Biznik Blog

Ever wonder what a witch and her broom could do for your home? It’s not a question I lay awake at night pondering, either. Actually, it never once occurred to me that a witch would stoop to use a broom in such a chill, domestic way. Nevertheless, when I first learned about Eva Enright’s business, Witchy Wonder House Cleaning, I found myself intrigued in a subject that I’m otherwise not so keen on: house cleaning.

Here’s Eva’s value proposition: For significantly less than you’d pay elsewhere, Eva will clean your house, AND banish any evil spirits that might be hanging around the place. For the former she’ll use her broom and other cleaning supplies she brings with her; for the latter she’ll use white sage smoke (or a more significant banishing ritual, if you’re really fucked).

Call it woo-woo if you like. But you’ve got to be impressed with a girl who’s willing to look beneath the surface in her quest for clean. And while I’ve never used her services myself, Lara and I did hire another member of Eva’s coven (and fellow Biznik) Bennie Sack, to clean our house (with spectacular results that I’ll blog about another day).

Eva is a prime example of who we’re trying to enable with Biznik: creative people who have put their own personal twist on otherwise perfectly normal (and perfectly boring) professions, with results that are truly interesting. And, let’s hope, profitable. This is a network of business people who aren’t afraid to show up with their personality showing. It astounds me how much of mainstream business is utterly incapable of doing this. What are they thinking? They’re missing a huge opportunity, not only to be authentic, but to make money, too. But I digress. I’ll get out of the way and let Eva describe what she does in her own words.

Q: I think it’s really intriguing the way you’ve integrated witchcraft with housekeeping. And the name of your business, “Witchy Wonder Housecleaning,” is just brilliant. What inspired you to link the two?  
 
Being honest and True to Self has enriched every facet my journey thus far. Weaving who I am, a “Witch” with what I do, “House Cleaning” seemed to be in alignment with that truth. I am a “Kitchen Witch.” Meaning, my craft is about my intentions and the practical applications therein.
 
Q: Do you think that adding the witch angle to your (forgive me) otherwise fairly mundane business has helped, or hurt you get clients?  
 
Having been in the corporate muck since I was 15 years old, I wanted a filter that would put me in touch with the right clients. The  label “Witch” and terms such as temple, altar and banishing has made that possible. This my way of supporting the energy sensitive community.

 Q: What exactly is a witch? Tell me a little more about how you’ve made that a part of your life. Is it a community?   
 
I would dare to say my definition of Witch is vastly different from that of other Witches. The three-fold law is very simple, and seen in one form or another in many paths: ”Harm none,” and the energy you put out will come back three fold. An awareness of the cycles of the moon, planets and seasons are also incredibly important. Defining and acknowledging the elements, and the God and Goddess both within and without.
 
It’s also responsibility to my energy, and that which I put out into the world. Oh, and yes there is a huge community. Widdershins newspaper gives just a snip of activities and groups in the area. Not to mention I am a member of a Coven as well.
 
 Q: How have you avoided being burned at the stake? Heh heh, just kidding. But seriously though, have you ever met anyone who is scared of you, or worse, when they find out you’re a witch? Or do modern day witches have it much easier than their persecuted sisters of the past? 
 
I have worn my pentagram in public and had the “Devil” question asked of me several times. I used to teach Ceremonial Magick classes and have come into contact with many judgmental folks over the years. However, I also have a rather large tattoo on the back of my neck and wear four-gauge spirals in my ears. And many other fashion choices that make me equally as scary, I suppose. Nevertheless, I have met the most wonderful people in my life. I wear my soul on my sleeve. It occasionally gets stepped on.
 
I don’t know if Witches have it easier today. I find it hard to really get clear information on the past. Our history seems to be so muddled. I think it best to look to the future, and the here and now.
 
Q: How do you find clients? Do you advertise your business?  
 
I advertise in Widdershins, I put flyer’s out at the local shops and the rest of my biz comes from word of mouth.
 
Q: Are you affordable? If I hired you, how does it work? That is, how long does a typical cleaning take, and how often do you recommend cleanings?  
 
First off I charge $25.00 per hour of service. I supply everything needed to get the job done. Generally this is about $10 less per hour that the average service. I always do the sage smudging for free.

Typically a client schedules 2-3 hours of service every other week. Which equates to $100-150 per month. I have several occasional clients who want a deep cleaning every now and then, which can run 3-4 hours, depending on the size of the house.
 
Think about it this way: having your sheets changed every week, along with your floors and toilets scrubbed, not to mention the dusting, disinfecting and sage smudging. You’ve got super clean house for about $200 per month! And that figures in a rather large three-bedroom house with moderate traffic.
 
Q: Do you have a particularly memorable cleaning (or witching) experience that you can relate?  

I have not always been a clean freak. I used to scrub my toilets once a month if I was on task! I have noticed that my environment affects my mood. When I come home to a clean house, incense burning, candles, background music… My home actually centers me. Brings up my mood.

When I come home to a dirty floor, messy bed, dust and dirt everywhere, it depresses me. I have helped many clients experience this energetic shift. The creation and maintenance of sacred space is vital to our health and mental sanity!
 
Q: How’d you find out about Biznik?  
I have a coven sister who is a long time Burning Man participant. She turned me on to Biznik. I have yet to go to a Burning Man event but I am working on it.

Eva’s business, Witchy Wonder House Cleaning, is based in Everett. She says she will travel to Seattle to service clients in this area. Eva’s Biznik profile has more info.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 11th, 2006 at 12:40 am and is filed under Interviews. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.