We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sofia Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sofia below.

Sofia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Here’s a professionally rewritten version:

For several years, I worked in a group home for children while simultaneously caring for my ill mother. During this time, I realized that my opportunities for professional growth within the company were limited, and I felt the desire to pursue something more fulfilling and independent. After my mother’s passing, I was presented with the opportunity to open a personal care home for elderly and disabled adults—a venture I felt compelled to pursue.

Taking this step was a significant risk. I left the security of my stable job to launch my own business, starting with just one client. Within a week, I secured two additional clients, and over the following months, the business continued to grow. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, we were forced to temporarily halt new admissions. In response, I developed and implemented new protocols that allowed us to resume tours safely and onboard new clients while maintaining the safety and well-being of our existing residents.

Thanks to these efforts, the business has flourished, and many of our residents from that time remain with us today. Today, our facility operates at 98% capacity, and I am incredibly proud of the decision my husband and I made to embark on this journey. This experience has been both challenging and rewarding, demonstrating the value of resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to excellence.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Sofia Smith, and I was born in Jamaica. I have lived in the United States for nearly 40 years. My journey into this industry began with caring for my mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through that experience, I gained a wealth of knowledge about insurance, medical transportation, Medicaid waivers, and their coverage—information I might never have discovered otherwise. Realizing how unfamiliar many people are with these resources, I decided to use my experience to support others facing similar challenges.

In my role, I assist residents by managing their medications, providing laundry and housekeeping services, preparing home-cooked meals, and fostering socialization. I strive to help my residents maintain as much independence as possible, as this boosts their spirits and gives them a sense of purpose. My goal is to provide a homelike environment where residents can enjoy a fulfilling and meaningful life, distinct from traditional nursing homes.

Physical activity is another priority for my residents, whether it involves taking walks or participating in chair exercises. Additionally, I have established an annual event called Adopt A Senior, where members of the community can choose a resident and purchase gifts from their wish list. The gifts are opened on Christmas Eve, creating a heartwarming and unforgettable celebration that I cherish every year.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What built my reputation in the market is my exceptional attention to detail in addressing the needs of my residents. I maintain consistent and open communication with family members, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and others involved in supporting the health and well-being of my residents. This commitment to excellence is recognized within the community, where word-of-mouth referrals have been instrumental in enhancing my standing and growing my presence.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson I had to unlearn was not to do everything for everyone. This caused me to be burned out all the time. What I had to learn was allow people to do as much as they can do for themselves and I will pick up where they can’t. That lesson goes for both my kids and residents.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://daliapreciousmemories.com
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/daliapreciousmemories
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D34jf0Rp2SI
• Other: Google Dalia Precious Memories LLC