Taupo proves the perfect place for Vaishnal to thrive
There’s a real sense of community among the CrestClean franchisees in Taupō.
The team makes a point of catching up regularly, giving everyone a chance to sit down together, have a chat and stay connected. Sometimes work comes up, but just as often, it’s simply about seeing people you might not otherwise get to spend much time with.
At a recent catch-up, the team gathered for a photo at the iconic #LOVETAUPO waterfront sign.
For Vaishnal Maharaj, who has been a CrestClean franchise owner in Taupō for eight years, these get-togethers are something she really values.
“It’s a good time for us to meet new franchisees and catch up on what’s been happening,” says Vaishnal.
She knows that without the regular catch-ups, the franchisees probably wouldn’t see much of each other.
Vaishnal’s own journey to Taupō started after 14 years of living in Auckland. In 2018, she and her family decided they wanted a quieter, less crowded place to call home. Taupō also gave her husband Vicky the opportunity to find work as a mechanic.
The move turned out to be a big turning point for the family.
“I don’t know why we didn’t move here straight away when we came to New Zealand!” she says.
In Auckland, Vaishnal had worked for NZ Post for 10 years. When she arrived in Taupō, she initially found herself out of work, so took a housekeeping job at a local hotel.
It was there that she realised she had a skill she could turn into something of her own.
After a quick Google search, Vaishnal found CrestClean. She liked the idea of staying in an industry she already knew but having the freedom to work for herself rather than having someone watching over her every day.
Eight years later, she can’t imagine going back to working for someone else.
“I love it. I’m my own boss, which is the best part about it,” she says. “I love that I can manage my own time.”
That flexibility has made a big difference to family life. Rather than every minute of the working day being dictated by someone else, Vaishnal can organise her work around her family.
She and Vicky also worked together in the business for four years, helping it grow instead of bringing in an employee. Once they were in a position to take the next step, Vicky bought his own mechanical shop, which he now runs.
The move to Taupō also helped the couple achieve the goal of owning their own home.
In Auckland, they had been renting, but buying a home in Taupō felt much more achievable. They set themselves a goal and within three years had bought their own home.
For Vaishnal, it’s hard to believe how far she has come. What began as a fresh start in a new town has grown into eight years of running her own business and enjoying the independence she once dreamed of.
“We’ve had big success since joining CrestClean. There’s no looking back and no worries.”
