We're Going Public (Kind Of)! Confessions of an Awkward Headstone Cleaner

​You'd think handing out business cards for a professional service would be a simple and straightforward affair. And for most businesses, it probably is. But try walking up to a stranger and saying, "Hi! Just so you know, your family's headstone could be a lot cleaner." The social gymnastics required to pull that off without sounding like a total weirdo are truly next-level. I've become an expert in the "casually-place-a-card-on-a-windshield-in-a-cemetery-parking-lot" maneuver, and my dream is to one day have the confidence to say, "I'm not a detective, but I am an expert on that mossy monument over there." The struggle is real.

​Then there's the other side of this "public" launch—my grand email campaign. I recently sent out 50 meticulously crafted emails to cemeteries, funeral homes, townships, and municipalities, hoping to get some interest. The inbox was silent for a while, and then... a glorious two replies! That's a 4% success rate, which is a fantastic start, right? I choose to believe it is. But now I have a whole new problem: I have 48 phone calls to make. My phone is already sweating. Please send patience and moral support.

​But amidst all the awkward social situations and the looming mountain of cold calls, there's a part of this business that brings me immense joy. It's the encouraging feedback from the wonderful customers I've had the pleasure of working for. Hearing how happy they are to see their loved one's memorial restored to its former glory makes every bit of the awkwardness worth it.

​The most surprising and heartwarming part of this journey has been the incredible support from complete strangers online. Every like, every comment on a before-and-after photo—it's a constant reminder that this isn't just about cleaning stones. It's about preserving memories and showing respect. The sheer encouragement I've received from people I've never met is a powerful force that keeps me going.

​So, here's to taking the next steps, to embracing the awkward moments, and to making those 48 phone calls. It's a little bit scary, a little bit weird, but mostly, it's a huge privilege.

Warmly,

​Angie Moore