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About Laundry Land
Marvi Lacar brings a photojournalist's perspective to the laundromat industry at Laundry Land in Elsa, TX. After a career documenting social issues stories including mental health and criminal justice reform, she now applies that unique lens to running a community-focused laundromat that prioritizes accessibility, safety, and genuine community connection.
From New York to Texas
After relocating from New York to Texas during Covid, Marvi's life took an unexpected turn when she experienced a death in the family in 2022. During a sleepless night browsing Facebook Marketplace, she spotted a laundromat for sale and in a twist of fate, found herself operating a small laundromat in rural Texas.
Enabling Remote Management with Cents
"The laundromat wasn't in the best shape, so we ended up completely retooling," Marvi explains.
Implementing Cents technology was crucial for Marvi's business model, allowing her to fulfill her vision of a remotely managed laundromat. "When we retooled, we decided to go with Cents because it talked to our machines, and when we were in Asia all last summer, I was able to manage it," Marvi explains.
"The doors are automated. We have an iPad there, so people can text us. We have a Ring doorbell, so people can talk to us," she adds, describing her remote management setup.
This technology-driven approach means Marvi only needs to visit the facility about once a week. "With Cents, you know exactly what's coming in. The system creates real accountability, showing you exactly what should be in your deposits. You can see the machine turns, so you'll immediately spot if something doesn't add up." This remote monitoring system has been crucial in building her semi-attended business model, allowing her to maintain oversight while not being physically present.
Creating Safe Spaces & Enhancing the Customer Experience
Laundry Land customers enjoy free wifi, complimentary coffee, and free arcade games while waiting. The facility even hosts special "Popcorn Sundays" and features an enclosed kids' area with toys and books from their partnership with the local library.
This attention to customer comfort reflects Marvi's understanding that a laundromat can be more than just a utilitarian space—it can be a welcoming community hub where necessary chores become pleasant experiences.
At the heart of Marvi's community commitment is her 24-hour access program. Through a thoughtful online vetting process requiring valid ID submission, she offers free membership-based 24-hour access to the laundromat—recognizing the real needs of working families and single parents in her community.
"I didn't want to make the laundromat less accessible. When people are working two jobs and only have time to do laundry at night, I don't want to take advantage of that need," she emphasizes.
After a domestic violence incident outside the laundromat late one night, Marvi coordinated with local police to establish her facility as a designated safe space for those in need. "We put duress buttons in our laundromat above the reach of the children. So that if someone runs in there, they can find the duress button and it will quickly alert the authorities."
Creating Safe Spaces & Enhancing the Customer Experience
Laundry Land customers enjoy free wifi, complimentary coffee, and free arcade games while waiting. The facility even hosts special "Popcorn Sundays" and features an enclosed kids' area with toys and books from their partnership with the local library.
This attention to customer comfort reflects Marvi's understanding that a laundromat can be more than just a utilitarian space—it can be a welcoming community hub where necessary chores become pleasant experiences.
At the heart of Marvi's community commitment is her 24-hour access program. Through a thoughtful online vetting process requiring valid ID submission, she offers free membership-based 24-hour access to the laundromat—recognizing the real needs of working families and single parents in her community.
"I didn't want to make the laundromat less accessible. When people are working two jobs and only have time to do laundry at night, I don't want to take advantage of that need," she emphasizes.
After a domestic violence incident outside the laundromat late one night, Marvi coordinated with local police to establish her facility as a designated safe space for those in need. "We put duress buttons in our laundromat above the reach of the children. So that if someone runs in there, they can find the duress button and it will quickly alert the authorities."
Building Community Through Literacy & Support
Laundry Land takes pride in being an integral part of the Elsa community through multiple outreach programs. Marvi has partnered with local schools to offer support to families in need, ensuring that everyone has access to clean clothes regardless of their financial situation.
"We have our Laundry Loves Literacy program," Marvi explains, which operates in collaboration with the local library. "We've partnered with the library to provide books in our laundromat."
"I've connected with the library, the school district, and the police department, and I've given them vouchers for families in need," she adds, highlighting the local partnerships she's fostered to better serve the community.
A Different Vision for Business
Marvi's philosophy challenges conventional business wisdom. Rather than focusing primarily on competition or maximizing profit, she prioritizes community integration and service.
"I don't put much effort into worrying about what everyone else is doing. Instead, I focus my energy on finding ways to be of service to the community."
This approach is deeply informed by her storytelling background: 'I've lived many lives and worked in many industries. While documenting criminal justice reform in Texas, I learned how some people can be extractive rather than supportive in communities.'"
For those considering entering the laundromat business, Marvi offers this advice: "Trust your instinct and your empathetic side. That will be your best compass. People may tell you to be hardcore in business, but remember that your customers are people who can tell when they truly matter to you and that kind of loyalty goes a long way."
Marvi's vision demonstrates how technology and community focus can combine to create a laundromat that serves as both a successful business and a vital community asset.
"It's not really about the laundry for me. I love connecting people and solving problems. I'm fascinated by the potential of technology and automation in this industry—seeing how we can transform something traditional into something that truly serves a community."
Laundry Land takes pride in being an integral part of the Elsa community through multiple outreach programs. Marvi has partnered with local schools to offer support to families in need, ensuring that everyone has access to clean clothes regardless of their financial situation.
"We have our Laundry Loves Literacy program," Marvi explains, which operates in collaboration with the local library. "We've partnered with the library to provide books in our laundromat."
"I've connected with the library, the school district, and the police department, and I've given them vouchers for families in need," she adds, highlighting the local partnerships she's fostered to better serve the community.
A Different Vision for Business
Marvi's philosophy challenges conventional business wisdom. Rather than focusing primarily on competition or maximizing profit, she prioritizes community integration and service.
"I don't put much effort into worrying about what everyone else is doing. Instead, I focus my energy on finding ways to be of service to the community."
This approach is deeply informed by her storytelling background: 'I've lived many lives and worked in many industries. While documenting criminal justice reform in Texas, I learned how some people can be extractive rather than supportive in communities.'"
For those considering entering the laundromat business, Marvi offers this advice: "Trust your instinct and your empathetic side. That will be your best compass. People may tell you to be hardcore in business, but remember that your customers are people who can tell when they truly matter to you and that kind of loyalty goes a long way."
Marvi's vision demonstrates how technology and community focus can combine to create a laundromat that serves as both a successful business and a vital community asset.
"It's not really about the laundry for me. I love connecting people and solving problems. I'm fascinated by the potential of technology and automation in this industry—seeing how we can transform something traditional into something that truly serves a community."
