Meet Robyn Mair and Monika Scott, RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards Start-Up Finalists

Robyn Mair and Monika Scott are the Co-Founders of Mint Cleaning, based in Ucluelet, BC. Their journey began in 2016 when they met at a mothers’ group. This immediate connection led them to become not only friends but also business partners. Their shared vision resulted in the creation of a cleaning company that achieved rapid success, with a dedicated team servicing vacation rentals, residential properties, and commercial spaces.

After experiencing the negative effects of harmful cleaning chemicals, Robyn and Monika were determined to make a change by transitioning to safer, eco-friendly alternatives. As professional cleaners, they understood the importance of achieving excellent results. This led them to experiment with their own recipes, ultimately developing a cleaning product line combining effectiveness with home safety.

Their products are meticulously crafted in small batches using top-quality ingredients. They are also eco-friendly, biodegradable, and refillable.. Today, Mint Cleaning Products are available in 250 stores across Canada, on well.ca, and at several resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals.

I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur when…

Robyn: I became a hairdresser at the age of 22 and opened my own hair salon at 23. Although the salon ultimately didn’t succeed, it provided me with invaluable skills and experiences that shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today. 

Monika: I was a kid. I was always scheming to make money, whether it was through babysitting, cleaning offices, running Kool-Aid stands, doing yard work, or other small ventures. As I began working regular jobs, I always treated the business and customers as my own.

Entrepreneurship is made for me because… 

Robyn: I get to live my passion every day while giving back and creating a fantastic team. There’s nothing more rewarding than building a community around our brand and seeing the positive impact we can make together. Entrepreneurship lets me blend my values with my work, driving growth and making a difference, all while having a blast with my amazing team.

Monika: I’m incredibly passionate and thrive on interacting with customers and delivering excellent service. I love being creative, dreaming big, and I don’t need much sleep to keep going! There’s nothing more exciting than starting something from scratch and seeing it flourish! 

The impact I hope to make through my work is…

Robyn: to bring a smile to people’s faces and maybe even give them a laugh, all while educating them on the benefits of using cleaner, better products in their homes. By doing this, I hope to create a healthier and happier community.

Monika: to show other entrepreneurs that anything is possible with hard work, determination, a dream, and clear goals. I want others to see that a couple of moms from a small town were able to create something powerful and substantial. I hope we are recognized for staying true to our values and who we are. 

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on my entrepreneurial journey is…

Robyn: [you must be] willing to adapt and put yourself out there. You will make mistakes, but each one is a learning opportunity. Stay true and authentic to yourself and your vision, even when advice is coming from all directions. And, of course, always keep a close eye on cash flow — it’s the lifeblood of any business!

Monika: persistence and adaptability are key. No matter how well you plan, challenges and obstacles are inevitable. It’s crucial to stay determined, adjust your strategies when necessary, and never lose sight of your goals. 

My proudest accomplishment is… 

Robyn: mustering up the courage to face the Dragons on Dragon’s Den. Never have I ever been so scared and out of my comfort zone. It is proof that putting yourself out there will always pay off!

Monika: building a strong partnership with Robyn and creating a work environment where our staff feels like family. We’ve grown a huge community on social media with the most loyal and trusting customers, which has been incredibly rewarding. My three children’s and my husband’s pride and support mean the world to me and inspire me to keep striving for excellence! 

The biggest risk I took that paid off was… 

Robyn: starting a business with someone after knowing them for just one hour. Spoiler alert: that person is Monika, my business partner, and the other half of Mint Cleaning. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made, and I couldn’t imagine this journey without her.

Monika: deciding to shift our focus from our successful cleaning business to the product side of the business. This leap of faith allowed us to channel our passion and innovation into creating something truly special, and it has paid off in ways we couldn’t have imagined.

My biggest setback happened/has been… 

Robyn: when I was 23. I opened a hair salon that failed miserably, while simultaneously going through a horrible breakup. I hit rock bottom and almost went bankrupt because of it.

Monika: the constant struggle with mom guilt while owning my business. I have three young children, and often find the balancing act incredibly difficult. Trying to learn that elusive, sweet balance everyone talks about has been a significant challenge for me. 

I overcame it by… 

Robyn: going to therapy, doing a lot of soul-searching, and slowly rebuilding my credit. It took many years and a great deal of patience, but it gave me the skills to navigate hard times. I realized that there are no quick fixes and that healing is a journey of self-discovery.

Monika: constantly working on finding the balance. Robyn and I created boundaries around texting each other regarding work in the evenings. We implemented a ‘no phone’ rule from 5 pm to 9 pm at my house, and dedicated a full weekend day to family time. It’s not perfect, but focusing on quality time has been helping me manage my guilty struggles and find a healthier balance. 

The best advice I’ve received as an entrepreneur was…

Robyn: always take the meeting — you never know where it could lead. This advice has opened doors to unexpected opportunities and invaluable connections that have significantly contributed to my business journey.

Monika: “’If you’re not embarrassed by your first launch, you launched too late.” We don’t wait for things to be perfect; we strike while the iron is hot and go with our gut. 

If I had an extra hour in the day, I would use it to… 

Robyn: sleep!

Monika: watch a show! I haven’t had the chance to start a new series in so long! It would be a perfect way to unwind and relax amidst the busy hustle of entrepreneurship and family life. 

If you googled me, you still wouldn’t know… 

Robyn: I am a Celine Dion fanatic.

Monika: that I can quote every line from every 90s Jim Carrey movie!

The future excites me because… 

Robyn: I look forward to continuing to grow our community, staying inspired by our mission, and sharing amazing experiences with my family. The journey ahead is full of opportunities, and I’m excited to see where it takes us. 

Monika: of the endless possibilities and opportunities to grow, innovate, and make a positive impact. I’m eager to see how we can continue to evolve our business, connect with more incredible people, and contribute to a sustainable and thriving community. The potential for new adventures and successes keeps me motivated and passionate about what’s to come!

Connect with Mint Cleaning on Instagram.