Starting a business often begins with a spark, an idea, a need, or a memory that just won’t let go. For Khadijat Fashola, founder of JHU Cleaning Services, that spark was ignited years ago on the streets of Nigeria. “I wasn’t born in Barking and Dagenham,” she shares, “but my journey has brought me here to build something close to my heart.”
Originally from Nigeria, Khadijat studied accounting in Lagos. Her early professional experience included internships with prestigious companies like Treasury House and Total Energies. But while those opportunities were invaluable, they didn’t reflect what truly lit her up inside. “I found my real passion lay in seeing clean, healthy spaces and environments,” she says. And that passion is rooted in lived experience.
Growing up in a Malaria-stricken area, Khadijat witnessed how a clean environment could significantly transform a community’s health. Monthly volunteer cleaning days weren’t just about aesthetics, they were about saving lives, reducing infection, and building pride in the spaces people called home. “I saw how cleaning could educate, unite, and heal,” she explains. “It’s not just tidying up, it’s caring for a community.” That ethos is at the heart of JHU Cleaning Services, a business she’s built in London that offers builders’ cleans, sparkle cleans, pre/post-tenancy cleaning, communal area maintenance, and more. “Every space we clean, we do so with purpose,” she says. “Because cleanliness impacts people’s lives more than they realise.”
Finding Amplify
Khadijat first discovered the Amplify Programme and Barking Enterprise Centre (BEC) in an unlikely place, Eventbrite. Browsing for SME events in the borough, she came across a listing that piqued her curiosity. “I grabbed a ticket, but honestly? I was sceptical. So many programmes promise support but fall short. This one didn’t.”
That event became a pivotal chapter in her journey. She met Shanice Bako, and Natalia Nicholson, members of the Amplify team whose support went far beyond the basics. “They were incredible,” she says, “and the programme quickly became a space where I could ask questions, gain insight, and, most importantly, feel understood.”
Overcoming hurdles, one lesson at a time
Before Amplify, Khadijat admits she felt overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of scaling her business. Navigating procurement processes, pitching to larger clients, and understanding licences and certifications, all felt daunting. But with guidance from her mentor throughout the programme, Khadijat began building the knowledge and confidence she needed. “He helped me break it all down. Suddenly, things that once felt complicated started to feel achievable.” Networking was another game-changer. Through the programme, she connected with professionals who offered best practices and real-world advice for sustainable growth. “It’s one thing to Google something,” she laughs, “but it’s another to hear it from someone who’s lived it.”
A standout moment of empowerment
Among many meaningful moments, one stands out: preparing for a pitch-to-win event with industry leaders. A combination of steady encouragement and practical tips helped Khadijat feel ready to take the stage. Meanwhile, Shanice worked behind the scenes to make sure Khadijat didn’t miss a beat, even with a packed schedule. Together, their support reminded her that her voice matters. “As a woman, and as someone from a global majority background, there are moments when you doubt your place. This experience reaffirmed that my perspective is valuable, and my business belongs in those rooms.”
A community worth joining
Reflecting on the programme, Khadijat’s favourite part has been the sense of community it creates. “It’s more than just business support, it’s people who get it. People who see you.” She’s also been inspired by how seriously the council is taking the growth of local SMEs. “Their commitment gives me hope. It tells me that I’m not building alone.”
Her advice to others? Just start.
“For anyone considering Amplify, my advice is simple: dive in. Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Don’t be put off by a busy schedule. This programme meets you where you are and helps you grow.” For Khadijat, it wasn’t just about receiving support, it was about finding belonging in a business journey that often feels isolating.
“If you care about your community, if you want to build something meaningful—this is your space. It’s where ideas grow, confidence grows, and you grow personally.” From the streets of Lagos to the boroughs of London, Khadijat Fashola is proof that with passion, support, and a little courage, we can clean up more than just buildings, we can clean up self-doubt, fear, and barriers, too.