Meet Deborah Crowley

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deborah Crowley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Deborah, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I didn’t find my purpose overnight. I lived my way into it—through trials, tears, breakthroughs, and divine moments of clarity.

It started in survival mode—escaping domestic violence while raising two sons as a single mother. I had no roadmap, just a deep desire to give my children something better. That became my first “why.”

When I entered the workforce, I gave every job my all—whether it was supporting executives at Xerox, handling complaints at McDonald’s, or managing crises in the school system. I was learning systems, people, and resilience.

But purpose knocked loudly when I started Exclusive Cleaning Services. I saw how women—especially women of color—were overlooked, overworked, and underpaid. I turned my business into more than just a cleaning company—it became a place of empowerment and employment for over 350 people. Even during COVID, we kept going. I prayed when my bank account hit $2,465 and payroll was due. But I believed in something bigger than myself.

Later, when my mother passed and I had to fly back and forth with limited resources, I promised myself I would create a one-stop support center for seniors. That’s how Exclusive Elderly Resource Center was born.

And today, as an author, strategist, global speaker, and Ladies of Justice ambassador, I know my purpose is to serve, to equip, and to inspire.

Purpose, for me, isn’t just what I do—it’s who I lift.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Deborah Crowley—a business strategist, author, speaker, and founder of several purpose-driven ventures, including Exclusive Elderly Resource Center and the empowerment apparel brand Keep It Moving. For 17 years, I owned and scaled a million-dollar cleaning company, employing over 350 people. I later sold it in 2024 after realizing that my calling was bigger than one business—it was about building others up.

What’s most exciting about my work is that everything I create is rooted in purpose. Whether I’m coaching a new entrepreneur, speaking on a global stage, or helping seniors access essential resources, it’s all about lifting people—emotionally, spiritually, and economically.

I’m also proud to serve as the G100 Michigan State Chair for Business Networking, connecting powerful women leaders around the world. Through that role and as a Ladies of Justice Ambassador, I help ensure every individual and family has affordable access to legal support and protection.

Right now, I’m thrilled about two new projects:
✅ “Keep It Moving” – my empowerment apparel line that encourages women to rise above adversity with style and strength.
✅ “Cleaning Company Guide Book” – My book that shares the tools, mindset, and strategy to build a service-based business from the ground up.

Both of these projects are deeply personal. They represent my life philosophy: From pain to purpose, one step at a time.

I want women to know that no matter what they’ve been through—domestic violence, financial hardship, single motherhood—they can still rise, reclaim their power, and build a legacy.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey—from surviving domestic violence to building a million-dollar company and becoming a global advocate—three qualities stand out as the most impactful:

1. Resilience
Life didn’t hand me easy beginnings. I was a single mother of two, rebuilding after trauma, and trying to create something out of nothing. Resilience meant showing up even when my heart was heavy, my bank account was low, or people doubted me. It’s a muscle I had to build daily, especially during tough seasons like the pandemic.
Advice: Start by mastering your mindset. Speak life over yourself daily. Every challenge is training ground.

2. Vision
I didn’t just see what was in front of me—I focused on what could be. Whether it was creating jobs for over 350 people through my cleaning business or dreaming up a senior resource center after caring for my late mother, I always led with vision.
Advice: Write down what you want, even if it feels too big. Vision gives your pain purpose and your efforts direction.

3. Servant Leadership
I wasn’t just building businesses—I was building people. My success came from genuinely caring: about my employees, my clients, and my community. When I couldn’t pay myself, I still made sure payroll was met.
Advice: If you want to grow something sustainable, lead with heart. Serve first, and the harvest will come.

Whether you’re just starting or trying to restart—develop these qualities. They won’t just help you build a business… they’ll help you build a life you’re proud of.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, I’m Absolutely Open to Collaborations — Especially Those Rooted in Purpose.

I believe collaboration is one of the most powerful tools for creating lasting impact. I’m always looking to partner with individuals, organizations, and brands that are committed to empowerment, equity, entrepreneurship, and legacy building—especially for women, seniors, and underserved communities.

I’m particularly interested in collaborating with:

Business coaches, consultants, and strategists focused on helping small business owners grow

Healthcare providers, senior services, and nonprofits who support aging populations

Women’s empowerment organizations (local or global) seeking speakers, trainers, or panelists

Legal professionals and firms who align with my mission through Ladies of Justice

Media platforms and authors interested in storytelling, entrepreneurship, or overcoming adversity

Apparel or product-based brands for cross-promotion of my Keep It Moving line

Faith-based leaders who understand the power of building legacy through service

If you’re someone who leads with integrity, has a heart for people, and is committed to impact over ego—I want to connect with you.

📩 Let’s Collaborate:
Reach me at crowleydeborah@yahoo.com or connect with me on: https://www.facebook.com/crowleydeborah, @dcrowley39,
iamdeborahcrowley.mystrikingly.com
Let’s build something that leaves a legacy.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

MDHHS-SDOH-Policy and Planning Influencer
G100 Michigan State Chair for Business Networking
ISSA Advocate for the Cleaning Industry
Forbes Member
Cornell University Business Leadership Certificate
Ladies of Justice Ambassador/Director

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your