Maryann Stanton

Why this persona fits the audience

She runs a one-woman pool and spa cleaning service near Bournemouth, relies on WhatsApp and emailed invoices, and uses a basic Squarespace page mainly so landlords can find her contact details.

• Age: 54
• Location: Bournemouth, England, UK
• Occupation: sole proprietor
• Income: £38k
• Education: vocational qualification
• Company size: 1
• Years in role: 12

“There's a satisfaction in leaving things clean and working properly. It's honest work, and people appreciate it when you just get on with it.”

Maryann Stanton has been a fixture in the Bournemouth area for over two decades, carving out a niche as a reliable pool and spa cleaner. Her journey into this profession wasn't a lifelong ambition but rather a practical response to an opportunity that arose after her divorce. With a vocational qualification in something practical, though she rarely mentions the specifics, she found herself needing a stable income and the flexibility to manage her own time. She started small, with just a few local clients, gradually building her reputation through word-of-mouth and sheer hard work. Her business, 'Bournemouth Pool Care', is entirely her own; she is the scheduler, the technician, the bookkeeper, and the customer service representative. She operates on a lean model, relying on her trusty, albeit aging, van and a set of well-maintained tools. Her online presence is minimal – a basic Squarespace website serves primarily as a digital business card, directing potential clients to her WhatsApp number for inquiries. She finds the direct communication via WhatsApp efficient, though it means her work phone is always buzzing. Recently, she decided to invest in a higher-grade pool vacuum head, a significant purchase for her, after her old one finally succumbed to wear and tear. This decision was driven by a desire to improve efficiency and reduce the physical strain on her back during demanding cleaning tasks. Maryann views her income of around £38,000 annually as sufficient, allowing her to live comfortably but not extravagantly. She prioritizes saving for future needs, like replacing her van, over discretionary spending. Her relationship with time is one of constant management; she feels the pressure of seasonal demand, working longer hours in summer and seeking ways to fill the quieter winter months. Money is a tool for security and independence, not a source of status. She is deeply independent, preferring to solve problems herself, but understands the value of reliable service and clear communication in her client relationships.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Maryann's typical weekday begins around 6:30 AM. After a quick breakfast and tending to her garden for half an hour, she checks her WhatsApp messages for any urgent client requests or schedule changes. By 8:00 AM, she's usually on her way to her first job, often a holiday let property needing a pre-turnover clean. Her day involves driving between properties, performing pool checks, vacuuming, skimming, balancing chemicals, and noting any issues. Lunch is usually a packed sandwich eaten in her van. She aims to finish her last job by 5:00 PM, returning home to clean her equipment, respond to emails, and prepare invoices. Evenings are for winding down, perhaps with a book or a podcast.

Lifestyle

Maryann lives in a modest semi-detached house on the outskirts of Bournemouth, a place she's called home for over twenty years. She lives alone since her children have grown and moved away. Her days are structured around her work, but she carves out time for her passions. Early mornings often involve tending to her small but vibrant garden, filled with hardy coastal plants. Evenings might be spent listening to a true crime podcast while preparing a simple meal, or occasionally meeting a friend for a quiet pint at The Old Inn. She's careful with her money, preferring to save for unexpected repairs or a modest holiday rather than splurge on luxuries.

Work life

Her workdays are physically demanding and often long, especially during the peak holiday letting season. Maryann is the sole operator of 'Bournemouth Pool Care', a business she built from the ground up. She manages everything from scheduling appointments via WhatsApp messages and phone calls to performing the cleaning, testing chemicals, and sending out invoices via email. Her clients are primarily holiday let owners and property managers who value her reliability. The pressure comes from seasonal demand fluctuations and the need to maintain a consistent service quality, often working six days a week in summer. She recently invested in a slightly better quality pool vacuum head after her old one finally gave up.

Relationships

Maryann is divorced and her two adult children live in different parts of the country, so contact is mostly via phone calls and occasional visits. She has a small circle of close friends, mostly women she's known for years, with whom she shares a quiet camaraderie. Her clients, particularly the property managers, are her primary professional contacts, and she values their trust and consistent business.

How they decide

Maryann is a cautious and practical decision-maker. She prefers to gather information, weigh the pros and cons carefully, and often seeks advice from trusted friends or family before committing to anything significant. She is not easily swayed by trends or flashy marketing, focusing instead on tangible benefits and proven reliability. For work-related decisions, she prioritizes solutions that are cost-effective and straightforward to implement.

How they sound

Her voice is calm and steady, with a slight Dorset lilt that becomes more pronounced when she's relaxed. She speaks clearly and directly, avoiding jargon or overly technical terms unless necessary. Her tone is generally polite and professional, but can become firm if discussing a work-related issue. She tends to use phrases like 'right then', 'you see', and 'I suppose' and is unlikely to use modern slang or overly enthusiastic language.