Laundromat Owner KaTesha Sagers Anderson Helps Pave the Way for the Future of Women in Business
KaTesha Sagers Anderson is a business founder, keynote speaker, and advocate for women’s empowerment and small-business growth. As the owner of Cozy Clean Laundry – a full-service garment-care company in Decatur, Ga. – she works to promote her community and opportunities for small businesses.
Additionally, KaTesha is a consultant and advisor for KS Anderson Consulting, where she specializes in crafting and executing operational, project management and leadership strategies for companies and business leaders. She also is the founder of She Speaks Vision, an exclusive membership community for women of color navigating various industries as executives or founders.
Moreover, KaTesha partners with various organizations on strategic initiatives that connect women with resources, mentoring, and business opportunities.
She holds degrees from the Keller Graduate School of Management and Georgia Tech’s Scheller School of Business, and will graduating from Cornell University with a certificate in women’s entrepreneurship later this year.
What sparked your interest in the laundry industry?
Since childhood, I’ve been deeply involved in community service. My family and I would regularly collect “soon to be expired” pastries from bakeries to feed the homeless once a month. As an adult, I continued my dedication to community service by serving on community boards and even running for public office.
When I started my own family, I sought an opportunity that would allow me to serve the community while generating revenue. Opening Cozy Clean Laundry has enabled me to achieve this balance. Through initiatives like our Back to School Bookbag and children’s book giveaways and by providing jobs to local residents, my laundromat has become a vital part of the community. At the same time, it has allowed me to take care of my family.
What do you consider to be the most valuable resources for learning more about the industry?
For me, hiring a laundromat consultant was the most valuable resource in learning about the industry. I was referred to Cary Lipman, who provided invaluable guidance and expertise. He helped me lay a solid foundation before purchasing my first laundromat, ensuring that I was well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
What do you enjoy most about working in the laundry industry?
The relationships I’ve gained are what I enjoy the most. Who would have known that water valves, baking soda, and error codes could bring about friendship?
What do you find most challenging, especially as a woman in this business?
What I find most challenging as a woman in the laundry business is not being heard, not being taken seriously, and/or being overlooked at industry functions. I’m thankful I wasn’t discouraged by that, as I have built a solid network of industry leaders – both men and women – who I can call on for wisdom, support, or even the use of their facilities or employees.
What advice would you give to other women looking to get into this industry?
My advice to women looking to enter the laundry business is to be strategic with your funding. Don’t use your own money to fund your business; instead, apply for grants and business loans designed to support entrepreneurs. Also, seek out local business incubators and centers that focus on women-owned businesses to provide funding options, resources, and support.
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
If I had to do it all over again, I would have invested in the optimal mix of washers and dryers from the start, rather than taking a phased approach. Initially, I opted for a gradual investment strategy to manage costs and reduce financial risk. However, this resulted in higher long-term expenses and operational inefficiencies, as customer demand grew faster than anticipated. Having the right equipment mix from the beginning would have allowed us to better meet customer needs and streamline our operations from Day One.
What can laundry industry leaders do to encourage more women to enter the laundry industry in more traditionally male-dominated roles – such as store ownership, engineering, R&D, and distributor/manufacturing management?
Industry leaders can take several proactive steps to encourage more women to enter these roles. First, offering internship opportunities to high school students during the summer would provide early exposure and hands-on experience.
In addition, collaborations with organizations such as CLA, equipment distributors, and manufacturing companies are crucial. Also, partnering with local technical and community colleges during Women’s History Month to help promote careers in the laundry industry could be highly effective.
On a personal note, I partnered with the Atlanta Business League to host a paid intern at Cozy Clean Laundry for a four-week summer program. It was a fantastic experience for her and highlighted the potential for such initiatives to inspire and prepare the next generation of women leaders in our industry.
Where do you see the industry heading in the next five years, specifically with regard to women professionals?
I think the laundry industry is poised for significant growth over the next five years, particularly with regard to the integration of technology, sustainability practices, and customer-centric services. The industry will see a rise in women professionals and leaders as women bring a unique perspective and leadership style that fosters more of an inclusive, customer-focused environment.
