Rachel Zwipf | Clean Chicks & Lily Springs

Erica Reetz • August 19, 2022

Rachel Zwipf never dreamed of being an entrepreneur. Her journey started out of necessity.

Rachel moved to Charlotte, North Carolina nine years ago as a single mother. Her need for a steady income and her desire to spend time with her two sons led her to work in the cleaning industry, and she began posting listings for her services on various websites.

After six months, the business demand was too much to keep up with on her own, and Rachel’s entrepreneurial journey was about to take off. She hired her first employee and began to develop the Clean Chicks brand identity, but she didn’t stop there.

Rachel noticed that her hands were becoming extremely dry and cracked from the clearing products that she used. “It was not good for my body,” she said. “I started doing my research, and I looked into any Black-owned cleaning products that I could buy and support. I couldn’t find one, so I thought maybe it’s my time to create this, and Lily Springs was born.”

Lily Springs is Rachel’s line of natural cleaning products. Rachel created her new products through a process of research, experimentation, and client feedback. She thought through every aspect of the products – developing the labeling, creating the scent, and even considering the customer experience.

Rachel wants to delight her customers, so she includes freebies and inserts in every package. “If it brings me joy, I’m pretty sure it will bring somebody else joy,” she said.

The quick growth of Clean Chicks and Lily Springs meant that Rachel had to figure out a lot of things on the fly, but to continue to grow and build a sustainable business, she knew she needed support.

To learn more about entrepreneurship, Rachel first went through a program with the Women’s Business Center of Charlotte. Then, she applied for The Boost Pad where she has appreciated the training and the opportunity to bounce ideas off of other business owners.

Rachel believes that if she would have had The Boost Pad earlier in her career, she wouldn’t have had as many stressors or complications. She explained, “Lack of understanding leaves you unprepared.”

The training and encouragement have helped Rachel move her business forward. It has given her the confidence to push herself and pursue new opportunities. She said she often thinks, “I may not be comfortable, but let me go and do it.”

With a sound business structure in place and a network of support to grow her business, Rachel is furthering their reach by partnering with janitorial companies for distribution, and by entering the government contracting space. She is also expanding her offerings to include white glove service for Airbnb locations.

Rachel is also passing down the lessons she has learned to others. Her 10-year-old son, Jackson, works alongside her in Lily Springs. Their partnership reflects the abundance mindset she brings to her entrepreneurial journey. ”I think more entrepreneurs really need to give back to other entrepreneurs, to be a support. I believe that there is so much money and abundance out there that you don’t need to stifle resources or clients. Let’s truly help each other out.”

To learn more about Clean Chicks or to purchase their Lily Springs natural cleaning products, visit www.cleanchicksrock.com.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Mail

Cohort 11: A New Journey Begins

By Rachel Rowell • August 27, 2025

Last week, we gathered in a room full of dreamers, builders, and visionaries to launch Cohort 11 of The Boost Pad . It was more than just a kickoff—it was the beginning of a journey that will shape businesses, communities, and lives. From the very first moments, the energy in the room full of leaders was undeniable. We opened the evening by asking each participant to share their one word why. One word to capture the heart behind their decision to step into this cohort. Words like freedom, stability, legacy, and impact filled the space, and in that moment, it became clear: every person in the room was carrying more than a business idea. They were carrying a vision for a better future—for themselves, their families, and their communities. That’s what The Boost Pad is all about. Our mission is to equip emerging and under-resourced entrepreneurs with the strategic guidance and support needed to develop innovative solutions, build sustainable enterprises, and advance economic mobility through the Charlotte region and beyond. Our vision is bigger than business—it’s about creating lasting impact, raising up leaders, and fueling change that ripples far outside the walls where we meet. Learning to Show Up Joan guided the cohort into a powerful reflection: What does success look like for you in one year? Not in abstract terms, but in the real numbers, rhythms, and outcomes that build a sustainable future. It was an honest reminder that success isn’t just about profit margins—it’s about creating lives that align with purpose. Finding Your Voice Rachel then challenged participants to distill their dreams into a single minute. The elevator pitch—a story of vision, clarity, and courage—proved to be both harder and more rewarding than it sounds. Some pitches stumbled, some soared, but all became stepping stones toward confidence. As one participant bravely stood and shared their pitch with the group, you could feel the room lean in. Their story mattered. Every story mattered. Building Like a Boss Charles brought the teaching for the evening, equipping participants with the words, mindset, and financial literacy to begin thinking—and speaking—like entrepreneurs. He reminded everyone that leadership is not about titles, but about courage, stewardship, and the willingness to take ownership of a vision. Looking Ahead Finally, Steven closed the night by grounding the cohort in practical steps forward. Each participant set a SMART goal for the week—a small, intentional action to move closer to their dream. Because transformation never happens all at once. It comes one decision, one step, one act of courage at a time. And so, Cohort 11 has begun. Over the next several weeks, these entrepreneurs will grow, stretch, and prepare for Pitch Night—the moment when their vision takes center stage. But more than a presentation, Pitch Night is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the belief that when one person rises, entire communities rise with them. At The Boost Pad, we hold tightly to our core values: community, empowerment, innovation, and integrity . Cohort 11 embodies each one. Together, we are not just building businesses. We are building lives, spaces, and legacies that will last. Join the Journey We invite you to follow along as Cohort 11 unfolds. Each week, we’ll share stories, lessons, and milestones from this inspiring group of entrepreneurs. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn an idea into a movement—or if you’re searching for the courage to take your own first step—you’ll find it here. Because at The Boost Pad, we believe entrepreneurship is not just about making a living. It’s about making a difference. If you'd like to get involved with the Boost Pad as a volunteer, board member, Cohort participant or donor, please visit us here.