Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alexander Moore, founder, and CEO of Yümicare, located in Orange Park, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Yümicare is a friendly marketplace that connects seniors to trained local caregivers. It's no secret that the world is just getting older. And it also isn't a secret that remaining independent is super important to people. But there is numerous reason that gets in the way of this. Loss of mobility, memory issues or illness can send individuals and their families down a confusing path of navigating all the options for senior care. Our job is to help people remain independent and in the home for as long as possible by connecting them with trained local caregivers who can assist with all sorts of activities in the home.
Yümi caregivers are a cut above; they are trained to prioritize independence by focusing on activity, safety, and connection. They make 60% higher wages than the industry standard, enjoy next-day pay, and have the flexibility to work when they want. Finally, you can earn a decent wage and help people in the community. Families love us because we help to make life a little easier, care recipients love us because our caregivers support their independence, and caregivers love us because they're part of a community.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in healthcare for over 20 years, and I have always worked towards creating products and programs that help the consumer stay in focus. It's so easy with health insurance and government reimbursements for the consumer to get lost in the mix. During my career, I have seen the acquisition of several homecare businesses. It was very apparent that this was a sector ready for disruption, but it really hit home when my grandmother started having issues and needing assistance. What we found wasn't good. Caregivers were burnt out, underpaid, and underappreciated.
They did things for her, but not with her. She was seeing her independence vanish. So my parents decided to move in with her instead. I wanted to create a company that gave my parents and my grandmother a chance to remain independent longer. That's when we began to reimagine how the business model would work. We aligned the caregiver at the center of what we do; we wanted to make it attractive rewarding, and approachable as a career. The prospect of positively impacting the lives of professional caregivers and the seniors they support gives me all the energy I need to get through the day!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Like many entrepreneurs, I started this journey while I still had a day job. Additionally, I have a family. It was hard because I took all of these very seriously. I had to be very conscious about how to compartmentalize my day. I think getting the business to this stage has been a great accomplishment. I've been able to build a team, inspire others to join in and volunteer their time and energy, and create a vision that others are excited to be a part of. But the thing I'm most proud of is the fact that a client told me her mom's dementia had started to slow because of the daily companionship she started to receive from her caregiver Alfreda. This client had taken her mom to the neurologist, and he said for the first time in three years, her assessment went up.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It can be hard to turn it off. To make something worthwhile, you kind of have to become obsessed with it. It can be hard to focus on other things. Also, self-doubt comes out in the weirdest ways. The right answer is an illusion. The fact is the right answer is often hidden behind the wrong one. So don't get paralyzed by the threat of getting it wrong. It is going to happen. It's something you just have to constantly remind yourself of.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Do it for the right reasons. Make sure you have something of value to offer, something meaningful, something that, if it exists, the world is just a little better. Then just jump in, get going, and work, work, work. Get your hands dirty, and don't be afraid to mess up. It is incredibly rewarding.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you know someone who is getting older, needs assistance, and wants some help so they can remain independent and at home - please reach out. Even if you aren't in our current service area, we want to hear from you. We can always help guide you in the right direction.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.yumicare.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yumicaregiving/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yumicaregiving/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YumiCares
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yumicareceo/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.