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After years of building a career in software product and project management, Archana Alatkar was ready for something more meaningful. With her BrightStar Care location in Issaquah Highlands and Trenton, Washington, she's redefining what care can look like for families in her community.
More Than Another Corporate Role
Archana spent her career in the software industry, working with companies like Amazon and Baxter International. As a product and project manager, she coordinated complex workflows, collaborated across departments, and worked closely with clinical teams, hospitals, and customers.
Over time, however, she began questioning what she wanted from the next chapter of her career.
“I was at that stage where I'm doing the same thing, and you feel stuck and stagnant," Archana said. “I wanted to do something that I really like and am passionate about, a reason to wake up every day.”
She didn't come from a business background, so starting a company from scratch felt like a steep climb. Franchising offered a different path forward: a way to build something of her own while leaning on a model that had already proven itself. That search eventually led her to BrightStar Care.
Why Home Care Felt Personal
Although Archana did not build her career as a clinician, healthcare has always surrounded her. Her father is a retired anesthesiologist, and several members of her extended family in India are physicians. She chose engineering instead, but she never stopped admiring the work her family did.
Her own career also brought her closer to care. Before Baxter, Archana worked as a product manager for a company focused on companionship and support services. That experience helped her better understand the challenges facing older adults and families.
The mission became even more personal because Archana lives far from her own parents. She often thought about what it means for aging adults to maintain their independence and remain surrounded by familiar people and places.
"I used to pass by a senior care facility on my way to work, and the same thought came to me every day: life shouldn't end this way," she said. “Why should someone have to leave the comfort of their home? Why can't they receive that care in their own home?"
That question became central to her interest in the home care industry and her desire to help more families understand that care can come to them.
Why BrightStar Care Stood Out
Once Archana began researching franchise opportunities, BrightStar Care quickly stood out from the other concepts she explored. She was initially drawn to the brand’s 24 years of operating history and its network of more than 440 locations nationwide.
What sealed the decision was BrightStar Care’s full continuum of care. The ability to offer both skilled and unskilled services, along with Joint Commission accreditation, gave her multiple ways to serve clients and build revenue under one roof.
For Archana, that combination mattered because she was searching for both purpose and a strong business foundation. The opportunity allowed her to pursue a community-focused mission without giving up the structured model she wanted as a first-time owner.
Support That Goes Above and Beyond
Archana is still in the early stages of opening her Washington location, but she has already experienced the BrightStar Care franchisee support system firsthand.
"The franchise development manager I worked with, Scott, was excellent, above and beyond," she said. "Anytime I texted him with a question, he'd answer or help in any way possible. It was pretty smooth."
Since signing on, Archana has also spent time connecting with other franchise owners inside and outside Washington, gathering insight from those who've been through the process before her.
"Every time I talk to someone, I get new insights on what to do and what not to do," she said. "All the owners I talked to were very welcoming and ready to help each other. I really liked the collaboration and cooperative network."
Redefining What Care Looks Like
As Archana moves toward opening, she wants her business to help change how people think about home care. Many families still associate care with leaving home for a facility, and she wants to show that support can also come where people already feel most comfortable.
“What’s important is giving back to the community. That’s always there, and that’s the main thing,” she said.
For Archana, that community impact is what makes this career change worth pursuing.
Ready to bring high-quality, in-home care to your own community? Contact BrightStar Care today to learn more about the opportunity!
FAQs
Q: What makes BrightStar Care’s business model different?
A: BrightStar Care offers a full continuum of care, including both skilled and unskilled services. That gives franchisees multiple revenue streams, along with Joint Commission accreditation that few competitors can match.
Q: What support does BrightStar Care provide new franchisees?
A: BrightStar Care provides structured training, ongoing guidance, and access to a network of experienced owners. This support helps franchisees navigate operations, staffing, and growth with confidence.
Q: Do I need a healthcare background to open a BrightStar Care location?
A: No. Many BrightStar Care franchise owners come from non-medical backgrounds. The model is built so owners can lead operations, hire clinical professionals, and leverage the brand’s systems and resources.
