Black History Lewisham 365: October 2022 profiles - Rose Arouca-Claro

First up is Rose Arouca-Claro, founder of Rosy Clean Spaces - an after-builders cleaning service.

Tell us a bit about your business

Rosy Clean Spaces was set up in 2020, right at the start of the pandemic. The timing was a challenge but the whole idea was born out of challenge. I’d worked in construction for over 15 years and after completing a masters in construction project management had hoped to go into that field. However after several knockbacks, I decided I’d go it alone. I’d spotted a gap in the market for deep cleaning new residential developments after the builders had left and thought let’s do this! The pandemic did hinder things at the start but we thought outside the box and offered a packing service for tenants who found themselves unable to travel back to London due to Covid. There’s always an opportunity.

Why do you think it’s important to celebrate Black history?

I’m pleased that we celebrate Black history all year in Lewisham. As a people, we face so many challenges and so much adversity due to our skin colour. Yet we overcome them each day – the resilience is incredible really. But Black history is so diverse. It’s not one single entity. It’s about lots of different cultures. I wasn’t born here in the UK but my sons were and it’s important they can feel proud of what Black people have achieved in this country but also in the country their parents are from. It’s so intertwined.

What’s it like to be a Black business owner in Lewisham?

I was supported from the get-go by the Start-ups in Lewisham Libraries (SiLL) programme. Mark Berbeck was my advisor and he was always so supportive. He was always available on the phone or by email. There was never a bad time for me to contact him. And that’s so rare. I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am now but still feel I’ve lucked out with the great opportunities I’ve been given – I now have ongoing relationships with embassies in Central London and local estate agents.

Is being Black a challenge in business? I think it probably is in the construction industry – especially when it comes to upscaling. I’ve often wondered if I’d have found it as difficult to get a job in project management if I hadn’t been Black and perhaps also if I hadn’t been a woman. But you can’t dwell on these things. You’ve just got to keep trying those doors until one of them opens.

This year’s theme for Black History Month is Time For Change: Action Not Words – what does that mean to you?

I agree that we should stop pushing empty words. Through SiLL I’ve connected with lots of other Black business owners and we’ve built up a great network. It’s about progress and opportunities for all. It’s about listening to and elevating each other. As a small business owner, who is a Black woman and black - I want young women and young men dreaming of starting their businesses to know that the colour of their skin is not an impediment but to look at it as an opportunity to break through. This is what it means to me. My workforce is very diverse. They’re women (and two men) from all over – Grenada, Jamaica, right across the African continent and Eastern Europe. I was given an opportunity and I want to give others the same.

What’s the most important piece of advice you’ve been given?

Don’t give up and believe in yourself. That’s what my family always said. Sometimes it’s about taking lots of small steps before you achieve your dream. Look at me now. I’m doing something I love.

Who is your biggest hero?

First and foremost, my family and my children who believe in me so much and are very supportive. I have a great network of family and friends. I’m very fortunate. In terms of public figures, I’ve always admired Kofi Annan. He was the first Black African, Secretary-General of the United Nations and he left such an incredible legacy. From promoting human rights, to the reduction of extreme hunger and poverty, to advancing gender equality, and sustainable economic development for all countries. He was even awarded a Nobel Peace Prize which is an incredible honour – what’s not to admire?

We spoke to Rose in October 2022. Visit Rosy Clean Spaces for more information on her after-builder cleaning service.