Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Hughes.
Claire, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
For years I’ve wanted to run my own service-based business that had to serve the community, be helpful to people and be rewarding not only to myself but my clients. Years back, I started with an idea of having a personal concierge business that would allow me to meet different people, help them with everyday tasks and make a difference in their lives. At the same time, I could create my own schedule which is important since I’m a wife and mother of 2 boys so being more available to them would be great. The business started off helping; people with everything from errands, decorating exteriors of homes for the holidays, shopping – I even insulated windows with plastic for a senior couple whose home was quite chilly.
As the weeks went on, and the more I mentioned my business to folks I realized there was a great need in the senior community for my services such as cleaning, errands, housekeeping, shopping etc. The seniors and veterans I mentioned my services too were excited and would tell me how useful it could be to them, their friends and families. I also respect our veterans and senior community for all they’ve done for this country and others, love hearing their stories, learning about their families and lives and thought about refocusing my services fully to help the senior.
Months later I received shocking news from my dad who said he and his wife’s health are failing – I started questioning – who will keep their home clean, get the groceries, or drive them to appointments when their sicknesses take over or vision fails. I knew directing my attention to the senior and veteran community is the route to go. Sure there are home health aides available but my parents didn’t need the medical assistance yet – they are living in their home, have their doctors and nurses – right now what is needed help with everyday tasks and there are quite a lot of people out there in similar situations, needing a helping hand around their home.
The response to my services has been amazing. People need the help, some families don’t live close to their loved ones or have their own families and can’t visit as often as they’d like. Some are finding their parents need assistance but don’t want it from their children, they don’t want to be a burden asking for help so hire outside the family to help around the home and that’s what we do – help around their home with everyday tasks.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, it’s not been smooth, I’ve made some basic entrepreneurial mistakes such as diving into advertising too early, and not understanding the accounting side of the business. There was a lot of fear and worry – a fear I’ll be taken advantage of – worry clients might not see the value in my services – so many things. Over time I’ve learned fear is something we create in our heads and as an entrepreneur, we need to step outside our heads and try and learn everything new. It’s always a learning process, I have a great support system of people who I can bounce ideas around and get opinions from and the results of this service have been amazing! The word is getting out to the families of the veterans and senior community and each day very rewarding knowing these services are making a difference in people’s lives. Families are comforted knowing their loved one is living in a clean environment, with food in the fridge, and have transportation options to get to their appointments, events or shopping. Breathe Easy Concierge is thought of as an extension to their family not as a business which is wonderful because I want it to be seamless transition entering their homes to assist with it.
Breathe Easy Concierge – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Breathe Easy Concierge is a non-medical homemaking service for Seniors and Veterans along the South Shore area and based out of Halifax MA.
I help people remain their home as long as possible through services such as light housekeeping, errands, shopping, laundry, groceries, companionship and house checks – if away for an extended time.Help can be provided to people in most living conditions such as assisted living communities, nursing homes, independently living and aid families whose loved one may be on hospice and don’t want to leave their side to take care of their tasks.
Most proud of – would be the value people get from our services. Homes are cleaner, which can lessen health issues, people are more organized and getting the help they need from trustworthy people. I’ve helped people who can’t do certain tasks due to early-stage Alzheimer’s, cancer, Parkinson’s, Diabetes, recovering from surgery, some are legally blind – it’s so rewarding being able to offer myself to help others and making a difference to those people and their loved ones.
As for cost, the price is kept reasonable so everyone can afford the services and we are private pay. People find Breathe Easy Concierge largely through Facebook and on the web. It’s a great way for people to get more information about the company and what we offer, they can chat with me or call. A lot of people also find me through referrals and word of mouth I love when people are so pleased with the services they tell their friends, so great!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.breatheeasyconcierge.com
- Phone: 617-275-3409
- Email: breatheeasyconcierge@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreatheEasyConcierge/
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