Section 1
Who We Are
"Pressed" — because we care about quality. "Unstressed" — because we're here to take something off your plate.
Pressed & Unstressed Laundry (P&UL) is a mission-driven, pickup-and-delivery laundry service based in Louisville, Kentucky. We were founded on a simple but powerful belief: everyone deserves clean clothes and a little less stress.
Our Founder
Christie Welch is a Louisville-based social entrepreneur, Johns Hopkins-trained NGO manager, Registered Yoga Teacher, and Louisville Office for Women ambassador. She built P&UL as part of her parent company, VelHir, which includes Gene Isis Farms and The Black Beatnik Brand. Christie leads with purpose — and she's building a team that does the same.
Meet the Leadership Team
KG
Krista Gwynn
Director of Operations
Krista is the operational backbone of Pressed & Unstressed — and genuinely one of the most knowledgeable people you'll ever meet when it comes to laundry. We're talking deep hands-on expertise, fabric intuition, stain-fighting instincts, and a standard for clean that most people can't touch. She knows every fabric, every cycle, every product, and every edge case. If laundry has a question, Krista has the answer.
Beyond the wash room, Krista brings something rare and irreplaceable to this team: a background in victim advocacy and a profound, lived understanding of how care, dignity, and trust intersect — especially for people who have experienced trauma. She is a mother of four. In 2019, she lost her son to gun violence. His life and his absence inform everything she does in this city — the advocacy work, the community partnerships, and the way she shows up for every person she works alongside. That loss didn't break her direction. It deepened it.
Her presence at P&UL means we operate with a violence and trauma-informed lens — understanding that our clients, our community, and our team members may be carrying things we can't always see. That awareness shapes how we communicate, how we serve, and how we treat people. With grace. With steadiness. With genuine care.
All laundry-related questions go to Krista first.
Krista@pressedunstressed.com
Our Parent Company — VelHir
P&UL sits under the VelHir umbrella — a portfolio of values-aligned ventures rooted in community, sustainability, and economic empowerment. When you join P&UL, you're not just a laundry worker. You're part of something bigger.
Social Enterprise, Not Just a Business.
We are a social enterprise — our business model is designed to generate positive social impact alongside revenue. The work you do directly contributes to community wellness, economic inclusion, and the wellbeing of Louisville families.
Section 2
What We Do
We offer premium pickup and delivery laundry service — there is no physical laundromat. Clients schedule a pickup, we retrieve their laundry, wash/dry/fold it with care, and return it on time. It's a luxury-level experience made accessible.
Our Service Tiers
| Tier | Rate | Minimum | Details |
|---|
| Standard | $2.75/lb | No minimum | Our everyday workhorse service |
| Express | $3.50/lb | No minimum | Faster turnaround for busy clients |
| Same-Day | $4.25/lb | 10 lb minimum | Book before noon, returned by 6pm |
Add-On Services
| Add-On | Price |
|---|
| Stain Treatment | $10 |
| Hangers (per hanger) | $0.50 |
Our Clean & Green Products
We are committed to using clean, eco-conscious, skin-safe products across all services. No harsh chemicals, no synthetic fragrances, nothing harmful to people or planet.
- Detergent: Free-and-clear or plant-based formulas. Fragrance-free options always available for sensitive skin.
- Softener / Dryer Sheets: Fragrance-free or naturally derived. No artificial fragrance sprays.
- Stain Treatments: Enzyme-based, non-toxic. Safe for skin and most fabrics.
- Cleaning Products: Plant-derived, non-toxic, low-VOC. Safe for children, pets, and the environment.
Important: If a client requests a specific product or brand, always check with Christie before using anything outside our standard lineup. Never introduce products without approval.
Section 3
Who We Serve
Our clients are families, professionals, and households across Louisville who value quality service, clean-green products, and a company that gives back.
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Residential Recurring Clients
Families and individuals on a subscription plan. They know us, trust us, and rely on consistent quality every time.
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One-Time & Express Clients
Clients with a specific, time-sensitive need. First impressions count — these could become long-term clients.
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Commercial Clients
Small businesses, wellness studios, professional offices. High volume, professional standards, repeat service.
Our Community Commitment
P&UL is a community partner. We collaborate with organizations like For Lady's Sake (FLS) — a Louisville nonprofit dedicated to ending period poverty in Kentuckiana — and participate in fundraisers and community events throughout the year. We are one part laundry service, one part community anchor.
Remember: When you represent P&UL in any client's home or in the community, you are an ambassador for everything we stand for. Every interaction matters.
Section 4
What Makes P&UL Unique
To Work For
- Mission-Driven Work: You're contributing to community wellness and a business built with intention — not just folding clothes.
- Clean & Green Standards: We use safe products. Your health matters as much as our clients' health.
- Respect & Trust: Christie leads with respect. You'll be treated like a professional because you are one.
- Room to Grow: P&UL is growing. Early team members grow with it.
- Flexibility: Our service model is built for real life. We work to create schedules that work for our team.
