Member Spotlight: Onika Waldron, CD-SV

Onika Waldron, CD-SV, is the Vice President of the IDA Caribbean Chapter, and owner of MaComère Mobile Detailing Services. How did she get started on her detailing journey? We had a chance to speak to her and find out!

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Onika Waldron (OW): I enjoyed seeing my father cleaning his car when I was a little girl. Then, by the age of 14 years, I was the one washing my dad's car. As I grew older, my interest piqued, and thoughts began invading my mind about detailing. I sat for hours watching YouTube videos and began learning by trial and error. In 2014, I officially launched my Facebook page and started detailing. I only worked on the weekends and holidays. In 2022, I became a full-time detailer. The love and excitement for washing my dad's car turned into my detailing business.

IDA: Please tell us your business’s story.
OW: My business, MaComère Mobile Detailing Services, was professionally established in 2014. It started as MaComere Car Wash and was rebranded in 2021 with a new name and logo. In May of 2022, I travelled to the United Kingdom, where I became certified by the IDA at the UK Detailing Academy. My next chapter is Colourlock, and in a few years, I plan on becoming an RIT.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
OW: MaComère Detailing doesn't focus on one service. The services we offer are full interior detail, paint corrections, ceramic coatings, and more.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
OW: The most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry for me is patience. When I started detailing, work came far and in between. Now, I thank God that I waited and never gave up.

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us?
OW: I received my CD and SV certification in 2021. I also did some short courses with Flex Polishing, Mike Phillips, CD-SV, WC, RIT, and Kelly Harris.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
OW: In the Caribbean, the older folks usually say, "You don't see people throwing stones at green mango. Only when the mango is ripe, stones are thrown." Don't be discouraged when you are being successful, stones will be thrown.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
OW: For the new detailer: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Please have patience. Giving up is not an option.

For the experienced detailer: You were once a new detailer, please remember how it was. Be helpful.

IDA: Funniest business moment?
OW: I slipped while polishing a headlight with my 3-inch SPTA rotary polisher and burnt the paint on the edge of the bumper. 

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
OW: One word, opportunities!

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IDA.