Story & Lesson Highlights with April Prothero of East Valley

We’re looking forward to introducing you to April Prothero. Check out our conversation below.

April, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I have recently had the itch to express myself creatively and have some focused “me” time. I have reverted back to a childhood passion, which is playing the piano. I got a piano for my birthday this year and am taking lessons to learn how to play “Imagine” by John Lennon at the moment. I love that I learn something and can see a true progression of skills each time I sit down to practice.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I own an eco-friendly house cleaning service based in Tempe, Arizona. We are passionate about our core value #6 which is non-toxic commitment. This applies not only to the products that we use but also to the types of employees we hire and clients we take on. We acquired a small house cleaning service a couple of summers ago that implemented commercial grade steam cleaning as part of their standard service. We have really loved taking this next level floor cleaning treatment and adding it to our standard service as well. Our clients absolutely love it and we can jazz it up with some essential oils on the steamer pad so that the home smells heavenly when we are finished.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I remember the first time I travelled abroad. I had just graduated from ASU and went with my best girlfriend, Karen. I remember thinking that it really put into perspective the lives and cultures that are so far from where I came from and what I was raised knowing in my small little world in Arizona. Traveling continues to be a passion for me and constantly reminds me that whatever seems like a big deal to me in my day to day is insignificant in the whole scheme of things.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering by not having the right resources or knowledge to get what I want for myself has forced me to be very creative in terms of problem solving. I have become an expert learner, implementer, and DIY’er because I simply did not have the resources to hire someone to do the things I would like to have done. It has also made me humble and empathetic to others that are suffering because I want to help and show that things can be done if effort is applied.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to think that everyone should like me or think that I’m a nice person. I still live in a space where I would never be disrespectful or rude to anyone but I am much more clear on my boundaries and how to protect myself, the people I care about, and most importantly my TIME!

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I have been in business for 15 years. My original vision for the company included selling it off for millions by now and that I would be living the simple life in a beach bungalow. I had NO IDEA how hard it would be to grow a company to the point that would set me up for retirement. 2024 was a very difficult year for Going GreenHouse. It was the first time since inception that we did not grow. I got very humble and looked to my peers for help. I joined a coaching program and have since changed my business model and am starting to see things turn around. Instead of the “it will work out” philosophy, I know have a “make it work” philosophy and in 7-10 years I will have been able to work Going GreenHouse to a place where I can sell it and get that place on the beach in Thailand that I dream of.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://goinggreenhouse.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goinggreenhouse/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-prothero-33230138
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GGHCleaning/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/going-greenhouse-tempe-2
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@goinggreenhouse6263

Image Credits
Image credits Mandy Faris, Editing credits Evina Sicat, Each person is named on the image I believe