A corn-fusing experience that’s a-maze-ing
ER nurse recognized for his 18 years of military service, work at St. Agnes
September 9, 2024
APPLETON – As a stay-at-home mom, Ravyn Heuer, owner of The Laundry Gal – a laundry service business in Appleton – said she understands the demands of balancing a busy household while ensuring everything runs smoothly.
With a self-described passion for cleanliness and meticulous attention to detail, Heuer said she decided to channel her skills by providing a convenient and reliable laundry solution to the members of her community.
“Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities or simply someone who values their time, I’m here to lighten your load,” she said.
Finding her identity
Following the birth of her second baby – (who is now two, her oldest is four) – Heuer said she became a stay-at-home mom.
Though it was great – “it was a privilege being a stay-at-home mom” – after being in the workforce her entire adult life, she said, “I felt like I lost my identity.”
While looking for a side gig she could do with her kiddos in tow, Heuer said an opportunity to contract for a national wash and fold laundry company fell in her lap.
“I was in charge of whether I accepted an order or not, so it was really flexible for me,” she said. “I found that I was really good at what I was doing for my clients. They appreciated the care and thoughtfulness I put into making sure their laundry smelled as clean as it looked and that it was folded neatly.”
Recognizing she had a knack for the trade, Heuer said the idea of starting something of her own presented itself to her.
“I had one client say that if I ever decided to go out on my own, she would support my small business,” she said. “Probably within a week of that conversation, I had an LLC and I was signing a lease – it seemed like a no-brainer.”
Getting The Laundry Gal started, Heuer said, was relatively easy.
The name, the leased space (400 N. Richmond St. in Appleton), the software and the suppliers, she said, all fell into place in June – “like it was meant to be.”
“I found a supplier for the washers and dryers, as well as detergents and other supplies,” she said. “My husband is incredibly handy, so he and I both renovated the space together with our kids.”
Next, Heuer said she found a software company that specializes in this exact type of business.
“They built my website and app for me,” she said.
And before she knew it, Heuer said The Laundry Gal was born.
Multitasking at its best
The flexibility of The Laundry Gal, Heuer said, allows “me to still bring my kids as needed.”
“They have a little hangout spot in my store,” she said. “My family is so very important to me, and I’m glad they get to be there with me for the most part.”
Being in charge of her own schedule as a small business owner, Heuer said she set the precedent early on that work wouldn’t get in the way of family time.
“I can make sure I am there when my family needs me – but also there when other families need The Laundry Gal,” she said.
One of the things Heuer said sets The Laundry Gal apart from others offering similar services is the business’s pick-up and delivery services.
“As I see it right now, there isn’t an exclusive wash and fold laundry service locally that offers pick up and delivery like I do,” she said. “Several laundromats have wash and fold service within their business (but don’t offer pick-up or delivery options).”
Heuer said The Laundry Gal also comes with a side of personalization.
“I have learned a lot about my current clients,” she said. “I know how they like their socks folded, how many kids they have, their age and what they like doing. I know when they’re heading out of town and need a quick laundry turnaround. I had a client who just had a baby, so I dropped off some mom stuff for her with her laundry delivery.”
Another client’s daughter, Heuer said, loves stickers – “so I always include them” in their laundry.
“I gave my mom clients little flowers for Mother’s Day,” she said.
Whether clients need The Laundry Gal services once a week, once a month or once in a while – Heuer said “I can be there.”
“I hope the business becomes useful for anyone and everyone,” she said. “If you had surgery, or you have a loved one that can’t do this chore anymore, or your washer broke, or you’re just so overwhelmed that week that you need help – I can be there. And I will return it within 24 hours.”
Being a small business owner, Heuer said, can be hard.
“I wear many hats all day and that can be so mentally exhausting,” she said. “From receptionist, to laundry attendant, to social media manager, to marketing manager, to bookkeeping, to mom – it can be a lot. I’m very grateful to have a supportive husband and sister.”
Wash, dry, fold, repeat
Though she was born in Burbank, California, Heuer said she was raised in Neenah and has called the Fox Cities home ever since.
So, opening a business that helps support her community, as well as her own family, she said, made sense.
The North Richmond Street location, Heuer said, had everything she needed to get The Laundry Gal off the ground.
“It’s central to Appleton, close enough to the freeway, but also I could drive through town to get anywhere,” she said. “The size was perfect, there wasn’t a lot of renovations needed and my landlord is so great and accommodating. It felt right when I walked in – I could see my business being there.”
The Laundry Gal offers two main service options:
- Wash/dry/fold/bag at $1.80 per pound
- Wash/dry/bag at $1.25 per pound
On average, Heuer said a 13-gallon kitchen bag full of laundry is approximately 15 pounds.
Heuer said she also accepts individual items – such as blankets, quilts, sleeping bags, pet beds and bath mats – for a fixed price.
“I have had a couple of people ask me about ironing, so I might consider that,” she said.
By early next year, Heuer said she plans to add three more washers and dryers.
“I want to boost my client list and be content with where I am,” she said. “The Laundry Gal isn’t plural – it’s just me. So I’m not ready to overwhelm myself just yet.”
In addition to The Laundry Gal’s website ordering system – thelaundrygal.com – Heuer said she also has an app.
“You can log in to either place a laundry order or feel free to drop it off in-store at my location,” she said. “Customers will be notified when it’s ready for pick-up or delivery.”
Heuer said The Laundry Gal’s delivery service area includes the Fox Cities.
Interested customers outside of the service area, she said, can reach out to see if accommodations can be made.
