solution, and having the courage to bring that vision to life. Initially, I saw entrepreneurship as a way to build financial independence, but over time, I’ve realized it’s about creating opportunities for others, driving innovation, and making a lasting impact on the community.
Tell us about your first experience with entrepreneurship. What sparked your interest in building something of your own?
HT: My first experience with entrepreneurship was owning an Allstate insurance agency. I realized the power of being my own boss and the fulfillment that came from building something that not only served others but also gave me control over my future. What sparked my interest was the realization that I could combine my passion for problem-solving with business to create meaningful change.
What is the origin story of your company? What motivated you to start, and how did those early days shape your journey?
HT: The Laundry Basket LLC was born out of a desire to address a common pain point—busy individuals and families struggling with their laundry needs. I saw an opportunity to provide convenient, eco-friendly solutions while also creating jobs and supporting underserved communities. The early days were shaped by determination, long hours, and constant learning, which taught me the importance of adaptability and community connections in building a sustainable business.
What do you wish you had known when you started? If you could go back, what would you do differently?
HT: I wish I had known how crucial it is to prioritize building a strong team early on. Trying to do everything myself initially slowed my progress and led to burnout. If I could go back, I would focus more on delegation and finding the right people to help scale the business.
Has there been a pivotal moment or a game-changing decision that defined your growth as an entrepreneur?
HT: The decision to integrate sustainability into every aspect of The Laundry Basket LLC was a turning point. Not only did it align with my values, but it also attracted a loyal customer base who shared those values. This move helped define our brand and positioned us as leaders in eco-friendly laundry services.
What is the biggest milestone you hope to achieve in the next three months, and why is it important to you and your business? How are you planning to tackle it?
HT: Our biggest milestone is launching a digital platform that connects laundromats and dry cleaners with tools to manage pick-up and delivery services. This is important because it expands our reach and creates opportunities for others to join our network. We’re working with a dedicated team of developers and engaging in beta testing to ensure a seamless launch.
What does “success” mean to you, both personally and professionally?
HT: Success means creating a legacy of impact. Personally, it’s about finding balance, enjoying time with my family, and living a purposeful life. Professionally, success is about building a business that improves lives, uplifts communities, and creates lasting opportunities for others.
Share your boldest dream for your business and the world. What’s your plan to make it a reality?
HT: My boldest dream is to expand The Laundry Basket LLC globally and to become a model for purpose-driven entrepreneurship. I plan to achieve this by scaling through licensing and cooperative programs, providing training and resources to empower local entrepreneurs, and maintaining our focus on sustainability and community impact.
What is your entrepreneurial superpower? How has it helped you overcome challenges or seize opportunities?
HT: My superpower is resilience. I can adapt quickly to challenges, learn from failures, and push forward with determination. This mindset has helped me seize opportunities, even when the odds were against me, and turn setbacks into stepping stones for growth.
Can you share one of your proudest moments and one of your darkest days as an entrepreneur? What lessons did those experiences teach you?
- Proudest Moment: Launching a workforce development program for veterans and minorities. Seeing individuals gain skills and confidence was incredibly rewarding.
- Darkest Day: Facing financial hurdles in the early stages of my business. It taught me the importance of resilience, proper planning, and the value of building a strong support network.
What personal values drive you as an entrepreneur?
HT: Integrity, community, and sustainability are my core values. They guide every decision I make, ensuring that my business contributes positively to the world.
How have those values influenced your company’s culture and mission? Can you share an example?
HT: Our commitment to sustainability and community is reflected in our partnerships with nonprofits to provide laundry services to homeless shelters. This aligns with our mission to not only serve customers but also make a meaningful difference in the community.
What’s it like working alone or with a team? How do you approach building strong partnerships?
HT: I’ve learned that collaboration is key to growth. Building strong partnerships starts with shared values and clear communication. Whether working with my team or external partners, I prioritize transparency and mutual respect to foster lasting relationships.
What role has mentorship played in your journey—whether as a mentor or a mentee? Share a story that highlights its impact.
HT: Mentorship has been transformative. One of my early mentors helped me refine my business plan and avoid costly mistakes. Now, as a mentor, I guide other women and veterans in their entrepreneurial journeys, paying forward the support I received.
What excites you most about the market or industry you operate in? How are you navigating its challenges and changes?
HT: The opportunity for innovation excites me most. The laundry industry is evolving with digital platforms, eco-friendly practices, and customer demands for convenience. We navigate challenges by staying ahead of trends, investing in technology, and listening to customer needs.
