The Laundry Lady has transformed from a simple Australian startup into a thriving business, and New Zealand plays a starring role in this remarkable expansion story. CEO Susan Toft recently shared her insights on the “Scaling with Values and Vision” podcast, revealing how her mobile laundry service now serves busy Kiwi families across the country.
From Aussie roots to growth in New Zealand
What started as Susan’s personal solution to work-life balance has evolved into something much bigger. The Laundry Lady now operates 25 dedicated franchisees across New Zealand, bringing convenient laundry and ironing services directly to Kiwi doorsteps. Our customers embrace the simple promise: we collect your washing, return it fresh and folded the next day, and give you back precious hours to spend on what matters most.
Susan’s journey resonates particularly well with the entrepreneurial spirit. “I walked past my spare room, stared at that endless pile of laundry, and knew I needed help,” she recalls. That moment of recognition sparked a business model that now empowers hundreds of independent Laundry Ladies and Lads across both countries. And servicing different businesses, from beauty salons to hotels and medical clinics.
Empowering people who are looking for a work from home opportunity
New Zealand’s franchisee network exemplifies The Laundry Lady’s core mission: creating flexible work opportunities that fit around life, not the other way around. Our Laundry Ladies and Lads operate from their own homes, earning between $300 and $3,000 weekly while maintaining the flexibility to manage family commitments and personal priorities.
This model particularly appeals to New Zealand’s strong community values and work-life balance culture. Susan emphasizes how values-driven scaling has attracted franchisees who genuinely care about helping their neighbors reclaim time for family, hobbies, and rest.
Building success through innovation
The expansion into New Zealand demonstrates Laundry Lady’s commitment to sustainable growth. Rather than rushing into multiple markets simultaneously, our team focused on building systems and strong foundations. This careful approach has paid dividends, with New Zealand becoming a testament of the company’s international success.
The custom-built TimeBoss platform now connects customers with their local Laundry Ladies, ensuring reliable service and smooth operations across both urban centers and smaller communities throughout New Zealand.
Supporting NZ families
The Laundry Lady addresses a universal challenge that resonates strongly with New Zealand families: finding time for everything that matters. Whether you’re managing a busy household in Auckland, running a small business in Wellington, or balancing work and family life in Christchurch, the service gives you back hours each week.
Our customers particularly appreciate the fast turnaround and the personal touch that comes from working with local contractors who understand their community’s needs.
The future looks bright
Susan’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs applies perfectly to New Zealand’s startup ecosystem: “Just keep going. Take the next step, whatever that looks like.” This philosophy has driven The Laundry Lady’s success across the Tasman and continues to fuel growth throughout New Zealand.
Ready to reclaim your time? Book your first pickup online and discover why thousands of Kiwi families trust The Laundry Lady with their washing needs.
