From Waitress to Successful Home Care Business Owner
Andrada was just 27 when she set up her home care business at the end of 2023. Since then, Sylvian Care Farnham has gone from strength to strength.
Andrada arrived in the UK aged 21, searching for independence and new experiences. Her first job as was a waitress in a restaurant and soon she was promoted to manager. But Andrada always wanted more, she wanted to keep learning. That’s when she decided to study for a degree in business management. While she was at university, Andrada worked part time as a carer for Sylvian Care, and that experience changed her life.
‘The clients loved me, and I became very attached to them,’ she recalls. ‘I enjoyed the responsibility, and I had excellent training from Sylvian Care. I visited many clients and memorised their routines and what they liked to do, even small things like how much salt they liked on their scrambled eggs.
One lady didn’t like me wearing red, those little details really mattered. Seeing how happy the clients were to have me there made me happy too. I worked a lot, but I never felt tired because I loved what I was doing.
‘I remember one day an elderly lady took my hand and kissed it as I was about to leave. I was so moved I burst into tears. It made me feel appreciated. I could see the big difference that I was making.’
Andrada loved the way she was treated at Sylvian Care and when she finished her degree, she knew she wanted to start her own business. Instead of going on her own or choosing to take a franchise with someone else, she decided to become a franchise owner with Sylvian Care, she knew and trusted them. Andrada wanted to run a business that made a real difference.
She has always had a caring nature. As a child, in Romania, she was very close to her grandparents and during the school holidays she used to visit them, she helped with gardening, and they showed her how to cook. She still talks to them every week and taught them how to use social media and WhatsApp so they can video call.
‘I come from such a caring family, and I want our clients to be cared for the way I would care for my own grandparents,’ she says
‘Our priority is ensuring that our clients receive the best possible care, and we hire carers who genuinely care.’
Andrada loves meeting her clients and hearing their stories. ‘I like seeing their happy faces when we are there,’ she says.
Andrada met Claudiu when they were both working as carers for Sylvian Care. Now, he is not only her business partner, but they are also in a relationship. He has ten years of experience in care and a degree in psychology and counselling.
Even though they are the business owners they also deliver care for clients themselves and love what they do.
Andrada loves the variety. One day she could be taking a client to an art exhibition, another day she could be taking a client for a swim, a coffee or a walk in the park. Her focus is on making sure their clients receive the care they need and adapting to their changing needs.
‘Everyone is unique, and everyone is special in their own way,’ she says. ‘They all have stories to tell, and I love sitting with them, listening to what they have to say.’
Her business has received five-star reviews and many of their clients come through word of mouth.
She says it has been a great benefit to have the support of Sylvian Care. ‘Having that support has made me feel confident,’ she says. ‘I know there is always someone to help if I’m struggling with anything. The journey has been so rewarding. We’re running our own business, doing what we love, and making a difference.’
In her spare time Andrada enjoys taking care of her Husky dog, swimming, reading and cooking. Her clients love her cooking.
She wants to build a company with a culture that she would want to work in herself. She feels that happy carers mean happy clients.
At the start Andrada and Claudiu handed out 10,000 flyers in a week. Once they found their first client, the rest followed. They had so many touching reviews. The business has already expanded and now covers Fleet, Hook and Farnham. They plan to keep on growing.
Andrada says starting the business was the best decision she has ever made.
To anyone considering becoming a Sylvian franchisee her advice is: ‘If you want to do good, then do it.’ At the end of each day, she feels fulfilled and happy.
‘I have the flexibility of running my own business and I love it,’ she says. ‘My family are very proud of me, and I know I’m going to go far in life.
‘I truly believe that when you do good, good things come back to you.’
If you feel called to transform your passion for helping others into a fulfilling business venture, now is the time to act. Reach out to Emma Chappell at emma.chappell@sylviancare.co.uk to learn more about joining the Sylvian Care community as a franchisee and turn your purpose into a life-changing business.
About the Author
Cristina Grancea, CEO of Sylvian Care, is deeply committed to empowering franchisees to succeed in the home care sector. With years of experience building a trusted care network, Cristina combines her professional expertise with a passion for creating care businesses that truly serve their communities. Her mission is to inspire purpose-driven entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses while making a positive impact on the lives of others.
