How Jetlag Remedy grew its personalised cleaning business by 176%

An Australian premier bespoke cleaning and housekeeping company is set to continue expanding its innovative model on the national stage, after experiencing rapid growth and making more than $1.7 million in the 2023 financial year. 

Simone Tsigolis founded Jetlag Remedy in 2020, navigating the business landscape as a female founder without external funding, after she identified a demand for personalised cleaning and housekeeping services designed specifically for busy parents and professionals. 

Since then, it has grown from a revenue of $228,000 in the 2021 financial year to over $1.7 million in the 2023 financial year – a massive compound annual growth rate of 176.7%.

The company prepares homes for when their occupants return from travel by offering housekeeping and cleaning services, including washing sheets, remaking beds, stocking fridges, organising, cleaning ovens, unclogging drains, and going above and beyond when it comes to day-to-day traditional services.

The entrepreneur and mum said in addressing a unique, yet glaring gap in the market, Jetlag Remedy has solved the pressing issue of returning home to a disarrayed living space after travel.

It’s “a situation all too familiar for families and time-pressed individuals,” she tells SmartCompany.  

“Recognising the need for a seamless transition back to daily life, we have introduced bespoke cleaning and housekeeping services tailored to the unique needs of busy parents, high-wealth executives, and families. 

“Our services, ranging from home cleaning, laundry, and grocery stocking to the preparation of home-cooked meals, are designed not just for convenience but to offer mental freedom and comfort to our clients.”

The importance of Jetlag Remedy within the travel and housekeeping industry cannot be overstated, says Tsigolis. 

“Beyond our initial projections, the business has witnessed exponential growth, a testament to the vital role we play in enhancing the travel experience by easing the post-travel burden on families and individuals,” she said.

“The positive feedback and growing demand which includes a waitlist at present for our offerings emphasise the widespread appeal and necessity of our housekeeping solutions. 

“Moreover, our adaptive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, by placing a greater emphasis on traditional cleaning services, highlights our commitment to meet evolving market needs, further cementing our essential position in the industry. 

“Our success is a clear indication that we’re not just filling a niche; we’re creating a new standard for housekeeping and cleaning services, making us an indispensable part of the sector.”

Targeted approach from a dedicated team

Tsigolis told SmartCompany Jetlag Remedy’s growth strategy has been multifaceted, focusing on building strong customer relationships, leveraging social media for brand awareness, and continuously innovating product offerings based on customer feedback. 

“Our initial strategy was to identify a significant gap in the market for bespoke cleaning and housekeeping services,” she says. 

“By focusing on the specific needs of families returning from holidays to disorganised homes, we offered a solution that was both needed and highly valued. 

“This targeted approach allowed us to address a direct pain point for our customers, fostering strong market entry and growth.

The business, like most across the country, pivoted during the Covid-19 pandemic and put more emphasis on traditional cleaning services during this time. But that showed how the team is able to adapt to market conditions, says Tsigolis. 

Simone Tsigolis. Source: Supplied.

“This flexibility not only sustained our business through uncertain times but also expanded our service offerings to meet emerging customer needs.”

Tsigolis says building a strong, dedicated team of 50 staff members, the majority of whom are women, has been crucial. 

“Our focus on empowering our employees and fostering a supportive work environment has enhanced our service quality and operational capacity, enabling us to serve most capital cities across Australia,” she says.

“Prioritising customer satisfaction has led to positive word-of-mouth, driving business growth organically. Our commitment to exceeding customer expectations has helped us build a loyal client base and attract new customers through recommendations.

“Our commitment to empowering women, both within our team and in leadership roles, aligns with our broader business values and growth strategy. I have started dedicated Facebook groups to inspire and collaborate with other female business owners.

“These strategies, combined with our dedication to innovation, quality, and customer service, have propelled our business from a niche service to a leader in the housekeeping industry, both domestically and with sights set on international expansion.”

Finding new markets

Jetlag Remedy delivers services across the majority of Australia’s capital cities and its footprint extends to Sydney, Central Coast, Brisbane, Perth, Byron Bay, Gold Coast and Canberra. 

However, Tsigolis says the company is yet to establish its presence in Melbourne, which represents a future opportunity for expansion within the Australian market.

“We just need more time and resources to expand here, the demand is definitely there,” she says. 

“The interest we’ve garnered from the other states marks a significant milestone in our journey, signalling not just the universal appeal of our offerings but also the potential for national impact.”

Tsigolis says expanding into the other markets is an exciting prospect for Jetlag Remedy. 

“Our plans are to initially establish a presence in key cities where we’ve identified a high demand for personalised housekeeping services,” she explains. 

“This involves conducting in-depth market research to understand the unique needs and preferences of households, ensuring our services are tailored to meet, and exceed, these expectations.

“Our approach will be twofold: first, to replicate our successful model by offering high-quality, customised cleaning and housekeeping solutions that cater to the busy lifestyles of families and professionals.

“Second, to innovate further by incorporating local insights and preferences, ensuring our services resonate well with customers.” 

Tsigolis says the business is also exploring strategic partnerships and collaborations with local businesses to facilitate a smooth entry and expansion into each market. 

“We’re also exploring the development of new products and services to enhance our offerings and meet the evolving needs of our customers,” she says. 

“As we expand, our commitment to empowering women and supporting female entrepreneurship will continue to be at the forefront of our mission. 

“We aim to create opportunities for women, both as part of our workforce and in leadership roles, reinforcing the importance of diversity and inclusion in business practices.”