Founded in 2021, YesterDay Car Detailing is my independently owned automotive detailing business. It brings together entrepreneurship, technology, and practical problem-solving.
Building and Operating an Independent Automotive Detailing Business
Through operating the business, I’ve gained experience in detailing, customer service, service development, pricing strategy, marketing, and business management.
I’ve incorporated my technical interests through website development, previously self-hosted infrastructure, and plans for automation. More recently, I’ve begun exploring a self-contained mobile detailing system to improve operational independence.
Newest first. Approximate dates are kept as recorded; their order within a month or year is not exact.
I continued planning how to resume consistent detailing work, choose a replacement vehicle, and add independent water and power. Better equipment organization, customer acquisition, and booking were also priorities rather than completed changes.
I researched the Mazda3 Hatchback and Honda Civic Sport as possible daily drivers that could also carry detailing equipment. I considered cargo space, water and power storage, and equipment access without making a final selection or purchase.
I reviewed how relying on customers for water and electricity limited where I could detail cars. I started planning a compact setup with its own water, power, and organized equipment storage. I had not purchased or installed the proposed setup.
I outlined how JOS could help with business tasks, marketing reminders, and scheduling. Calendar and Notion connections were part of the plan, not all completed integrations.
I continued using YesterDay Car Detailing across the website and service offerings. I also worked on keeping the identity consistent as I planned marketing channels.
I documented the main detailing packages and optional add-ons so customers could compare services and starting prices. The packages covered exterior, interior, combined, and more detailed services.
I developed the YesterDay Car Detailing website and used Homebase to host it during this period. I worked with a domain, Linux hosting, networking, and deployments; this does not describe where the website is hosted today.
I planned before-and-after photos, short videos, and local promotion through social and business platforms. I also considered a $5-per-day Facebook and Instagram ad budget. These were marketing plans, not a record of campaigns run or money spent.
I explored adding Square booking to the website to make scheduling and service selection easier. The integration was still planned.
I continued operating the business while balancing school, athletics, and other commitments. This period gave me more experience with scheduling, customer service, and managing my time.
I started YesterDay Car Detailing while attending school. I took on the detailing work and the responsibility of running the business.
I developed my detailing techniques and gained experience communicating with customers and coordinating appointments. I also learned to manage supplies, equipment, and operating expenses.