Influential Woman · Senior care
Shaista Kazmi
Founder of Apna ghar llc, Sukoon Care
West Bloomfield, MI
Her Story
About Shaista
I started this company in 2014 when local senior care companies could not meet the cultural demands of my aging parents. There were not caregivers who were of similar cultural backgrounds or of religious backgrounds as my parents and my mother-in-law. I quit my job as a research coordinator at Providence Park here in Michigan and decided to do this full-time. I sold the company in 2023 but I'm still with the new company as client care coordinator as well as hiring the caregivers. We were the first senior care company to serve the needs of elderly ethnic minorities in the United States.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shaista
01What do you attribute your success to?
We had a great idea that the community really needed. Being one of the first companies to do this allowed parents to age in place with dignity and respect by offering quality care at affordable prices between $25 to $30 an hour.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My dad was always very encouraging. He said sometimes you kind of start off on a different path, and as long as you don't give up and you go with the intent of giving to your community, the path will start clearing itself for you.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Patience and not to give up. It's not an easy industry. Most senior care owners after 10 years crash out, but as long as you persevere, stay focused, and keep a positive attitude, you'll be okay.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The greatest challenge is offering quality care at affordable prices. Many clients do not have extra funds, so we are trying to get a benefits coordinator to help with grants and benefits to offset costs. Everyone is counting their pennies right now.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is the most important thing to me. Everybody, all my clients are my family, and that's how I want to treat them. That's the culture we bring to our workplace as well. Everybody's family, that includes the caregiver and the client.
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