When Ali Shirkhodaei arrived in the United States from Iran in 2006, he had no idea how difficult life would be as a new immigrant, even with a molecular biology degree. At 28 years old, he faced a long and discouraging year of unemployment, struggling to land any job in a foreign land. But what he did know was that he wanted to build a life that reflected the kindness he grew up with in the streets of Tehran. Almost two decades later, that spirit continues to define his journey, now as the owner of Lux Cleaners & Alterations in Campbell, California. What started as a small dry-cleaning business has become a cornerstone of generosity in the local community.
Shirkhodaei’s business offers a unique and compassionate service: free, quick outfit cleanings for anyone who is unemployed and heading to a job interview. No documentation or explanation is needed. Anyone in need can walk in, get their interview clothes cleaned, and walk out with a little more hope. Each week, around five to ten people take advantage of this thoughtful offering, often finding the confidence they need to take the next step toward employment. This small act of support has already yielded positive results. In one recent case, a woman who had her shirt pressed within an hour returned later that day to share that she had landed the job, visibly moved and grateful. Her review spoke volumes about how Shirkhodaei’s gesture instilled in her a sense of community care and renewed confidence.
The idea took root after conversations with other dry cleaners across the country who were also looking for ways to support their communities during periods of economic uncertainty. Shirkhodaei, familiar with the tech layoffs affecting many in Silicon Valley, including companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google, felt compelled to act. He understands the emotional toll of unemployment and wanted to give back to the very community that supported his family-run business since it opened in 2010.
But his generosity goes well beyond this single service. He regularly handles garments that other dry cleaners won’t touch, including heavily sequined and beaded Indian saris sent from as far away as Sacramento. He has cleaned and altered wedding dresses in mere days, even when most businesses would need weeks. He puts in long hours, arriving at the shop by 6 a.m. and working until past 6:30 p.m. to make sure his customers are taken care of. And he is considering ways to extend his help even further by potentially offering services to local homeless shelters.
Customer loyalty runs deep at Lux Cleaners. Regular clients like Chris Sarkar have relied on the team for years, bringing in delicate designer items that others couldn’t restore. Sarkar continues to return not just for the high-quality work, but for the kindness and professionalism that define every interaction. Employees feel that same warmth. Concepcion, who has worked for Shirkhodaei for about three years, says he treats everyone like family. He makes it a point to celebrate her birthday each year with a cake and never hesitates to grant time off so she can attend her children's milestones—something she says no other employer has done for her.
Shirkhodaei’s generosity is more than a business strategy; it’s a philosophy of life that he hopes to pass on to his two daughters. He was especially moved when his youngest daughter, after finishing half a sandwich at a restaurant, offered the rest to a hungry stranger digging through a trash bin. That moment brought tears to his eyes and affirmed that his values are taking root in the next generation.
In a time when many small businesses are focused solely on survival and profit, Shirkhodaei has chosen to build a model around kindness, support, and dignity. His story is a reminder that a single business, no matter how small, can make a lasting difference in people’s lives simply by showing compassion when it matters most.
