We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ashley Matuska Kidder. Check out our conversation below.
Ashley, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think I misunderstood that I am not actually in the business of cleaning homes and washing clothes – I am in the business of supporting people.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Ashley — founder of Dashing Maids and Mountains of Laundry, two woman-owned service brands rooted in sustainability, care, and community. I was born in Washington, raised in Indiana, and moved to Colorado in my early twenties chasing the sunshine, dry heat, and mountain air. What started as a simple desire to build a cleaning service evolved into something so much bigger: a purpose-driven company that supports families, the planet, and the people doing the work.
Dashing Maids is my first business — a green residential cleaning company focused on earth-friendly practices and exceptional service. More recently, I launched Mountains of Laundry, a pick-up and delivery laundry service designed for busy families, young professionals, and small businesses who value their time and their health. Our laundry processes are eco-conscious and hypoallergenic, with the same high standards of quality and care that have built our reputation in Denver over the last decade.
At the heart of everything we do is our team. I’m a mom to a 10-year-old son, so I understand the importance of time, balance, and meaningful work. My dream is to have a waitlist of people who want to join our company because they’ve heard how deeply we care — not just about the planet or our clients, but about creating a culture of personal growth and fulfillment.
We’re in the business of saving time, lightening the load, and leaving everything a little better than we found it.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that dreams small has served its purpose — it kept me safe, humble, and grounded in the early days. But it no longer serves who I am becoming. I’m ready to release the belief that I have to stay within the lines or play it safe. This world is a canvas — a simulation, even — and we have the power to create the reality we imagine. The bigger I allow myself to dream, the greater the impact I can make through my work, my team, and my businesses. It’s time to reach wider, aim higher, and trust that I’m here to do something much bigger than I once believed possible.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, absolutely. In the early days of the cleaning business, there were many moments I almost gave up. Systems were unclear, our team culture hadn’t yet been built, and I was wearing every hat — from marketing to customer service to cleaning homes myself. Managing people is hard. Growing a business is hard. Being a mom is hard. And trying to do all three without a roadmap left me overwhelmed and exhausted most days. It wasn’t sustainable, and I truly questioned whether I could keep going. But over time, I learned to build better systems, invest in people, and create a culture that could support both the business and my own well-being. I’m so glad I didn’t give up.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would probably say that what matters most to me is my family — they’re truly my heart. They’d also say music, for sure — it’s how I connect, reflect, and reset. Making people laugh and feel seen is a big one too; I love bringing joy to others. And above all, I care deeply about leaving the planet a little better than how I found it — through the way I live, work, and lead.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Watching T.V.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mountainsoflaundry.com; www.dashingmaids.com
- Instagram: @dashingmaidsdenver; @mountainsoflaundrydenver
- Linkedin: Ashley Matuska Kidder
- Facebook: facebook.com/dashingmaidsdenver; facebook.com/Mountainsoflaundrydenver