To Hire
- No Laundromat Trips: We come to them. Pickup, wash, fold, return — seamless.
- High-Touch Service: We treat every item with care. No missing socks, no ruined sweaters.
- Clean-Green Always: Safe for children, pets, and anyone with sensitive skin.
- Mission Alignment: Choosing P&UL means supporting a local social enterprise.
- Trustworthy Team: Vetted, trained, and held to a professional standard.
Section 5
Your Role — What the Job Looks Like
As a P&UL team member, you may be called on for any combination of the following services. Your assignment will be clearly communicated in advance. Always confirm your scope before arriving.
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Laundry Specialist
Pickup client laundry, transport, wash/dry/fold with care, return. This is our core service. Quality and consistency are non-negotiable.
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House Cleaner
Thorough, detail-oriented residential cleaning using our approved clean-green products. Leave every space more peaceful than you found it.
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Nanny / Childcare
Safe, engaged, nurturing care. Age-appropriate activities, meals, nap routines, light tidying, and direct parent communication.
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House Manager
Home operations point person — scheduling, errands, household coordination. Requires strong judgment and excellent communication.
Professionalism is the baseline. Arrive on time. Communicate proactively. Do the work with pride. If something goes wrong — tell Christie immediately, not after.
Section 6
Laundry Standards & Best Practices
KG
Laundry questions? Go to Krista. Krista Gwynn, our Director of Operations, is the laundry expert on this team. Stain you can't identify? Fabric you're unsure about? Cycle question? She's your first call.
Krista@pressedunstressed.com
Sorting — The Foundation of Great Laundry
Sorting is not optional. Incorrect sorting causes shrinkage, dye transfer, and fabric damage. Follow these categories every time:
| Category | What Goes Here | Wash Temp |
|---|
| Whites | White underwear, socks, undershirts, white linens | Hot or Warm |
| Light Colors | Pastels, light grays, light prints on white | Warm or Cold |
| Darks | Black, navy, dark gray, dark jeans, dark prints | Cold only |
| Brights | Red, orange, neon, bold saturated colors | Cold only |
| Delicates | Lace, silk, bras, handwash items, sheer fabrics | Cold / Delicate cycle |
| Towels & Linens | All towels, washcloths, bed sheets, pillowcases | Hot (unless label says otherwise) |
| Heavy / Bulky | Jeans, hoodies, sweatshirts, heavy cottons | Warm or per label |
| Baby / Kids | Always separate — use fragrance-free detergent | Warm or Cold |
Always check labels first. If a care label says DRY CLEAN ONLY — do not wash it. Set aside and notify Christie or the client. When in doubt, use cold water and the gentle cycle.
Washing Best Practices
- Use the correct amount of detergent — more is not better. Follow product guidelines.
- Turn dark garments inside out before washing to reduce fading.
- Zip up all zippers; turn garments inside out to protect other items.
- Check all pockets before loading — remove tissues, cash, receipts, phones.
- Do not overfill the washer — laundry needs room to move to get truly clean.
- Use the delicate/gentle cycle for anything you're unsure about.
Drying Best Practices
- Always check dryer lint trap before each load — clean it if needed.
- Never put delicates, wool, or items labeled "lay flat to dry" in the dryer.
- Use medium heat as your default — high heat causes shrinkage.
- Remove items promptly to prevent wrinkles. Fold or hang immediately.
- Check for remaining stains before drying — heat sets stains permanently.
Folding Standards
Folding is where quality is visible. Our standard is hotel-level — neat, uniform, and tight.
- T-shirts: lay flat, fold sleeves in, tri-fold bottom up
- Pants: fold in half lengthwise, bottom to waist
- Towels: thirds then thirds — always uniform size
- Socks: match pairs, fold cuff down — never ball
- Underwear: fold neatly. No balling, no rushing
- Sheets: quarters, pillowcases tucked alongside
- Dresses/blouses: hang or fold gently
- Button-downs: button top, fold arms back, fold thirds
The P&UL Fold Standard
If you wouldn't be proud to hand it back — fold it again. Every bag we return is a marketing moment. Clients will open their delivery and feel it immediately.
Section 7
House Cleaning Standards & Best Practices
House cleaning at P&UL is not a quick once-over. It is detail-oriented, consistent, and client-trust-building work. You are entering someone's sanctuary — treat it that way.
Before You Begin
- Confirm scope with Christie before every appointment — which rooms, any special requests?
- Use only approved P&UL clean-green products unless explicitly told otherwise.
- Do a walkthrough before starting. Note anything already broken, stained, or out of place.
- If you notice anything unusual, document and report to Christie before proceeding.
