Marcia Spivey’s vision for a socially focused laundromat is redefining neighborhood revitalization.
In Episode 62 of the PlanetLaundry Podcast, host Matt DeWolf and guest Marcia Spivey talked about the role laundromats can play in becoming a community hub and how that can be a catalyst for change. Subscribe in your podcast platform of choice today to never miss an episode. Have a story that needs told or a perspective to share? Contact Matt DeWolf at [email protected].
The Hub: More than Just Laundry
When Marcia Spivey envisioned opening a laundromat in Detroit, she saw far beyond washers and dryers. Her dream centers on a community catalyst, where residents can wash their clothes, grab a meal, learn and build connections under one roof. “It’s like a trifecta. You’ll be able to wash your clothes, get some good food that’ll be provided by cafe food entrepreneurs, as well as make connections,” Spivey said. “Maybe you attend a workshop with one of the banks in the neighborhood on credit, investments, retirement, probate. It’s that trifecta, catalytic impact that I’m so excited about.”
Matt DeWolf, the podcast’s host, underscored the uniqueness of Spivey’s approach. “It hits different when you take a business concept and really come at it from that social and community perspective, because it’s just going to feel different for the folks there,” DeWolf said. “If it’s got your back, believes in you and is giving you something you need, you’re going to connect with that business in a whole different way.”
The Inspiration: Advocacy at its Core
Returning to her childhood community, Spivey noticed the changes that shaped her resolve to serve. “I decided that I was going to move into the neighborhood and be the change that I wanted to see. I’m really, really engaged in community advocacy and community development. But then I realized there was a need,” she said. Spivey’s background, deeply rooted in a tradition of family, faith and neighborhood, fueled her desire to create something impactful. “You looked out for your community, you looked out for your neighborhood, your family church. I grew up in a time where that was what you did,” she said.
Building the Hub: A New Model for Detroit
The Hub Laundromat Cafe is much more than a business – it’s a social mission wrapped in a low-profit limited liability company (L3C). Spivey explained, “The laundromat is the Hub Laundromat Cafe. And it’s going to be an L3C. We often hear, you know, most businesses are LLCs. This one is going to exist with a social mission.” The space is designed to serve as a work hub for professionals, offer culinary opportunities for local entrepreneurs and provide educational workshops and literacy programs to the community.
DeWolf compared Spivey’s vision to the role of a public library. “It’s similar to the function that libraries serve in some communities,” he said. “This is that. But without the books. Maybe there’ll be books.” Spivey confirmed there will be books, something that really excited her.
Navigating Challenges and Finding Community
Developing a laundromat from scratch hasn’t been easy. “I’m wearing both the real estate developer hat and the owner operator hat,” Spivey said, describing the complex dance of construction, financing and learning an entirely new industry. One secret to her progress? Networking with the Coin Laundry Association (CLA) and leveraging industry resources. “If you’re not a part of CLA and reading the PlanetLaundry magazines, you need to start. My membership with CLA has been the absolute game changer,” she said.
DeWolf highlighted the industry’s collaborative spirit, noting, “Not every industry is like that. Oftentimes people try to hold things close to the chest, but that rising tide does lift all ships, so we might as well make this thing great together,” he said.
Words of Wisdom for Change-Makers
For anyone eyeing a similar journey, Spivey offered this unwavering message: “Don’t quit. Development is a long game and it absolutely can happen.” She also stressed the importance of accountability, stating, “Hold yourself accountable to what your expectations are. If you hold yourself accountable, you can stand up straight with your shoulders back and look yourself straight in the eye and say, ‘I have done my best.’”
DeWolf agreed, adding a practical tip: “Say your thing publicly, whatever you’re trying to do, because guess what? You’re going to see those people again and they’re going to ask, ‘hey, how’s that coming?’”
Looking Ahead
As the Hub Laundromat Cafe moves closer to opening, it stands poised to set a new standard for neighborhood laundromats everywhere. “The Hub will be catalytic change,” Spivey said.
This project is proof that laundromats can be much more than utilitarian spaces – they can become anchors for economic growth, empowerment and community vibrancy.
Stay connected to Marcia Spivey’s journey at thehublaundromatcafe.com and catch all episodes of PlanetLaundry at planetlaundry.com for more inspiring stories transforming the laundry industry.
