From Car Trunk to Community Staple: How Tammy Smith Built Westside Maids into Katy’s Most Trusted Cleaning Service
In 1993, Tammy Smith was a 25-year-old mother recently laid off from her sales job, building her first home while raising a three-year-old. What she did next would not only shape her own future, but also transform how Katy families experienced the comfort of a clean home.
Armed with business classes from college, a knack for asking the right questions, and a loan on her mother’s credit card, Smith launched Westside Maids—the first independent maid service in Katy. What began from the trunk of her car and subdivision newsletter ads has now grown into a reputable, full-scale operation with a warehouse, office staff, and 40 dedicated employees.
“During my sales position, I had called on a few maid services,” said Smith. “I had asked a lot of questions and took it from there.”
Thirty Years Strong—and Still Growing
Now celebrating its 32nd year in business, Westside Maids stands as a testament to perseverance, community support, and high standards. The company serves Katy, West Houston, Cypress, and Fulshear, offering customizable cleaning schedules—weekly, bi-weekly, monthly—as well as move-in and move-out cleanings.
From day one, Tammy’s focus has been clear: consistency, customer satisfaction, and trustworthy service.
“Each crew has a crew leader,” she explained. “That ensures every home gets the same high-quality results we’re known for.”
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That crew model—three professionals per team, the same crew for every visit—is a cornerstone of Westside Maids' identity. It provides not just cleanliness, but continuity, which is crucial in an industry built on trust.
“We’re not a franchise—we’re an independently owned, local business. That’s something most people don’t realize, but it’s a big part of why we’re so invested in our customers and community,” Smith said.
What Sets Them Apart
Westside Maids is bonded, insured, and structured for excellence. Crews arrive with all necessary supplies and equipment. They provide deep, thorough cleanings that not only elevate aesthetics but also promote health and relaxation—something homeowners deeply value in today’s fast-paced world.
Tammy Smith, proud owner of Westside Maids. (Source: Westside Maids)Unlike many national chains, Westside Maids thrives on personal relationships and community reputation. Their decision to offer the same team for every clean adds comfort and familiarity for clients, while discounts for seniors and military families show their appreciation for every corner of the community.
“Westside Maids are always here to help,” Smith said simply—a mission statement that reflects both her humility and her business ethic.
Built to Serve Changing Lifestyles
While Tammy’s heart remains focused on quality and customer care, the demand for professional house cleaning services has grown nationwide—and for good reason.
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As of 2024, nearly half of all married-couple families in the U.S. had both spouses working. In households with children under 18, the percentage climbs to 66.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For families balancing work, parenting, and life, outsourcing house cleaning has become more necessity than luxury.
But Westside Maids serves far more than dual-income families. Retirees, stay-at-home parents, busy professionals, individuals with disabilities, and homeschool households all rely on the relief and reassurance a professional cleaning service provides. Clean indoor air, less physical strain, and a mental reset—these are the intangible benefits that Westside Maids strives to quietly deliver, one home at a time.
The Road Ahead
With two full-time office staff, a warehouse coordinator, and 38 cleaners in the field, Westside Maids continues to grow while remaining grounded in its values. Tammy’s goals for the future remain as refreshingly straightforward as her beginnings.
“Keep customers happy and staff in the office and field,” she said.
For Tammy Smith, success isn’t measured in expansion alone—it’s measured in trust earned over time, and in the homes where families can breathe easier thanks to the steady work of people who care.
To learn more about Westside Maids or to request a personalized quote, visit westsidemaids.com or call 281-855-9212.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
