From Nurse to CEO: My 11-Year Journey of Building a Senior Concierge Business
There are two types of people in the world:
Those who say they want something and go all-in to create it.
Those who say it, but their actions tell a different story.
This week marks my 11-year anniversary of choosing to leap—leaving behind a nursing job I loved but could no longer tolerate. A career that, while deeply rewarding, was draining my energy, peace, and joy. I walked away from it all and bet on myself.
Most people wouldn’t do what I did. I don’t say that to sound arrogant. I say that because it’s true.
It was terrifying.
But what got me through was a gritty mix of tenacity, resilience, and an unwavering belief that I could figure this thing out—even if it took 100 tries.
Spoiler alert: It did.
The Not-So-Linear Path to Success
Here’s what no one tells you when you’re learning how to start a profitable senior concierge business: it’s never a straight line.
I had a vision.
I made a plan.
I got started.
Then everything fell apart.
So, I made a new plan.
That one didn’t work either.
But I didn’t stop. I adjusted. I tried again.
Some things clicked. Some didn’t.
I learned, tweaked, and moved forward—again and again.
Over the years, I watched no less than six other local businesses try to do what I was doing. None of them are still around.
Why?
Because they thought what I was doing looked “easy.”
They put up a flyer or two. Made a Facebook page.
Expected clients to come running.
They didn’t understand what it really takes.
I did the work they weren’t willing to do.
I figured out how to market myself after failing over and over again. If you’re at that stage now, make sure you’re not just another flyer in the mailbox. I break that down in this post—it’s a must-read.
What No One Sees Behind the Scenes
Behind every “overnight success” is 5+ years of mistakes, tears, pivots, and lessons.
And those lessons are gold—if you’re willing to learn from them. I talk about this in my post, All The Things That Didn’t Work. Because yes, I’ve had the wins—but it’s the missteps that made me stronger.
The reality? There is no magic bullet. There’s only getting clear, staying consistent, and choosing not to quit.
You Need More Than Just Passion
People ask me all the time, “Kelly, what’s the secret to building a thriving concierge business?”
Here’s the truth: passion is great—but it’s not enough.
You need a plan.
You need systems.
You need the right offers.
And most importantly—you need to know your numbers. That’s why I created this post to help you price your services confidently and profitably.
What It Actually Takes to Start a Profitable Senior Concierge Business
So many people say they want to work with seniors. That they want to help people stay independent and age in place. And hey—if that’s your mission, I applaud you. Our industry needs more heart-led business owners.
But you have to pair that heart with hustle.
Want to know how to start a profitable senior concierge business?
You’ve got to:
Research your local market.
Choose the right services (this guide can help).
Learn how to talk about what you do.
Get visible. Often.
Follow up like a boss.
Keep showing up long after others quit.
If you’re still reading this, I know you’re not a quitter.
Final Words: Here’s to Your Leap
Whether you’re in the early stages of your business or feeling stuck after years of trying—I see you.
I’ve been you.
This isn’t easy. But it’s worth it.
Don’t get distracted by the highlight reels you see online. Don’t fall for the myth that this happens overnight.
If you’re serious about building a business helping seniors stay at home, helping families feel peace of mind, and doing work that matters—don’t stop.
I didn’t. And 11 years later, I’m still here.
Your dreams deserve a chance.
So dust yourself off… and try again.
************************************************************
Thinking about starting a concierge business but not sure what you need—or where to even begin? The Concierge Starter Kit includes the exact templates, client forms, flyers, and tools I used when I first got started—plus a video walkthrough showing you how to use them all. I also cover what kind of insurance actually matters (and what’s just noise), so you can skip the overwhelm and start on solid ground.
➤ Grab the Concierge Starter Kit – $47. It’s the shortcut I wish I had. Get it HERE: https://theconciergeacademy.com/starterkit
************************************************************
