Finding a Safe Haven in the Library
For Diana Muturia, the Phoenix Public Library was more than a place to borrow books, it was a lifeline. Originally from Kenya, Diana arrived in Phoenix with determination but limited resources. “The library saved me,” she recalls. “It was the only place I could get Wi-Fi, and it was a safe haven, especially with Phoenix being so hot.”
While cleaning houses to make ends meet, Diana discovered free library classes that taught coding and the basics of starting a business. “Every Wednesday night, there was a business class, and the same teacher would guide us each week,” she says. The library staff quickly noticed Diana’s drive. “If I needed a book, they would find it for me. One staff member even said, ‘Hey Diana, I got a book for you,’ and handed me Computer Programming for Dummies.”
These moments of support were more than convenience, they were pivotal. Diana taught herself coding using the library’s resources and free Wi-Fi. She experimented with CAD and 3D printing, initially dreaming of a career in the automotive industry, but soon discovered another problem she wanted to solve: helping her friends in the cleaning business manage operations more efficiently.
The Library Helped Diana Go From Idea to App
Diana’s first steps toward entrepreneurship were humble but inspired. Using Adobe XD before Figma became popular, she designed wireframes for what would become the Clyn App. “I would show my cleaner friends on my phone, and they got excited. That motivated me to build it out,” she says. Within two months of its launch in Phoenix, the app had attracted 3,000 users.
The library’s influence remained central to her journey. “I just needed Wi-Fi at first, but then I started to explore everything. The people who worked at the library were amazing; they would see I had a knack for something and say, ‘There’s a class that can help you with this.’ All the resources were there. They even helped me register for an LLC.” Diana emphasizes that libraries are often undervalued in the entrepreneurial ecosystem: “I wish people knew how much ROI comes from a library that is well-equipped, well-resourced, and accessible. If you bring education and resources, a community thrives.”
Recognizing the limitations of the Phoenix startup scene, Diana expanded her ambitions. Acceptance into both the Techstars and AWS Accelerator programs provided the next major opportunity. “The contingency was we move there. I really liked Austin, the startup scene was much more mature. There are startup events at the Central Library, too, which was incredible to see.”
Scaling Up: AI, Partnerships, and Future Goals
Relocating to Austin in January 2023 allowed Diana to take Clyn to the next level. Her team has grown, and the company has expanded into AI-powered quality assurance for cleaning operations. “When AI first came out, a lot of startups were plastering it on their platforms,” she explains. “We paused, did customer discovery, and realized the real problem was quality assurance. Solving that problem first helped us win a contract with Marsden, the largest privately held cleaning company in the U.S.”
Diana’s vision now extends to major partnerships. Airbnb is a target for a future badge integration, and her team continues refining nine products to serve the growing user base. Yet, she remains grounded in the learning habits that the library instilled. “Twenty percent of your time should be spent learning new things. You blink, and you’re behind,” she says.
Despite her success, Diana emphasizes grit, focus, and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Work backwards. What makes you light up? Once you understand the business aspect or career path, it’s easier to move forward. Libraries are great for learning fundamentals, operations, financing, even coding. That foundation can take you anywhere.”
Looking ahead, Diana has ambitious revenue goals for 2026 and envisions entering the Kenyan market, but she is focused on achieving a major win in the U.S. first. Even with long days, she maintains boundaries to protect her well-being. “I wake up at 6:00 or 7:00, and if something gets pushed to 6:00 p.m., it can wait until tomorrow.”
Diana Muturia’s story is a testament to the power of libraries as catalysts for innovation and community growth. From a library newcomer seeking Wi-Fi to a tech entrepreneur shaping a national platform, her journey demonstrates how access to knowledge, mentorship, and resources can transform lives. As she continues to scale Clyn and explore partnerships with companies like Airbnb, Diana’s experience underscores a timeless truth: when communities invest in education and support, individuals can achieve extraordinary things, and the library can be a critical component of community success.
