A laundromat, a training program and a delivery service, what do they have in common? Mon Linge. Discover how one woman turned a chore into jobs, empowerment and community impact with the support of WIDU.africa.
Douala Entrepreneur Turns Chores into Opportunities
Cameroonian entrepreneur Marie Josée Miasse is at the head of a successful business called “Mon Linge” based in Douala, a patchwork of various services within the professional cleaning and laundry sector. What started as a simple idea has grown into a dynamic venture offering professional cleaning services, a self-service laundromat, pickup and delivery options, and even a relaxing lounge space for customers.
The inspiration for Mon Linge came from Marie Josée’s personal observation : laundry is often seen as a tedious, time-consuming task. Determined to change that perception, she set out to create a space where people could take care of their laundry in comfort. Today, Mon Linge is more than a laundromat, it’s a welcoming environment. Customers can unwind in a lounge equipped with free Wi-Fi, books, snacks, and refreshments while they wait for the machines.
To make the service even more convenient, Mon Linge also offers door-to-door pickup and delivery. Laundry is collected at a scheduled time, professionally cleaned and pressed, then returned ready to wear.
« Our goal is to make laundry, not a chore, but a moment of relaxation in a warm and friendly environment.» Marie Josée Miasse
Despite ambition and determination, Mon Linge has faced difficulties keeping up with increasing demand, as the concept quickly gained traction across Douala. Without sufficient access to financing, Marie Josée struggled to secure the machines, vehicles, and materials needed to expand her laundry and pressing service
From Grant to Growth: How the Original WIDU Grant supported Mon Linge
Marie-Josée along with her diaspora donor in France, jointly registered to WIDU platform and submitted an investment plan for their business project. With financial support from the Original WIDU Grant and private investment, Mon Linge was able to :
- Purchase additional washing and drying machines
- Upgrade training equipment, including a television
- Improve the lounging area with new furniture.
Marie-Josée also received three personalized coaching sessions, during which a WIDU coach supported her in developing a cash-flow strategy to effectively manage her rapidly growing business and strengthen the company’s communication and marketing efforts.
« Before the WIDU program, I only had a workspace, a machine and an idea… WIDU allowed me to buy 3 additional machines, washers and 2 dryers, and we were also able to purchase a TV for our training courses. » Marie Josée Miasse
Turning Funding into Lasting Impact
For the future, Marie Josée has big dreams for her company, she plans to grow her business and extend her pick-up and delivery services to reach more neighborhoods in Douala and eventually grow beyond the city. Continuing her mission to make laundry a little easier, and life a little better, for many.
In recognition of her impact, creating jobs, supporting female entrepreneurship and promoting an innovative and inspiring business model, Marie Josée received the 3rd Prize in the Innovation category at the 2023 WIDU Awards Cameroon.
But Marie Josée didn’t stop at cleaning services, she saw a broader opportunity for her business to contribute to community empowerment. She initiated the “Work Together” training program in order to support unemployed men and women find professional opportunities through small income-generating activities in the laundry sector. The program provides affordable, hands-on training in laundry services and small-scale business management. As a result, many participants have launched their own income-generating activities or found new professional opportunities through learning a new trade.
By training people in trades tied to the laundry sector, Marie Josée helps create new businesses and encourage entrepreneurship within her community. Therefore, indirectly creating new employment opportunities in Douala through skills development.
