This new Smithtown laundromat feels more like a coffee shop

For Crystal Serrano, opening a laundromat in Smithtown was about more than finding her next business venture.

The mother of four wanted something close to home, something that worked better with family life — and, eventually, something that could make life a little easier for other busy parents, too.

Serrano spent 15 years as a bridal hair and makeup artist before burnout had her looking for a change.

“I was looking for a business close to home,” she said.

After searching for about two years, Serrano found a laundromat at 279 W. Main St. and set about transforming it into something considerably different from the traditional rows-of-machines-and-plastic-chairs experience.

Since opening May 16, customers at Luxe Laundry Co. have found leather couches, Wi-Fi, an arcade, a children’s corner and a book nook stocked with toys and activities.

She even has machines dedicated exclusively to baby and children’s clothing so those loads don’t have to be mixed with everything else.

The laundromat also offers curbside service and wash-and-fold, something Serrano said can be especially helpful for parents with newborns.

“If they have a newborn with them in the car, we go up to them and get it from them,” she said.

Serrano knows the juggling act firsthand. While working in the bridal industry, weekends were often consumed by weddings while weekday work continued, leaving household chores such as laundry competing for whatever time remained.

“I understand the struggle, so being a business owner mom, I wanted to give back,” she said.

That has extended beyond the services offered inside the laundromat.

Serrano periodically raffles off free wash-and-fold services for parents of children with special needs, families with sick children and mothers experiencing postpartum depression.

The business also offers a selection of higher-end laundry scents and soaps, another piece of Serrano’s attempt to turn an ordinary chore into a more comfortable experience.

But since opening, Serrano said one of her favorite parts has been getting to know the people walking through the doors, particularly other women and mothers.

“I love it,” she said. “It’s empowering.”

Luxe Laundry Co. has become a family affair, too. Serrano’s children help with the business, something she sees as an opportunity to teach them about hard work while building something together.

Her faith, she said, also continues to shape how she runs the business and her desire to give back to the community.

Luxe Laundry Co. is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.