Outside of school and extracurricular activities, some Mount students take the initiative to start their own businesses. One standout entrepreneur is Jill Marcolina ‘25, who turned her love for footwear into a thriving shoe cleaning business for friends and family.
Jill’s business, called “Jilly’s Squeaky Clean,” has been up and running since November.
“I have a love for shoes and I wanted to start a side hustle, so I thought this would be a great idea. I told my friends about it and they were my first customers,” Marcolina ‘25 said.
Pricing and Process
Jill charges between $15 to $20 per pair, with the final price depending on the shoe’s condition.
“I evaluate the price based on the condition of the shoe,” she explained.
All cleanings are done by hand in Jill’s laundry room sink. She typically waits until the weekend to complete most of her orders. “I usually hold off all the shoes for the weekend, and Saturday is normally my day where I clean all the shoes,” she said.
The cleaning process isn’t quick—one pair can take up to 45 minutes, and cleaning three pairs can take nearly four hours. Despite the time commitment, Jill continues to receive a steady stream of customers.
High Demand After Spain Trip
With the senior class recently returning from Spain, Jill’s business has seen a spike in demand. “I am getting the most business from Mount students right now, especially after the Spain trip,” Marcolina shared.
Many students have found her service not only convenient but a lifesaver.
“Jill saved both me and my friends’ favorite pairs of shoes,” said Marin Stensrud ‘25.
Customer Testimonials
Friends and classmates are impressed by the quality and affordability of Jill’s work.
“Jill’s shoe cleaning business is amazing. I recently gave her three pairs, and when I got them back, they looked brand new,” said Kerri Keown ‘26.
“It’s so nice not having to buy new shoes as often, and it’s not like I have to spend a ton of money taking them somewhere else.”
Caroline Bladek ‘25 added, “Jill’s shoe business is something I’ve never seen before. It is insanely good.”
An Inspiration to Others
Jill’s creativity and dedication serve as an inspiration to fellow Mounties, showing how a simple passion can grow into something bigger. Her success encourages students to take their interests further and create their own opportunities.
Be sure to check out Jill’s Instagram to see her cleaning transformations: @jillys.squeaky.clean
