When Kenisha Harris moved into her PadSplit home in early 2024, she was looking for more than just a roof over her head—she was seeking stability, flexibility, and an opportunity to follow her dreams. As a young entrepreneur and recent college graduate, Kenisha had just launched her own cleaning business, Nene’s Neat Services, in Jacksonville, Florida. Her goal wasn’t just to make a living; she wanted to make a difference in her community by providing affordable, high-quality cleaning services to families, seniors, and other community members who might be in great need of them.
For Kenisha, this journey was personal. “I know how important it is to have a clean, comfortable home, especially for families who are already balancing so much,” she says. “I wanted to offer a service that makes people’s lives easier and helps them feel at home.” Today, Kenisha’s business serves a range of clients in Jacksonville, from busy professionals to elderly residents, and she’s passionate about helping PadSplit hosts create safe, welcoming spaces for their members.
Finding her footing: The story behind Nene’s Neat Services
Kenisha’s journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t easy. After moving back to Jacksonville to save money and finish college, she worked warehouse and customer service jobs that didn’t provide the flexibility or income she needed to truly support herself. “I was going from one job to the next, just trying to make ends meet, and it was hard to find something that supported my needs and paid me enough to live comfortably,” she recalls.
That’s when she decided to take matters into her own hands. Kenisha recalled the times as a young girl when she was entrusted by family and family friends to help them tend to their homes. So, she started researching the cleaning industry and soon found herself taking on small cleaning jobs for Airbnb hosts and residential clients. Realizing she had a knack for it—and a genuine passion for helping people keep their homes tidy and stress-free—she decided to launch Nene’s Neat Services in 2022. Her mission was clear: provide reliable, high-quality cleaning at prices that are accessible to underserved communities, including single parents, seniors, and professionals on a budget.
PadSplit’s role in helping her grow
When Kenisha found PadSplit at the beginning of 2024, she immediately saw it as the solution she needed. As a new business owner, she needed affordable housing with low move-in costs and all utilities included—PadSplit checked all those boxes.
“I was nervous at first about moving into a shared house with roommates I didn’t know,” Kenisha admits. “But PadSplit gave me options, like finding a room with a private bathroom, and the process was simple and affordable.” More importantly, PadSplit’s stable, all-inclusive pricing allowed her to focus her energy and resources on growing her business rather than worrying about fluctuating rent or utility bills.
With stable housing secured, Kenisha was able to invest more into Nene’s Neat Services. “PadSplit has been a huge part of my journey because it gave me a stable home base,” she says. “It’s helped me save money and reinvest in my business, which has been a game-changer.”
Kenisha’s mission to make cleaning accessible
Kenisha’s vision for Nene’s Neat Services goes beyond simply providing cleaning services. She’s deeply committed to serving people who may struggle to find reliable, affordable help with household upkeep. “I want my business to be there for the people who need it most,” she explains. Her clients include single parents, seniors, and busy families who need an extra hand to keep their homes comfortable and clean.
Nene’s Neat Services offers a variety of options, from one-time deep cleans to weekly or monthly maintenance, and Kenisha prides herself on tailoring her services to each client’s needs. “We understand that life is hectic, and not everyone has the time or energy to keep up with cleaning. Our job is to take that worry off their plate so they can focus on other things,” she says.
A unique offer for PadSplit hosts
Since moving into her PadSplit home, Kenisha has gained a unique understanding of what it takes to maintain a shared living space. Inspired by her own experiences, she’s created tailored cleaning services specifically for PadSplit hosts.
These services include everything a shared property might need, such as:
- Scheduled cleanings aligned with trash pickup days to keep properties orderly and tidy
- Mail management to reduce clutter from junk and former member mail
- Move-out and move-in cleanings to ensure that new members find their rooms in excellent condition
- Incident reporting, where Kenisha or her team will notify hosts of any damages, repairs, or issues that may need attention after a tenant move-out
“I know from living in a PadSplit home that shared spaces have unique challenges,” Kenisha says. “My goal is to make sure hosts feel confident that their property is being well-cared for, without them needing to be there themselves.” She’s excited to start working with PadSplit hosts to help them keep their homes in top condition, creating a better experience for everyone involved.
Building resilience and staying focused
Like any entrepreneur, Kenisha has faced her share of challenges. One of her biggest setbacks came last year when she lost her car—and all her cleaning supplies along with it. “That was a tough time,” she recalls. “I had to buy new supplies, adjust my schedule, and find other ways to get to clients’ homes.” Despite the hardship, she was determined to keep going. “In this business, people depend on you. So even when things get hard, you just have to keep moving forward.”
Kenisha’s advice to other aspiring business owners, especially those in the PadSplit community, is simple: “Always be willing to learn. Use every resource available, no matter how small it might seem.” She believes that persistence and a willingness to grow are essential for anyone who wants to succeed. “If you want something to grow, you have to treat it with love—as if it’s your family or your home,” she adds. “Whatever it is, you have to keep pouring into it before it can pour back into you.”
Support a fellow member and reliable service provider
For PadSplit hosts looking for a reliable, community-minded cleaning service, Kenisha is ready to help. With her experience as both a PadSplit member and a cleaning professional, she understands the unique needs of shared housing. By choosing Nene’s Neat Services, Jacksonville hosts can support a fellow PadSplit member and local business owners while ensuring their properties are well-maintained and inviting.
Kenisha is currently accepting new clients, and she’s prepared to handle up to 18 PadSplit properties a week. Interested hosts can visit Nene’s Neat Services-PadSplit to learn more and book a personalized service.
The power of community and stability
For Kenisha, PadSplit has been more than just a place to live—it’s been a stepping stone in her journey toward building a business and a life she’s proud of. “PadSplit has given me the stability to focus on my business and take it to the next level,” she says. “I’m grateful for everything it’s allowed me to do.”Kenisha’s story is a testament to what’s possible when individuals are given access to stable, affordable housing and the resources they need to pursue their dreams. Through Nene’s Neat Services, she’s paying it forward, making Jacksonville a little cleaner, one home at a time.
