Story & Lesson Highlights with Kenetia Lee of Leimert Park

We recently had the chance to connect with Kenetia Lee and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Kenetia, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Our internal systems—our computer system, our standard operating procedures, all of that. Just knowing that to scale is to have systems in place where it’s repeatable and I’m not always involved is a relief. Learning how well the business runs without me being in the business as a result of these systems is helpful as well.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the Founder and CEO of PopUP CleanUP, a niche commercial cleaning company that provides top-tier cleaning crews, trash management rentals, and landfill diversion strategies to high-energy events including festivals, races, branding activations, and concerts. PopUP services events in multiple major cities across the United States from Los Angeles to Miami. Under my leadership, PopUP CleanUP has achieved consistent revenue growth, driven by my “everyone wins” management philosophy and ability to foster pride and excellence within my team. My sharp eye for order and aesthetics ensures client satisfaction at every job site, making my company an indispensable partner in the events world.

Hailing from Chicago, I was strongly influenced by my grandmother who worked in residential cleaning and my mother who was a director at Mary Kay. I attended Elmhurst University where I majored in Interdepartmental Communications with an emphasis in Marketing. Before launching PopUP CleanUP, I made my mark as a celebrity makeup artist on the red carpet at the Grammys, Miss Universe pageant, and E! Premieres across Los Angeles. I have long been a champion of women’s empowerment, inspiring audiences nationwide to embrace their unique beauty through my book, Fearless Beauty 360°: A Complete Guide to Self-Acceptance and Empowerment. I have spoken with women’s organizations across the U.S.

I have been the recipient of numerous grants and business coaching opportunities throughout my entrepreneurial journey, including a scholarship to the Minority Women Leadership Program at USC, mentorships through Start Small Think Big and SCORE, and a place in the Plug-In LA Accelerator. PopUP CleanUP has also received grants from organizations like Facebook (small business grant), AEO & PayPal Empowerment for Black-owned businesses, Start Small Think Big, and the LISC Foundation.

Past events serviced have included Nike branding events for the NBA and MLB All-Star Games, the NAACP Awards, multi-location activations for Amazon Foods, several California Nurses Association rallies at the Sacramento Mall, One805’s Maroon 5 Concert for first responders, and several football clinics around the 2022 Super Bowl. PopUP CleanUP is a member of the LA Business Connect program, formerly the NFL Business Connect program, one of 225 diverse businesses chosen to bid on contracts surrounding the Rams-Bengals 2022 championship.

I was chosen as one of the speakers for Catersource + The Special Event 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, where PopUP CleanUP gave a presentation on how to produce a net zero and zero waste event. Now, as the host of the podcast Celebrate & Chill, I aim to bring my industry experience and passion for creating impactful events to a new platform, where I connect with event producers and professionals in experiential marketing to explore the art and business of celebration.

In my spare time, I hike, practice yoga, and moonlight as a valet to my very vocal cat. My personal philosophy is “GO FOR IT! I’LL EITHER LEARN OR GROW FROM IT.”

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My former roommate Dennis, who has since passed. We met at Landmark Education and instantly became friends. He opened up his home to me when I was going through a tough time in life. I was going through a divorce, and I had just returned back from a tour and didn’t have a full-time job. He was an entrepreneur. His business was to find leaks without having to break up the entire foundation of your home. I was struggling as a makeup artist, and he showed me what a small business looked like—what being an entrepreneur looked like. He was a creature of habit who always followed through on whatever he was doing. Great communication skills. Did exactly what he said he would do and built a great reputation as a result. He was always there for me to make sure I had a soft landing. His nickname for me was “Money,” and he always said that I “had it.” I just didn’t know how to apply it yet. Nine months after he passed, I started my business.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It’s okay to dabble in things. That’s not a flaw. Try different things and don’t pass judgment if you don’t stick with it. Look to find what sticks or what speaks to you. Trying new things gives you variety and range and helps you learn to test your limits.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Jim Collins’ GOOD TO GREAT has really had a profound effect on how I build teams. I believe firmly in his concept that you need the right people on the bus to differentiate yourself as a great company instead of being mired in staying just a good one.

I also believe that your net worth is dependent upon your network, which is a foundational tenet of many financial educators.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
First thing in the morning. I wake up and make a cup of tea. My husband and I read and have a discussion around a spiritual text, and then we meditate for 20 minutes. Afterwards, we go for a walk and enjoy the sunrise.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@POPUP CLEANUP

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