Black-Owned Business Highlight: How These Sisters are Making Compassionate Connections With Their Clients

Caring Transitions, the professional and compassionate solution for senior moves, downsizing and online estate sales with 255 locations, has emerged as one of the most sought-after brands in the booming senior care segment because of its streamlined business model and in-demand offering. As a result, the Caring Transitions network is full of franchisees from all backgrounds and walks of life. In honor of Black History Month, Caring Transitions is highlighting some of the Black franchise business owners within its system. Kimberley Bigby and Happie Dunn-Henry, for example, are the sisters and franchisee team behind Caring Transitions of Port Jefferson, New York.

The Journey to Franchise Ownership

Before franchising, Dunn-Henry worked as a flight attendant for almost 20 years. Before that, she spent 16 years with the United States Military Academy at West Point, her most recent role being with the Protocol Office, where she developed and executed second by second itineraries for onsite and visiting dignitaries and events. 

Bigby’s background has been in corporate accounting, investments and, most recently, as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Controller at a national insurance company where she was responsible for budgeting, space planning, staffing and a host of other duties.

In 2019, Bigby was let go from her corporate role, an experience she said greatly impacted the way she viewed her career moving forward. “I don’t want to have anyone else control my destiny,” she said.

An Opportunity to Create an Inclusive Environment 

The experience of being laid off also highlighted the need for entrepreneurship, specifically  franchise ownership, in the black community. “When you own your business, you’re able to provide jobs, training, and mentorship opportunities to your community,” said Bigby. “You’re able to connect with other businesses and the community where you live. The feeling you get from that is indescribable and very different from the corporate experience.”

In contrast to the corporate world, the entrepreneurial route can increasingly offer a more inclusive opportunity for anyone looking to take control of their own destiny. In 2019, there were 134,567 Black-owned employer businesses in all sectors of the U.S. economy, an 8% increase from the previous year, according to the ABS. As of last year, approximately 19.9% of all employer businesses were minority-owned and around 1.24 million (21.4%) were owned by women. 

Once they decided to start their own business and began shopping around for franchise opportunities, the sisters said they always made sure to keep their past experiences in mind. “When we met some of the team at Caring Transitions, we could tell they genuinely cared about the business, the franchisees and the employees,” said Bigby. “That makes it a little easier and allows you to exhale knowing that your race is not a factor.” 

As part of their entrepreneurial mission, Dunn-Henry says the businesswomen also aimed to create a more welcoming work environment. “Working for ourselves, we get to create our own culture and be all inclusive,” she said. “People remember how you made them feel and we want people who genuinely care, no matter what their color is. That makes a huge difference.”

Why Invest in a Caring Transitions Franchise

And, like that of many other franchisees, their journey to Caring Transitions ownership was also fueled by a personal experience. 

In 2019, Bigby’s mother passed away and Dunn-Henry came to California to support her sister and help clear out the home. In 2015, Dunn-Henry’s husband had mentioned Caring Transitions to her as a business opportunity. After experiencing the situation themselves, they quickly realized just how meaningful the business really was and knew they could make a huge difference for families in their community. 

As the nation’s only total-solutions provider for families needing compassionate care during life’s challenging transitions, the Caring Transitions business model is about making a real difference for seniors and families. 

“When I read about Caring Transitions, it resonated with me because of all I went through with my mom,” said Bigby. “I was packing up my office, transitioning out of my 25-year career, when I got the call that my mom was hospitalized. When she passed away, my sister was there, when I didn’t even realize I needed help, to be the eyes and ears we needed so we could focus on getting ready to let go and move forward. All I could think about when I heard about Caring Transitions was that everyone needs that special person to be there during those times.”

Today, that is the story Bigby shares with Caring Transitions clients as the owner of the Port Jefferson location. “I’ve walked in your shoes and I know what it feels like to be emotionally attached to a situation. It is harder to make decisions,” she said. “That is where we come in and help you navigate. We cry with you, hold your hand — we can do whatever it is you need us to do so you have time to shed the tears and deal with the emotions you need to deal with. We got you. That is why we are in this business.”

How Caring Transition Supports All Franchise Owners

When it comes to their experience as Black business owners within the Caring Transitions system, the sisters say it has been nothing but positive. “Caring Transitions as a franchisor has really supported us every step of the way,” she said. “They really get it. We have been able to have frank conversations with them about some of the reservations that we have had as Black business owners. They have been nothing but supportive and have embraced us from day one.”

Dunn-Henry agrees, saying, “I would absolutely recommend Caring Transitions franchise ownership to people of color. A business isn’t easy, but you will have a village to surround you and come and support you. We have great coaches, a great network of franchisees and we don’t have to reinvent the wheel. The name Caring Transitions says everything — they really care. My hope and prayer is that others will look at us and say: if those two can do it, I can do it, too.”

Looking ahead, the sisters say they are eager to continue giving back in any way they can through their Caring Transitions business and are excited to see what the future holds. 

“We’ve always said a person should have two careers – the one you have to do and the one that feeds your soul,” said Bigby. “Caring Transitions is the path that will feed our souls. When someone calls on Caring Transitions, they instantly become part of our family. Our hearts are open, we are here to help and we promise to always Find a Way, Make a Way, for our clients.”

Start-up costs range from $58,912–$82,712, and franchisees have the opportunity to earn back their $44,900 franchise fee through its Winner’s Circle program by hitting a variety of key benchmarks. For more information, visit: https://www.caringtransitionsfranchise.com/.