BY JOY OFASIA
The JW Laundramart TA Sparkle Splash Services was recently honored with the “Giving Back to the Community” award at the Young Entrepreneur Council of Solomon Islands (YECSI) Awards Night 2025.
The recognition celebrates businesses that make meaningful contributions to their communities, and for owner Jennifer Willie, the award was deeply personal.
Jeniffer Willie Kanijama, owner of JW Laundramart TA Sparkle Splash Services, attended the YECSI awards night with her staff.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Solomon Women, Jennifer said she felt both honored and grateful to receive the award.
“It is not just a recognition of my work, but a celebration of the collective effort of everyone who has supported our initiatives. This award reminds me that small acts of service can create a meaningful impact in the community,” she said.
Jennifer shared that her inspiration to start JW Laundramart came from seeing the struggles of working mothers.
The hardworking staff of JW Laundramart TA Sparkle Splash Services. Photo credit @ JW Laundramart TA Sparkle Splash
“I was inspired to start JW Laundramart after noticing how much working mothers struggled with laundry, especially during the rainy season when clothes couldn’t dry properly. Unreliable water supply and the absence of house helpers made it even more challenging. I wanted to create a service that made life easier and more convenient for busy families,” she explained.
Winning the YECSI award, Jennifer said, is a huge honor for her team.
Photo credit @ JW Laundramart TA Sparkle Splash Photo credit @ JW Laundramart TA Sparkle Splash Photo credit @ JW Laundramart TA Sparkle Splash Photo credit @ JW Laundramart TA Sparkle Splash
“It not only validates the hard work we put into providing excellent service, but it also motivates our team to continue innovating,” she said.
She noted that her team’s commitment to quality, reliability, and unique services truly sets them apart. From dry cleaning to ironing, the team’s dedication to customer satisfaction and community involvement played a key role in earning this recognition.
Jennifer spoke about the roots of her commitment to giving back, which she traces to her childhood and family.
“I grew up in a family that valued kindness and love. My grandma, with whom I spent most of my childhood, always reminded us that we must share—no matter how little we have. She used to say that even the smallest act of giving can make a difference. I grew up seeing this and eventually it naturally became part of who I am,” she said.
She recalled life in Titiana Village, Gizo, where she lived with her grandmother and two siblings.
Photo credit @ JW Laundramart TA Sparkle Splash
“When we were little, my two siblings and I grew up with our grandmother in Titiana Village, Gizo. We lived near the road, and every week, a few women from Paeloge would come by, balancing basins of vegetables on their heads, walking under the scorching sun to sell their goods,” Jennifer said.
Her grandmother, despite having very little, always welcomed these women.
“She would invite them in, feed them, and tell them she had no money to buy their vegetables. In return, she would offer them food and water, and they would continue on. After they walked away, she would turn to me and say, ‘Always love and feed anyone, even when you have nothing left.’”
Jennifer said the experience left a lasting impression.
“From her, I learned that kindness isn’t measured by wealth—it’s measured by the heart,” she said.
Her grandmother became a role model, shaping Jennifer’s lifelong passion for helping others. Even her friends called her “Savior” for her generosity.
Jennifer emphasized that real generosity comes from the heart, not from a desire for recognition.
“It’s something that cannot be forced but must be from the heart. Whenever I give, I always remind myself of this. God’s word states that we must be a cheerful giver. We give not to get praise, but so others can be blessed. Giving back is not just something I do; it’s part of me, shaped by my upbringing, experiences, and the values passed down to me by my dear grandma,” she explained.
The business owner said her work in the community has taught her empathy, patience, and resilience.
“It has taught me to appreciate what I have and to see challenges as opportunities to make a difference. I have learned that true fulfillment comes from helping others without expecting anything in return,” she said.
Seeing the impact of her work motivates Jennifer to continue.
“The smiles and gratitude of those we help remind me why I started and keep me going, even when resources are limited or challenges arise,” she said.
Receiving the award, she added, is both humbling and encouraging.
“It validates the effort we have put into the community and inspires us to continue expanding our reach and impact. It’s a reminder that dedication and service do not go unnoticed,” Jennifer said.
She also highlighted some of the practical challenges her team faces.
“Power outages and water interruptions are our main challenges. However, we have backup solutions and water storage systems to ensure we meet our turnaround times. Staying adaptable and proactive helps us continue delivering consistent service,” she said.
Customer satisfaction, Jennifer said, remains JW Laundramart’s top priority.
“We ensure this by carefully checking every item, maintaining strict hygiene standards, and training our staff to handle clothes with care. We also listen to customer feedback and continually improve our services,” she added.
Giving back to the community is central to JW Laundramart’s mission.
“We’ve donated to hospitals, supported churches with free laundry services for delegations, done free washes for the under-14 soccer team in Tomoko, and launched programs where customers’ visits contribute to community projects. We believe in creating a positive impact together with our clients,” Jennifer said.
Jennifer offered advice to others hoping to make a difference.
“Start small, be consistent, and focus on what you can do with the resources you have. Even small actions, when done with sincerity, can grow into significant change. Remember, it’s not about doing everything, but about doing something that matters,” she said.
She encouraged the younger generation to embrace compassion and action.
“Our communities thrive when we support each other. Each one of us has the power to make a difference, and even the smallest act of kindness can ripple into lasting change,” Jennifer said.
Looking ahead, JW Laundramart plans to expand its services to include pick-up and drop-off options and eventually launch a mobile laundry unit to reach more customers.
Jennifer said receiving the award motivates her team to grow responsibly while maintaining the high standards their clients expect.
“The recognition reminds us that our efforts matter and that we must continue to serve our community with care, integrity, and love,” she said.
From a young girl learning lessons of kindness from her grandmother to a successful business owner impacting her community, Jennifer Willie’s story is a testament to how small acts of generosity can grow into meaningful change. For JW Laundramart, the YECSI “Giving Back to the Community” award is more than a plaque—it’s a symbol of dedication, compassion, and the power of serving others.
Jennifer’s journey shows that success is not only measured by business growth but also by the positive influence one leaves behind.
“It’s not about fame or recognition,” she said. “It’s about touching lives and making a difference wherever we can. That is the real reward.”
