Empowering Women in Business: Judith Singletary’s Story of Integrity, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship at ZIPS Cleaners
As we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, ZIPS Cleaners honors one of our newest franchisees, Judith Singletary, who, along with her partner Clarice Wood, purchased the ZIPS locations in Scaggsville and Ellicott City, Maryland.
Judith’s story is one of heart, inspiration, and motivation. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, she has been a DC-area resident for most of her adult life. However, her roots and the lessons from her Ohio upbringing have stayed with her. Her parents taught her to value integrity, compassion, and hard work—and the importance of being a good neighbor. They encouraged her to be independent and follow her passions at a time when career opportunities for women were just beginning to expand. Judith went on to earn an undergraduate degree in communications, and later a PhD in medical sociology. Her education laid the foundation for a successful professional career in the healthcare sector, working in marketing and research for various hospitals and healthcare systems.
Her entrepreneurial spirit emerged in the early 2000’s when she founded a healthcare consulting firm, specializing in researching health disparities in vulnerable populations. In addition to managing the firm, she shares her expertise by teaching sociology courses at her alma mater, Howard University.
Despite her impressive credentials and experience, Judith believes one of the most valuable business lessons she’s learned came from her early years as a flight attendant with US Airways. The customer service skills she honed during that time continue to guide her interactions with customers, clients, staff and students alike. She understands that a high-quality product paired with exceptional service are the true differentiators in any business.
Judith exemplifies the incredible progress women have made in business over the past few decades. ZIPS is grateful to have her as part of our franchisee family, and we look forward to the many contributions she will make to our ongoing growth and innovation.
As the new owners of ZIPS Cleaners Maryland locations in Ellicott City and Scaggsville, Judith and Clarice are committed to providing affordable dry cleaning and professional garment care with exceptional customer service. Their local dry cleaner stores offer same-day dry cleaning, wash and fold laundry service, and expertly pressed garments, delivering the convenience, quality, and value Maryland customers expect from ZIPS Cleaners.
Please join us in welcoming Judith and Clarice to the ZIPS family. We look forward to seeing their leadership continue to elevate ZIPS Ellicott City and Scaggsville as the premier dry cleaning destinations in their communities.