What’s one daily ritual or practice that keeps you grounded and focused?
HT: Every morning, I take 15 minutes to meditate and journal. This practice helps me start the day with clarity and focus, no matter how busy things get.
How do you manage the demands of entrepreneurship while maintaining your well-being? What strategies work best for you?
HT: I set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Scheduling regular breaks, prioritizing sleep, and leaning on my support system help me maintain balance and avoid burnout.
What kind of entrepreneur do you aspire to be? How do you want to be remembered in your industry or community?
HT: I aspire to be an entrepreneur who leads with integrity and leaves a lasting impact on both my industry and community. I want to be remembered for empowering others and building a business that values people, planet, and purpose.
How does your work contribute to solving larger societal challenges or helping others?
HT: Our work addresses sustainability by reducing waste and energy consumption in the laundry industry. Additionally, our workforce programs create economic opportunities for underserved communities, addressing unemployment and skill gaps.
Have you faced a major crisis in your business? How did you navigate it, and what advice would you give others in similar situations?
HT: Yes, in the early stages of The Laundry Basket LLC, I faced a significant financial crisis. Cash flow was tight, and I struggled to manage operational costs while growing the business. To navigate this, I focused on cutting unnecessary expenses, renegotiating vendor contracts, and creating strategic partnerships to maximize value without additional costs.
Advice: Always have a clear understanding of your finances, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Seek mentors, join entrepreneurial networks, and leverage resources available for small businesses. A crisis is temporary, but the lessons you learn can build lasting resilience.
What’s a problem that keeps you up at night, and how are you working to solve it?
HT: The lack of skilled workers in the laundry and dry-cleaning industry keeps me up at night. It’s a challenge to find individuals who see this work as a viable, long-term career. To address this, I’ve created workforce development initiatives that provide training and career pathways for veterans, minorities, and individuals from underserved communities. These programs aim to bridge the gap and elevate the perception of the industry.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs about building and leading teams?
HT: Surround yourself with people who complement your strengths and fill in your gaps. A successful team isn’t just about hiring the most skilled individuals—it’s about finding people who share your vision and values. Communicate openly, invest in their growth, and create an environment where they feel valued and empowered.
Do you have a favorite quote or mantra that keeps you motivated on tough days?
HT: One of my favorite mantras is: “Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of the process.” It reminds me that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow, and it keeps me focused on the bigger picture.
If someone wrote a book about your entrepreneurial journey, what would the title be?
HT: “The Spin Cycle: Resilience, Innovation, and Building a Business with Purpose.”
Have you raised outside capital for your business? If so, what kind, and why did you choose that route?
HT: Yes, I’ve raised small grants and participated in pitch competitions, which provided non-dilutive funding for specific initiatives like workforce development and platform development. I chose this route to maintain full ownership and control of the business while securing funds to support our growth.
While I’ve leveraged some outside funding, I’ve primarily focused on reinvesting profits to grow the business. Maintaining control of my company and staying aligned with my mission have been key factors in this decision.
How has your network played a role in supporting your funding journey or overall growth as an entrepreneur?
HT: My network has been invaluable. Organizations like veteran-focused business programs and small business accelerators have connected me with mentors, funding opportunities, and collaborators. Networking has also led to partnerships with nonprofits and community organizations, helping us expand our impact and reach.
If you’ve fundraised, where have you found the most meaningful connections with investors? What has that process taught you?
HT: The most meaningful connections have come from pitch competitions and networking events tailored to small businesses. These opportunities taught me the importance of storytelling—investors don’t just want to hear numbers; they want to see your passion and understand your mission.
What are some of the biggest barriers you’ve faced as an entrepreneur? How have you overcome them—or how are you working to do so?
HT: Two major barriers have been access to capital and breaking into an industry without a traditional background in it. I’ve overcome these by focusing on my unique value proposition—sustainability and community impact—and leveraging grants, pitch competitions, and mentorship programs to secure funding and credibility.
What do you think needs to change in the entrepreneurial ecosystem to reduce barriers for others?
HT: There needs to be greater access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs, as well as more mentorship opportunities. Simplifying access to grants, offering more funding tailored to minority-owned businesses, and creating pathways for networking would help level the playing field.
How do you cultivate and maintain relationships that help you as an entrepreneur, whether for funding, mentorship, or collaboration?
HT: I focus on building genuine connections by staying in touch, offering value, and showing gratitude. Whether it’s sending a quick thank-you note or sharing updates on how someone’s advice helped me, I prioritize relationships and make sure they know I appreciate their support.
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