Meet Hakuna Matata's Founder: Brother Epapy
Hi! I am the founder of Hakuna Matata, my name is Brother Mtombwe. I am very passionate about people and the community around me. A big contributor is my background and where I come from.
Here’s a little bit about me:
I was born in Congo. At the age of one my family was forced to flee Congo to escape war and poverty. Although I was too young to remember the horrific conditions, my family does and due to the lack of healthcare and violence, many family members and neighbors lost their lives before we were able to make it to a refugee camp in Tanzania called Nyarugusu. Growing up in this camp in Tanzania is the only thing that I remember. At this camp life was by no means easy. Due to the lack of supplies and fresh water we only had one meal a day. That meal was provided by the United Nations through the World Food Program and consisted of corn flour, beans and oil. In the refugee camp the homes were made of mud. This mud washed away during heavy rainfall leaving many without homes, or a place to stay dry. Due to the lack of school supplies, education was not feasible, mothers and fathers could not support their families which not only took a toll on physical health, it also took a toll on many people's mental health.
After some time at Nyarugusu, I got separated from my family and transferred to another refugee camp. At this refugee camp conditions were slightly better, but there was still a dismal existence. Then in 2014 after many years of refugee camps, paperwork, and prayers my name finally came up to be released from refugee camps. From there I flew to what I am proud to call home today, Spokane, Washington.
My story is like many other refugee stories, and like those still living in these countries, but the one difference is I had the opportunity to go to a new country to have the chance to build a life and a career. With this opportunity, I want to help those in need and give back to those who are less fortunate. That is why I took a trip back to the same refugee camp that I grew up in and called home for many years.
Our Mission Statement
Our Mission at Hakuna Matata Cleaning is to not only provide the best service to our clients, but have an inclusive workplace that employees are proud to be a part of. By giving back to those in need, we reflect the fundamental values of our founder and his journey which has led to this mission. By demonstrating the highest level of service to our customers, we more effectively serve those we give back to.
Our Values
Hakuna Matata is a small business that is family owned. Because of that unity, we have some strong values that we seek to base all of our services around. The values that back our every day to day operations are trifold; ensuring that every client experience is consistent with top quality service, creating a harmonious workplace among members of our team, and going beyond the expectations our clients bring to the table.
Giving Back to Those in Need
They are usually waiting for a home, waiting for a purpose, which is hard with no jobs, little food, and poor access to clean water and education. The plight of the refugee is a unique and heartbreaking one. With all of this being said about refugees and the fact that I have also been in this place myself, it is a cause that is close to home for me and one that I am passionate about supporting.
I have had the opportunity to connect with a Refugee camp called Nyarugusu. Nyarugusu is located in Tanzania and happens to be the refugee camp that I grew up at. The pictures you see above are from my time there giving out new clothes, women's sanitary products, school supplies, and other needed items. Talking with everyone there made me realize how fortunate I am to have the opportunity that I have. It also made me want to continue to help, and to go back and talk with them. Not only to give them hope, but to help push them to fulfill their dreams. Being back in Tanzania was an amazing time. Seeing everyones face light up and the joy that it brought to provide them with things that many of us take for granted in the United States was very moving and that is why 15% of my profits go to causes like this and go to supporting those in need.
The plight of the refugees is a unique and heartbreaking one. Refugees are usually forced to flee from war, percussion, or natural disaster to find a safe refuge usually in a neighboring country. In doing so they typically find themselves in the refugee camp, not only without a home but also without a country. They live in waiting and fear.
To be a part of the Hakuna Matata team is a family, in some cases quite literally. Hakuna Matata strives to find experienced cleaners that will leave your space spotless. Our team has extensive background in the hospitality side of cleaning. They have had experience in house keeping at the Historic Davenport, The Lion Hotel, The Davenport, and the Davenport Grand.
