Me and Frenchye met last year at a business expo hosted by the City of Savannah. It was kind of early in the event, so I decided to take a stroll. I came across her booth and was just blown away by the fact that she was so young, yet so professional representing an industry as competitive and liable as healthcare.
We chatted for a minute or two before I picked up her business card, saw her name, and realized that Frenchye and I had a mutual friend. From there, it was “herstory.” We’ve been kicking it as if we’ve been throwing jacks and clapping to Miss Mary Mack since back in the day.
What I love about Frenchye is that she reminds me so much of myself. She unapologetically prioritizes herself, her family, and her business. She’s dead-set on success in such a way that you just know that she’ll be alright. And…
That’s why I had no choice but to include Frenchye in the #GenYBG movement.
How old are you?
27
When did you know that you wanted to work for yourself?
I had a feeling that I could not describe. That inner voice that asks if you’re happy where you are, with your career, with where it’s going, and what you can do to change it…That’s when I took my acquired skills, as well as my education, and put it all to use and started working on a business proposal.
I began to look at what services were needed to promote sustainability in my community, what people needed, what could make their lives easier, and what I enjoyed doing. That’s when I started putting my thoughts on paper, and pretty soon I found myself actually working towards starting a business.
What do you do and how long have you been in business? I have a Home Care Agency (FMB Home and Healthcare Services, LLC) where I provide in home services to people with disabilities, veterans, and the elderly. I have staff members that go into people’s homes, and help make life easier for the family. We meet each client’s individual needs, and devise a very specific service plan that helps them meet their goals. I’ve been in business for about 11 months.
Did you ever think to give up?
No, however I did suffer a very big loss in the beginning. Due to poor planning, I was forced to restructure my business, and really think about how to reinvent the business while still providing the same services for the same type of people, with less overhead. My tenacity motivated me to keep going, and I thought why give up? Take this as a lesson learned and be better than ever.
What advice would you lend an aspiring entrepreneur?
Never give up, always restructure, and re-invent when necessary. Look at the competition, find ways to think smarter, not harder, and live below your means. Use your skills, talents, and passion and come up with a way to get paid for doing what you love. If at first you don’t succeed try again, and again, and again until you’ve made it!
What was your biggest obstacle or challenge you faced?
I would have to say not being financially savvy, not having the established capital and operating cost to keep the business afloat. Because I took such a huge risk and didn’t think twice when the opportunity presented itself, I had very little time to plan. Although I took a big loss, I still won, and I am still winning!
Comments
One response to “Frenchye Wilkerson: #GenYBG’s Home Health Provider”
Her story is very inspiring, more women should aspire to be entrepreneurs.