how it all started
The balance between work and parenting can be described as walking a tight rope. To be able to balance the two is a “stunt” that requires sacrifices on your mental and physical health. As a father you experience a lot of things that don’t necessarily make it to surface for someone to come help you. We as men were raised to keep that shit in, man up and handle yo business, don’t show you’re weak, figure something out, etc etc. So, naturally all these emotions and thoughts combined can be stressful. Some of the stresses of this that I struggle with are, “Are you a good dad?” “Am I supportive?” “Do I make enough to provide?” Another fun one is, “Am I enough?”
Wow. This started off a bit heavy but I promise it gets better… hopefully.
Quick intro on me. My name is Carlo, one of your detailers and the brains (somewhat) of this operation. I’m the luckiest father of 3 boys and a husband to the best partner/nurse since 2016. I’m a vehicle nut/gear head. Anything on wheels has fascinated me from; buying and selling, maintenance and repair, performance upgrades and tuning, racing and/or off-roading/4x4, and now washing and detailing.
I have been around cars/trucks for as long as I can remember. It all started with Hot Wheels, Legos, RC, and 1/16 scale build model cars. So, once I was able to drive, all hell broke loose with my first car, my 2000 Honda Civic. I’ve lowered, swapped, raced, got many tickets, and even got BAR ref’d (if you know, you know), then lost it to financial strains.
Outside of the mods and “track” days. My whip was always clean. I’m talking about it being spotless, inside and out, every door jam not one stain, engine bay was degreased, even the spare tire and where it lived was Armor All. It was clayed and polished every other month, washed and vacuumed every weekend, and I always had a detail spray in the trunk for those emergencies.
Naturally you’d think that this is where it all started back in 2004. NOPE! This came at a way later date. Many life choices and “adulting” was experienced and learned along the way. I worked a lot, got an education from a trade school, managed an automotive repair shop then owned a shop. 2020-current, working for a performance company that I grew up loving as a brand, manufacturer, and lifestyle. There were many more odd end jobs like a couple of businesses that I am still a part of with some of my best-friends, and some other life altering events along the way but that’s for another time.
With all this happening in my life. There were many ups and downs. Sad to say more downs than ups. Lost my business in 2016 and my Dad in 2020. Loosing my Dad was the hardest as he was my backbone in life and had the most faith in me to succeed as an entrepreneur. On the lighter side, I met my soulmate and her son in 2014 and married her in 2016. Grew our family in 2019 and 2021.
Lets fast forward to February 2024. This is where the idea of pursuing a side-hustle was formulated. All I thought about is I miss owing a business around vehicles. What what was left that I can do as business? Washing and detailing them! I know, I know, working for one of the greatest performance brand in the world is great. I like it here and my boss/friend is the best. But I want to live what my late-Dad instilled in me which was “owning your own business and being your own boss.” He lived by this credo until the day he died. He wasn’t successful by showing monetary means, but was successful as man that I look up to till this day. I love how one of my best-friend, who has passed as well, pretty much sums it all to “leaving a legacy” that you can be proud of.
So, Here we are! We made it an LLC in June 2024 and now operating part-time in the Southern California region and beyond. TLC was just fitting not because it stood for Tender Love and Care, or T-Boz Left-Eye and Chilli (If you know, you know!) . Importantly it stood for Tavake Leon and Cristobal, my 3 sons…
TLC Mobile Wash is ready to keep your investments shining through the test of time. Let us show you how!
