Śródmieście Residential District is a housing estate in the center of Łódź built in 1975-1982. These are the so-called large slab blocks. This large residential complex, called Manhattan by Łódź residents, consists of eight buildings. On the ground floor of one of them, a senior woman who has lived in these blocks since their construction runs the “Iron” ironing room. You can iron everything in it, from children's clothes, through shirts, suits, to tablecloths and bedding.
Instead of sitting in front of the TV, he prefers to iron. “I'm good at it”
When Mrs. Henryka retired, she quickly realized that it was insufficient to meet her needs. So she was looking for a way to earn money. Previously she worked, among others, in England, where she ironed clothes. – I was and still am good at it! – he tells us. He recalls how betwhere she was ironing, a salesman visited her and tried to sell her superior a machine that would make the whole process more efficient. He then pointed to Mrs. Henryka and said: “this is my machine.” Many years later, she returned to Poland and operates in the cradle of Polish industry – in Łódź.
The pension wasn't high, and I didn't just want to watch TV and go for walks. I knew how to iron, so I opened an ironing shop
– he tells us.
The name “Iron” was invented by her grandson. Moreover, the family regularly helps Mrs. Henryka. At the very beginning they helped distribute leaflets. – I ran around the neighborhood and spread them wherever I could. This is how it was created – he tells us. Later, word of mouth worked, and Mrs. Henryka bought second-hand equipment and rented a small room on the ground floor of one of the blocks of flats. Since she had lived there for many years, she knew that it was empty and the cooperative would not cause her any problems with renting.
He mainly irons the clothes of private individuals who “don't have time for it” or “just don't like it.” They can usually be picked up the next day. There is a free parking space in front of the building for 10 minutes, which is enough time for pickup or delivery things. ABOUT price and the readiness of clothes for collection, customers are informed via SMS. T-shirts are counted by weight, and shirts by piece. This is the service at “Żelazek”. Cost a few zlotys. Mrs. Henryka believes that competitive prices are one of her advantages that allow her to compete with other ironing and laundries.
Electricity bills, lack of specialists and small space. Henryka's lady has her own problems
Recently, however, the ironing shop's finances have stopped struggling. Since the beginning of this year, electricity bills have jumped from several hundred zlotys to PLN 1,500. Such a raise meant the end for Mrs. Henryka. – I thought I couldn't handle it – she tells us. However, she managed to change the contract, thanks to which she pays “only” PLN 700. However, she recalls that when she started, she paid PLN 200. Since then, she has increased her prices by a few zlotys, but running an ironing shop is still more of a hobby for her than a real chance to earn money.
– I have a few pennies from it that I can keep for myself, but if someone wanted to make a living out of it, it wouldn't be possible – he tells us. However, above all, Mrs. Henryka likes doing it. – I really like ironing. I feel like I'm ironing out my own thoughts. There's something about this messed-up thinking and everything suddenly straightens out, he adds.
She honestly admits that “nothing will surprise her” and “she will iron everything.” – If necessary, I will prepare for the wedding – he laughs. However, tablecloths and curtains are a challenge, but only because of their size. In a small room for one person it is difficult to simply assemble them. – I don't have that kind of hand spacing. This is technically impossible. Sometimes you can get angry, he tells us. That's when family often comes to the rescue.
Is Łódź losing its textile splendor? There are exceptions
However, a more serious challenge is the lack of specialists. The ironing room includes, among others: old steam generators that are very difficult to repair. – Łódź used to be a place where more clothes were produced and there were more professionals. Mechanics who know this now are truly a dying breed – he complains to us.
However, she is not interested in newer devices. Firstly, they are very expensive, and secondly, as Mrs. Henryka says, “steam is enough, and the iron itself does not matter, but you need to think about what you iron and how you iron it.” And the fact that Mrs. Henryka knows it best is proven by the fact that regular customers come back to her regularly.