When Care Becomes a Calling: Zandra's Journey to BrightStar Care

Some career paths are carefully planned. Others are shaped by life's most personal moments.

For Zandra Mathurin, opening a BrightStar Care franchise was a culmination of experience, personal triumph, and timing. With more than three decades in healthcare, a lifelong entrepreneurial dream, and a deeply personal journey caring for her aging mother through a dementia diagnosis, BrightStar Care became the answer she was looking for.

Today, as she prepares to open her BrightStar Care location in Georgia, she's combining everything she's learned about healthcare with a mission rooted in helping families receive compassionate, high-quality care in the comfort of their homes.

35 Years in the Business

The healthcare industry intrigued Zandra from a young age. Growing up in Guyana and St. Lucia, she knew early on that she wanted a career that would allow her to make a difference while giving her the flexibility to work anywhere in the world.

"At first I thought I'd be a nurse," she recalls. "But after experiencing the gruesome emergency room environment, I realized the business side was a better fit."

Over the next 35 years, she worked her way through just about every administrative role imaginable. She worked in medical records, x-ray technology, back-office operations, you name it, she worked it.

She explained, "One of the most rewarding parts of my career has always been witnessing patients heal, regain their strength, and return to the comfort of their daily lives." Her extensive healthcare background gave her an understanding of how quality care is delivered, but an experience with her own family would ultimately redefine what that care truly looked like.

The Diagnosis that Changed Everything

Five years ago, Zandra's mother was diagnosed with vascular dementia.

After spending ten days in the hospital, her mother returned home unable to walk or care for herself. Together, Zandra and her sister committed to caring for her at home with patience, encouragement, and compassion.

Like so many families navigating this journey, they became full-time caregivers, determined to keep their mother surrounded by love and familiarity.

Watching her mother regain independence in the comfort of home opened Zandra's eyes to the incredible impact that quality in-home care can have.

"That experience changed everything for me," she said. "It showed me firsthand the power of compassionate care in the home and how the right support can restore dignity, independence, and quality of life."

It was at that moment she knew she wanted to build a business dedicated to helping other families experience that same level of care.

Dreams of Business Ownership

While her career spanned the healthcare realm, entrepreneurship had always been part of Zandra's story.

Her parents owned their own businesses, and growing up, she watched firsthand what it meant to build something of your own through hard work and determination.

"My parents owned their own businesses, and from a very young age they instilled in us the importance of hard work, independence, and building something meaningful of our own."

And Zandra isn't going it alone, her husband, Irvin, has been a great supporter. The veteran has been by her side for nearly 40 years, they've worked together before, and they know exactly how to balance family and business. She also feels well supported by her 4 adult children and son and daughters-in-law. Making for a great team ready to take on this next adventure!

Finding BrightStar Care

Zandra first learned about BrightStar Care through fellow franchise owner Yonette Harry, a trusted friend who believed the opportunity would be a perfect fit.

She saw a franchise that combined healthcare excellence with strong operational support, allowing her to pursue business ownership without doing it alone.

As she prepares for her opening, she remains confident because of the multiple levels of support she has felt throughout her process.

"Chris Conolly has been so good. It doesn't matter what time I text him, he always answers." She said. She also credits numerous franchisees in her area and surrounding states who have lent a helping hand.

When asked about the support she's received, her answer is simple:

"I cannot ask for more," she said.

FAQs

Q: What support does BrightStar Care provide new franchisees?

A: BrightStar Care offers comprehensive onboarding, training, operational guidance, and ongoing support from both the corporate team and a collaborative network of experienced franchise owners.

Q: Why is home care an attractive franchise opportunity?

A: Home care continues to see growing demand as more families seek quality care options that allow loved ones to remain at home. BrightStar Care combines this long-term market need with a mission-driven business model focused on serving local communities.

Q: Where are BrightStar Care locations available?

A: Locations are available with BrightStar Care in almost all 50 states. For more specific details about a territory you might be interested in, please connect with our team and let us know where you would like to operate, or check out our available territories.