It was a Sunday afternoon in March 2019, and I was going through my to-do list, preparing for the workweek ahead. I realized every agency I contacted for respite care had waitlisted families, some for two or three years. So, I thought, “How hard could it be to start my own respite service?” That moment sparked a decision that would change my life. 

I grabbed a notebook and made a list: intake forms, a work phone, a website, qualified staff, and an invoicing method. The next day, during lunch, I registered Brightstar Respite and opened a small business account at ATB. What started as a simple response to a pressing need turned into a business fueled by my passion for helping children and families.

A Career Path I Never Planned

If you had asked me in 2007 where I saw myself in the future, running a respite care agency wouldn’t have crossed my mind. I came to Canada as an international student in Business Administration but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. After trying nursing in Toronto and working in supply chain management, I finally enjoyed my job until the 2015-2016 recession hit.

With bills piling up, I took a temporary role as a Family Support Worker at a nonprofit. By the end of my first week, I knew I had found my calling. I loved working with families and leading parent support groups. The skills I gained—problem-solving, advocacy, and collaboration, became the foundation of what I do today at Brightstar Respite.

My ‘Side Hustle’ Evolved Into Something Bigger

Five months after launching Brightstar Respite, I realized things were getting serious. We had 11 children across Edmonton relying on our respite services every week. As I prepped to hire my fifth staff member, I knew we were becoming a legitimate business.

When families from Sherwood Park, Bon Accord, and Mundare started reaching out, it was clear the demand was outpacing my ability to manage it alone. Brightstar was growing, and I had to grow with it.

Challenges I Never Expected

Running a business is nothing like working a job. One of the biggest hurdles I scaled was shifting my mindset from employee to employer. I had to step up, not just as a service provider, but as a leader.

Funding was a battle. Banks and investors wanted proof that I had “skin in the game” before they’d consider lending me a cent. In the early days, I had to be extremely resourceful, cutting costs, reinvesting every dollar, and looking for alternative revenue streams.

Negotiation was another skill I had to unlearn and relearn. Growing up in an African household taught me to be polite, accept what I was given, and make do. That mindset doesn’t work in business. I had to train myself to ask for what I deserved, advocate for my team, and walk away when necessary.

Partnering with FSCD

A turning point for Brightstar Respite came when we became an approved vendor for the FSCD program. Before this, families had to pay upfront for care and wait weeks for reimbursement, which wasn’t feasible for many. I knew FSCD approval would change everything, so I applied repeatedly.

After a long, gruelling process compounded by the pandemic, we were finally approved in 2023. Demand soared, and within months, we had to start a waitlist. We expanded into Calgary and are now preparing to offer services in Red Deer and Fort McMurray.

Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way

I didn’t start with a business strategy but I built one as I went. I learned by doing that some of the most valuable lessons aren’t taught in business school.

• Networking Is Everything.

Opportunities don’t always come from where you expect. Putting yourself in the right rooms can open doors you never imagined.

• Invest in a Business Coach.

Entrepreneurship is lonely, and sometimes your friends and family just don’t get it. A good coach can help you see the bigger picture and push you to grow.

• Read Books. 

Learning from other entrepreneurs through autobiographies, business books, or even podcasts, can help you navigate challenges and make smarter decisions.

• Invest in a Business Coach

Often, our friends and family haven’t been down this road before. That’s where a business coach comes in. A professional coach helps you see the bigger picture and guides you through tough decisions.

• Be Willing to Jump Way Outside of Your Comfort Zone

In the words of Millie Odhiambo, “Good girls don’t get the corner office!” Entrepreneurship pushes you to leave behind your comfort zone and go after what you want. 

To Aspiring Entrepreneurs

If I could give one piece of advice to someone hesitant about stepping into an unexpected opportunity, it would be this: Never underestimate the power of taking action. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Sometimes, success comes from simply solving a problem, one step at a time.

Don’t be afraid to ask for more. Whether it’s funding, partnerships, or better resources, go after what you and your business truly deserve.

What’s Next?

Brightstar Respite is committed to expanding our services beyond Edmonton and Calgary to reach families in smaller communities. I’m gearing up to set bigger, more ambitious goals in 2025 and beyond.

Looking back, it’s incredible to think that this all started with a simple list on a warm Sunday afternoon. I never set out to be an entrepreneur. Yet, by following my passion and saying yes to an opportunity I almost overlooked, I built something bigger than I ever imagined.

The best part is: We’re just getting started!