VCWoman Achieve 2025 Mentee Spotlight – Verkeytia Long

Posted on January 29, 2025
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Name: Verkeytia Long | Business/Profession: CEO, XtremeClean Janitorial & Cleaning Services LLC

Please share a little about your background, personally and/or professionally.

Since high school, I’ve always relied on a job to provide financial well-being. Every job was related to accounting, teaching, and/or customer service and none ever made me feel like I was having an impact on or in the community. Becoming an entrepreneur has given me an opportunity work in and around the city while working towards building generational wealth for my family.

Please share about your business, where it’s located, and what led you to starting it.

I started XtremeClean Janitorial & Cleaning Services, LLC in 2020, after a job loss. The idea to start a business was born out of the desire to responsible for my own employment and financial well-being. I wanted a business with the potential for longevity and one that would allow me to engage with the community and build generational wealth.

What goals do you hope to achieve for your business during your time in VCWoman Achieve?

I hope to learn how to be an effective leader as well as how/when to grow the business (scaling and expanding). My ultimate goal is increase my overall knowledge about business operations.

What drew you to being part of a mentorship group specifically curated for non-men? How has being a woman or non-binary individual impacted your journey as an entrepreneur?

I was mostly drawn to the VCWoman Achieve program because the program is geared towards helping non-males be successful in various industries. I am generally interested in any programs that are for and about non-males. I don’t know that being a woman has negatively impacted my journey as much as a lot of folks view cleaning as “woman’s” work.

What are three things you enjoy doing outside of work?

Gardening/planting, DIY craft projects, community advocacy.

What is your favorite part about being an entrepreneur?

My favorite part of being an entrepreneur is knowing I am building something for my family.