Born out of an opportunity to serving the community she grew up in combined with her commitment toward helping others, Katie Wright recently opened LaundryLady, located on 14 Railroad Street in the Manville section of Lincoln.
Since opening her doors on August 18, there have been a steady stream of customers who told Wright they were clamoring for some type of local laundromat that could handle larger orders. There is no waiting with 10 commercial washing machines and 21 dryers waiting to wash and dry clothes. Depending on the size of the loads, the average time from start to finish can take between 45 and 60 minutes.
Wright said the initial response since the grand opening has been overwhelmingly positive.
“People saw the ‘coming soon’ sign and couldn’t wait for us to open,” Wright said. She previously served in The United States Air Force for four years. “People would either bring their clothes in or drop them off for our staff to wash, dry, and fold. It became obvious to me that there was a giant need for something like this.”
After purchasing the building from the previous owner, Wright devised a plan to make it stand out. Patrons first notice the purple décor because as she puts it, “I thought it was cute.”
In addition to being a veteran-owned company, LaundryLady is also family-operated. Katie’s mother, Marella Sajdak, also helps run the laundromat.
Understanding that families might be coming down, the facility has a television, books geared for kids and adults, and a game area to keep people occupied. Customers can also take advantage of their free Wi-Fi to get their work done.
If you don’t have detergent, then there are no worries. LaundryLady has a vending machine with liquid detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets. For those who might feel hungry, there is also a vending machine loaded with snacks.
The washing machines and dryers at LaundryLady are not the typical household versions. These take on many forms, including an 80-pound machine that can get loads done in short order. Same deal with the dryers. They are high powered, so it takes less time for the loads to finish. Wright lauds these machines as time savers.
Speaking or which, if you do not have the time to stay and watch your clothes, then Katie’s five part-time attendees will wash, dry, and fold your clothes. Customers can schedule a time drop them off in the morning and pick them up after work.
Wright points out that the company is not a throwback to the images and stories of laundromat of years past.
“We pride ourselves on our customer service,” she said. “The attendees always greet the customers, and are available should there be any questions or concerns. We keep the place immaculate, sweeping several times a day and making sure there isn’t detergent residue clogging the machines. Our mission is making this a worthwhile experience and for this to be a clean community.
“It’s the little things we do around here that make a big difference.” Katie noted.
There is also no reason to worry if you forget to bring your change to fill the machines. You can use their change machine to get the required amount needed to get your clothes cleaned.
Besides her mother, Katie also hopes to keep it in the family. She said her two daughters, Kennedy and Avery, will soon be working there to help learn about the business and also about helping others.
That is her way of giving back to a town that has shaped her.
“I live in Lincoln and now have a business based in Manville. I find that it is very important to stay in the community,” she said.
Laundry Lady features 10 washers, each designed to handle between 20 and 60 pounds of laundry. Their dryers accommodate between 30 and 75 pounds — perfect for oversized loads and giant comforters! They also offer detergent, fabric softener, and laundry bags for purchase.
While residential customers are always welcome, Wright said she is also interested in speaking with either industrial and/or commercial clients. She looks to expand the number of units she has to service more people—particularly during the busier times usually in the early mornings and evenings.
“If anyone has time during the middle of the day, then that is a great time to get your clothes done with little interruption,” Katie noted.
LaundryLady is open weekdays from 7:30 AM until 9:00 PM with the last wash must be put in by 8:00 PM. They are open on weekends from 7:30 AM until 9:30 PM. Last wash must be put in by 8:30 PM.
For more details regarding LaundryLady, please visit their website at www.laundryladyri.com. You may also contact them at 401-429-6341 or laundryladyri@gmail.com.