Kitchen
- Wipe all countertops — move small appliances to clean underneath
- Stovetop, knobs, microwave inside and outside
- Cabinet faces, handles, and backsplash
- Sink and faucet — polish dry to prevent water spots
- Sweep and mop floor (corners and edges matter)
- Empty trash and replace liner
Bathrooms
- Toilet: bowl, rim, seat, base, and tank exterior
- Sink: scrub basin, faucet, handles — polish dry
- Shower/tub: walls, floor, door or curtain area
- Mirrors: streak-free only
- Sweep and mop floor including behind toilet
- Empty trash, wipe exterior of trash can
Bedrooms
- Make bed — tight corners, pillows aligned
- Dust all surfaces: nightstands, dressers, shelves
- Vacuum carpet or sweep/mop hard floors
- Check under bed for dust
- Do not rearrange personal items — clean around them
- Check under bed (dust bunnies collect there)
Living Areas
- Dust surfaces, ceiling fans, baseboards, light switches
- Fluff and straighten couch cushions
- Clean glass surfaces streak-free
- Vacuum or sweep/mop floors — under furniture counts
- Vacuum upholstery if in scope
- Straighten throw pillows and blankets
Clean Green in practice: Always dilute concentrates per label instructions. Never mix products. If a client has children, pets, or sensitivities — double-check before using anything with bleach, ammonia, or synthetic fragrance.
Section 8
Nanny & Family Support Best Practices
If you're working in a childcare or family management capacity, you carry a higher level of responsibility. Children's safety and wellbeing come before any other task.
Safety First — Always
- Never leave children unattended — not even for a moment.
- Know emergency contacts before the parents leave.
- Know where the first aid kit is located.
- Never administer medication without explicit written instruction from a parent.
- Know the child's allergies before mealtimes.
- Keep all cleaning products and chemicals out of reach of children at all times.
Communication with Parents
- Update parents at agreed intervals — or whenever something unexpected happens.
- Text for routine updates; call if something requires immediate attention.
- Document meals, naps, activities, and moods if asked.
- Never make medical decisions on your own — always reach the parent first.
Engaging with Children
- Get on their level — literally. Sit on the floor, make eye contact, listen.
- Follow the household routine as closely as possible. Consistency is calming.
- Screen time: follow parent guidelines exactly. When in doubt — no screens.
- Offer age-appropriate activities: reading, drawing, outdoor play, puzzles.
- If a child is upset, stay calm. Don't raise your voice. Redirect with curiosity.
House Manager Note: If you're serving as a House Manager, you're the household's operational lead in the parents' absence. Strong judgment, great communication, proactive problem-solving. When in doubt — reach out to Christie or the client. Never improvise on big decisions.
Section 9
Protecting Yourself & Your Client
Working in someone's home is a position of trust. We take that seriously. These policies exist to protect both you and the client — follow them consistently.
This one is absolute. Stealing in any form — regardless of amount or item — is grounds for immediate termination and may result in legal action. This includes money, items, food, samples, or anything else in a client's home.
If you find cash or valuables in a client's laundry, set it aside visibly and notify Christie immediately.
Never move a client's personal belongings from one room to another without direct instruction. Do not relocate furniture, décor, personal items, electronics, or anything else in a drastic or unexpected way.
If something needs to be moved temporarily to clean, return it to its exact location. Small moves that cause alarm — even unintentional — can damage trust irreparably.
You are the only authorized person in that space. Do not allow friends, family members, or anyone else inside a client's home — including people waiting in your car.
Their food, toiletries, electronics, and personal belongings are off limits. Ask before using anything — or just don't.
If you arrive and something is already damaged, misplaced, or unusual — photograph it and notify Christie before you begin work. This protects you if questions arise later.
If you accidentally break something, spill something, or cause any damage — tell Christie right away. Honesty is always the right move. Clients can handle accidents. What they can't handle is finding out we knew and said nothing.
Personal Safety
- Trust your instincts. If a client or situation feels unsafe, you have the right to leave and notify Christie.
- Always let Christie know your arrival and departure from each client's home.
- Never share client addresses, routines, or personal information with anyone.
- If a client or household member behaves inappropriately, document it and report immediately.
Your integrity is the foundation of this business. Clients open their homes to us because they trust us. Every policy in this section exists to protect that trust — and to protect you.
Section 10
Our Culture, Values & What's Ahead
P&UL is a small team doing meaningful work. We don't have layers of management or long approval chains. What we do have is a founder who is deeply invested in the people on this team — and a culture where your voice, your work, and your wellbeing matter.
How We Show Up
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Excellence Without Ego
We do high-quality work because we care, not to show off. Quiet competence is the vibe.
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Reliability
Show up. On time. Every time. If something comes up, communicate it early — never go silent.
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Radical Honesty
Say what's true. Don't sugarcoat. Don't hide problems. We can solve anything if we know about it.
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Community First
We serve more than clients. We serve Louisville. That lens should inform everything we do.
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Clean Living
We use clean products for a reason. We believe in doing less harm — to people, planet, and each other.
Where We're Going
P&UL is actively growing — building partnerships across Louisville, expanding our community presence, and developing new service lines. The foundation we lay right now — in quality, trust, and culture — is what the next chapter gets built on.
"We didn't put this team together by accident. You were chosen because you bring something real to this work. We're glad you're here. Now let's get to it."
By working with Pressed & Unstressed Laundry, you agree to uphold the standards described in this handbook. Questions? Come to Christie.
