In 2022, Hyacinth Tucker, an army veteran from Maryland, found herself navigating a difficult period. Going through a divorce and struggling financially after Covid crippled her event venues, she juggled gigs like Uber driving and pet-sitting just to make ends meet. One day, while visiting a friend overwhelmed by a mountain of dirty laundry, Tucker offered to help wash it — a simple favor that paid her $20.

At that moment, Tucker didn’t think of it as a business — just another way to earn some cash. But this small act of kindness would soon spark a major opportunity.

Word of Mouth Sparks a Business Boom

A week later, Tucker casually mentioned her laundry help at a local mother’s group meeting. The reaction surprised her: people were eager to hire her. “Everyone looked at me like, ‘You’re doing laundry? Can you come do mine?’” she recalled. She scribbled her contact info on a scrap of paper, expecting a few calls — but instead, it was covered in names.

Realizing the demand, Tucker dove into research and discovered that the U.S. laundry industry was worth $16 billion. She decided to turn her side hustle into a full-fledged business.

Learning the Hard Way: Scaling Too Fast

Tucker quickly expanded, hiring two drivers and accepting clients from all over the DC and Northern Virginia area. However, she admits she grew too fast, spreading herself thin and turning logistics into a nightmare. “I did the opposite of what you’re supposed to do — I just said yes to every client, no matter where they lived,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Tucker poured energy into marketing — passing out business cards, wearing branded T-shirts, and attending networking events to build her presence.

Overcoming Financial Hurdles

Attempting to secure a bank loan to fund growth, Tucker was rejected and resorted to “predatory loans” for quick cash. These proved unsustainable, but she didn’t give up. Instead, she entered 18 pitch competitions, winning several — including awards specifically for female veterans. Over two years, she raised more than $100,000 through winnings and grants.

“People connected with my story,” Tucker said. She also gained private investments from friends and family who believed in her character and vision.

Building Trust and Community Impact

Trust is crucial in the laundry business, where clients worry about who’s handling their personal clothes. Tucker understood this and became the visible face of her company to build confidence.

Her business now washes up to 7,000 pounds of laundry monthly and partners with a Baltimore outreach group to clean donated clothes for shelters.

Beyond revenue, Tucker employs a team of three, helping support their families — a source of pride for her.

Empowering Others Through Career Training

Tucker’s vision extends beyond her business. In 2024, she launched the Laundry Basket Institute to train individuals facing employment barriers — such as formerly incarcerated people, foster youth, and people with disabilities. The program offers career training, leadership development, and sustainable wages.

“We’re redefining what working in this industry can look like,” she said. “Laundry can be a stable, sustainable, and empowering career path.”

Looking Ahead: Expansion and Innovation

Tucker is expanding services to include dry cleaning and alterations, and she’s collaborating with a chemist to create a Laundry Basket-branded detergent. She also plans to franchise the business nationwide, aiming to make the Laundry Basket a household name.

“When you think of laundry, I want you to think of the Laundry Basket,” she said confidently.

What began as a small favor during tough times has grown into a flourishing business that not only cleans clothes but also changes lives. Hyacinth Tucker’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and redefining opportunities — proving that even laundry can be a launching pad for economic empowerment and social change.