A Perth mother has transformed her frustration with unreliable cleaners into an award-winning business that now operates across Australia.
From Frustration to Success
Tabitha Wellman, a mother from Melville, struggled to find a cleaner she could trust while pregnant. Determined to solve the problem, she launched her own cleaning company, Manhattan Maids, 16 years ago. The business has since expanded to Western Australia, Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast.
“I was just a mum who was frustrated about trying to find a cleaner and I thought, I reckon I could get my own cleaning service for free if I just find enough clients,” Ms Wellman said.
“I think our growth has really come from listening to the frustrations of our clients. That’s a big part of having a cleaner … having somebody who’s trustworthy, reliable and professional.”
Growth and Recognition
Manhattan Maids has grown from a one-woman operation to a team of 85 employees. Last month, the business received the 2026 Australian Small Business Champion Award for cleaning services.
Ms Wellman said her company has helped “professionalise” the cleaning industry, distinguishing itself from more casual competitors.
“It’s an incredibly professional service. We have a service guarantee to ensure people have the same maid every single clean, so it’s not a ‘come and go’ service for whoever rocks up. I’ve got maids who have been with their clients for three years and they become part of the family,” she said.
“We’re the only business that has dedicated quality managers that go out and do spot checks with all of our cleaners, which is a big overhead but it’s worth it because it means we’re always providing the service we promise.”
Overcoming Setbacks
Despite its success, Manhattan Maids faced significant challenges. During COVID-19, the business struggled to retain staff as many workers returned to their home countries.
“COVID for us was an absolute nightmare. I had over 150 people on our waitlist here in Perth, and I couldn’t get maids for love nor money because everyone went back to their home of origin,” Ms Wellman said.
“We had a team of about nine at one point in Perth (during COVID), and now we’ve got around the high 40s.”
In 2023, Ms Wellman was diagnosed with stage three cancer and had to step back from the business overnight while undergoing immunotherapy and radiation. Her team, predominantly hardworking Brazilian women, kept the business growing.
“The team stepped up and took over ... which was an important part of our growth strategy moving forward. Having the right team and systems in place meant it was a momentous turnaround for the business,” she said.
“People have always said ‘you must be super smart and have this incredible strategy’, but it just happened organically and because of our team.”
Customer Base and Future
Manhattan Maids serves families, working mums, stay-at-home mums, and older individuals. The company operates primarily in western and southern coastal suburbs, with growing demand from corporate housing and Airbnb properties.
The business was recently named a finalist in the Australian Trade Small Business Champion Awards, with the ceremony set for June 27 in Sydney.
“It’s just a recognition of all the hard yards. A lot of people don’t see the long nights - having your own business, it’s a seven day week, nonstop. I think it was really great for the management team to see that their hard work was recognised as well,” Ms Wellman said.
“I started with a new-born baby, thinking ‘I just need a bloody cleaner’. Now I’ve actually created a something that has a massive impact on many people’s lives, not just our clients, but also our maids.”
