At just 32 years old, Mauricia Wangué Diouf is reshaping what dry cleaning can look like in Senegal. As the founder of Ciacia Services, she’s building more than just a business — she’s creating a model of sustainable, professional, and community-minded entrepreneurship in the heart of Saint-Louis.
Born and raised in the city, Mauricia holds a degree in Communication from the Université Gaston Berger. After taking part in the SAMA programme delivered by the Kosmos Innovation Center, she launched Ciacia Services — a dry-cleaning company that now serves customers in and around central Saint-Louis.
“We specialise in dry cleaning in Saint-Louis. I started the business because I wanted to offer a quality service in my city, while meeting a real need for its residents. I also wanted to contribute to local job creation, particularly for young people and women.”
From the start, Ciacia Services has stood out. With a focus on professionalism, proximity, and environmental responsibility, the company combines modern garment care with a strong social purpose. Mauricia’s customer-oriented approach reflects her belief that every part of the business — from customer service to operational structure — should meet high standards.
“I’m committed to professionalising the dry-cleaning sector in Saint-Louis,” she explains. “That means integrating modern standards, responsible management, and treating this work with the dignity it deserves.”
The turning point came with the SAMA programme run by Kosmos Innovation Center, which helped her sharpen her business model and understand how to structure her vision.
“The most valuable lesson I learned through Kosmos Innovation Center was the importance of discipline in business management,” she says. “Thanks to the programme, I learned to better structure my business, define my goals, and measure my results.”
But the early days were far from easy. Like many entrepreneurs, Mauricia faced a serious obstacle: access to funding.
“The lack of financing at the beginning was a major challenge,” she says. “I almost gave up several times. But I persevered, readjusting my business model with my small savings and relying on the Kosmos Innovation Center program’s training to find creative and accessible solutions.”
That perseverance has paid off. Since graduating from the SAMA programme, Ciacia Services has seen steady growth. The company has increased its visibility, built a loyal customer base, and expanded its team by hiring two additional staff members. The introduction of a home pickup and delivery service has also boosted both income and convenience.
“One of the proudest moments of my career so far was in the early days,” Mauricia recalls. “A customer had to leave for work and was waiting outside the shop before we opened. We’d only been running a few weeks, but that moment showed me that people already relied on us. It proved that hard work pays off.”
Her goals for Ciacia Services are ambitious but grounded. She is currently planning to open a second location in Sanar Peulh, another district of Saint-Louis, and is working on developing a website and mobile app to make the service more accessible.
“I want Ciacia Services to be a model — not just in terms of quality, but in how business is done,” she says. “Young, female-led companies can set new standards and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.”
What started as a small idea — born of frustration with poor-quality services and a passion for doing better — is now becoming a recognised force in the region. With her clear vision, structured approach, and determination to give back to her community, Mauricia is transforming this area of St Louis.
Follow Ciacia Services:
- TikTok: @ciaciaservicesofficiel
- Facebook: Ciacia Services Facebook
- Instagram: @ciaciaservices