Elizabeth Pio launched Twinkle Time Cleaning in Millinocket to create the kind of opportunity she once struggled to find herself. In recovery for over a decade, she overcame significant personal challenges to rebuild her life. Today, she uses that experience to support others through employment and compassionate service.
After years of working in entry-level jobs and navigating barriers tied to her past, Elizabeth saw entrepreneurship as a way forward. Twinkle Time Cleaning began as a solo endeavor, but as demand grew, she started to envision something bigger. A client who believed in her mission encouraged her to expand, and that moment sparked the idea of forming a team.
As her business gained momentum, Elizabeth reached out to Maine SBDC. “A lot of ideas come to fruition just from talking,” she said. “Being able to connect with resources that were not available to me had I not reached out to the SBDC made all the difference.” Business Advisor Jon Janson helped her formalize operations, develop onboarding systems, and make a critical transition from 1099 contractors to W2 employees. These steps positioned her for growth and sustainability, while enabling her to offer her team a healthy work-life balance.
Elizabeth now leads a team of employees who help bring her vision to life. With procedures in place and team leads helping onboard new hires, she’s setting a strong foundation to scale up. Eventually, she aims to franchise Twinkle Time Cleaning and bring its mission to other communities across Maine and beyond.
Looking ahead, Elizabeth is focused on finding the right people to grow with her. “I want to spread this idea as far as I can,” she said. “I would love to see a Twinkle Time Cleaning in every town.”