Working through adversity

Shay was born as Shalene Robertson in San Jose, south of San Francisco. She grew up in the "Silicon Valley." At the age of 15, Shay knew she would have to live on her own.

"That's what made me what I am," she said. "I had to struggle, which made me strong. I am grateful for that. At age 16, I started a cleaning company. My first. I advertised and found houses to clean. When I was 18, I had seven employees. I did very well. I lived in Morgan Hill, California. At 19, I bought my first house.

"I met John Harris. We married. He brought me to Cheney. It was a large transformation from California to Cheney. I was about 21 at the time. I've been in Cheney almost 23 years. With ups and downs, life was like a roller coaster. I raised four kids. I'm blessed to be married into the Harris family. Les and Rosemary Harris are strong people in the Harris family and important in my life.

"John and I divorced. I had to step up to the plate financially and went back to what I love, house cleaning. I started my business. The challenges that women face when on their own are tremendous. Already, as a teenager, I had faced those challenges. In a small community like Cheney, the Harris name helped to start my business. I learned a lot of lessons and I had my kids learn them too: integrity, honesty and community dedication. All are important and made me successful. I am grateful that as a young child I gathered those traits from my experiences. I am happy with my clients and grateful to serve them. I have worked through adversity with no regrets and have married Michael Muller, an amazing man."

Shay's business name is Shay's Cleaning Company. She said, "I want to give special thanks to my assistant Charlotte Kelause for all that she does to help me with my success. I have 50-60 clients. I love this community and feel that my clients have found somebody they can trust. I love making a difference and helping others."

Luella Dow is a Cheney-area author. She can be reached at [email protected].