Inspiring Conversations with Natasha Wiley of HARRIS HOMECARE LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natasha Wiley.

Hi Natasha , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey to becoming the owner and CEO of Harris Homecare wasn’t an overnight success, nor was it something I always planned to do. It’s a story of faith, perseverance, resilience, and trusting God’s timing.

I started my healthcare career at just 19 years old as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) and Home Health Aide (HHA) while pregnant with my oldest daughter. At the time, I couldn’t even afford the cost of the STNA training program. Thankfully, I qualified for a county-funded workforce program that gave me the opportunity to attend. Looking back, that opportunity changed the trajectory of my life.

After my daughter was born, I worked as an STNA for four years. During those years, I cared for incredible patients and worked alongside amazing nurses who inspired me every day. They showed me the impact a compassionate nurse could have, and they motivated me to continue my education and become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

I attended ATS and graduated at just 21 years old. However, graduating wasn’t the end of the journey. Passing my state boards became another lesson in perseverance.

I didn’t pass the NCLEX on my first attempt. At the time, I was pregnant with my second daughter, and I remember telling myself, “Delayed does not mean denied.” I refused to let one setback define my future.

When I took the exam for the second time, I was actually in active labor. During the test, the proctor noticed I was uncomfortable and asked if I was okay. I assured her I was, then quietly went into the restroom, where I prayed and asked God for the strength to finish. I knew I couldn’t quit.

I completed the exam, and later that night, on November 27, 2012, I gave birth to my beautiful daughter. That date represents two life-changing moments for me—it is both my daughter’s birthday and the beginning of my nursing career. Shortly afterward, I learned that I had passed my boards.

As a new nurse, I made it my goal to gain experience in as many areas of nursing as possible. I worked in long-term care, rehabilitation, home health, hospice, and other healthcare settings to understand every aspect of patient care. I believed every experience would prepare me for something greater.

In 2014, I began working private duty with my father, caring for clients in their homes. That experience completely changed my perspective on healthcare. I fell in love with home care because it allowed me to slow down, truly know my clients, and provide personalized, patient-centered care. Instead of rushing from patient to patient, I could focus on building relationships and improving quality of life.

That’s when I knew I had found my passion.

I established my LLC and began creating a business plan. Around the same time, I was enrolled in school to become a Registered Nurse. I had completed nearly half of the program when I felt God pulling me toward entrepreneurship. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I chose to step away from nursing school and take a leap of faith to pursue my dream of owning a home care agency.

As I worked to bring that vision to life, I worked alongside my mother in building the foundation of what would become Harris Homecare. Starting a business required countless hours, unwavering determination, and a willingness to learn every aspect of running an agency. Together, we navigated the challenges of launching a company from the ground up. Those early years taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, leadership, and the realities of entrepreneurship.

One of the greatest blessings along my journey has been my husband. Entrepreneurship can be demanding, filled with uncertainty and sacrifice, but he has been a steady source of encouragement and support. He believed in the vision for Harris Homecare even during the difficult seasons, celebrated the victories, and stood beside me through the setbacks. His unwavering support has allowed me to pursue my purpose while also being a wife and mother. Building this business has truly been a family effort, and I am grateful that we’ve been able to grow together through every season.

Then came 2020.

When COVID-19 changed the world, it also highlighted the critical need for quality home care. Families wanted to keep their loved ones safe at home, hospitals were overwhelmed, and caregivers became more essential than ever. Everything I had been preparing for suddenly came together. The vision that had been growing in my heart for years became a reality.

Building Harris Homecare has not been without challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve experienced setbacks, financial struggles, staffing shortages, self-doubt, and moments when quitting would have been easier. Over time, my journey also included learning difficult lessons about leadership, relationships, and establishing healthy boundaries. Each challenge shaped me into a stronger leader and strengthened my commitment to serving others.

Today, Harris Homecare has grown into a multi-million-dollar home care agency serving families throughout Northeast Ohio. What began as a dream has become an organization that provides compassionate, high-quality care while creating meaningful careers for healthcare professionals. We have also expanded into Harris Residential Homes, allowing us to continue our mission of caring for individuals in need through another avenue of service.

One of the things I’m most proud of is that I never forgot where I started. I’ve worked every level of patient care—from STNA and Home Health Aide to LPN, private-duty nurse, and now business owner. Because I’ve lived those experiences, I understand both the challenges caregivers face and the importance of treating every client with dignity, respect, and compassion. That perspective influences every decision I make as a leader.

Owning a business has also given me the opportunity to create jobs, mentor future healthcare professionals, and encourage aspiring entrepreneurs—especially women and young mothers who may wonder if their dreams are possible. I want them to know that their current circumstances do not define their future.

Faith has been the foundation of every step in my journey. There were many moments when the path didn’t make sense, but I trusted God anyway. Looking back, I can clearly see how every setback, every delay, every person who poured into me, and every challenge was preparing me for something greater.

If there’s one thing I hope people take away from my story, it’s this: don’t let your current situation determine your future. I was a 19-year-old pregnant STNA who couldn’t afford nursing classes. I failed my nursing boards the first time. I took my licensing exam while in labor. I stepped away from nursing school to pursue a dream that many people couldn’t yet see.

Today, I lead a thriving healthcare company that was built from the ground up through faith, hard work, perseverance, and the support of the people who believed in me.

My story is proof that delayed does not mean denied. Sometimes God uses every obstacle to prepare you for the purpose He has planned all along.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. Building Harris Homecare has come with many challenges, from navigating the ever-changing healthcare industry and staffing shortages to balancing the responsibilities of being a business owner, wife, and mother. In the early years, I wore every hat in the business and learned many lessons through trial and error.

I’ve also learned that leadership requires making difficult decisions, setting healthy boundaries, and accepting that not everyone is meant to be part of your journey forever. While those seasons weren’t easy, they strengthened my faith, built my resilience, and shaped me into the leader I am today. Looking back, every challenge became a stepping stone rather than a setback.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Harris Homecare is a licensed home care agency serving families throughout Northeast Ohio with the mission of helping individuals remain safe, independent, and comfortable in their own homes. We provide compassionate, personalized home care services that allow our clients to maintain their dignity while receiving the support they need. We also operate Harris Residential Homes, where we provide a safe and supportive living environment for individuals who require additional care.

What sets us apart is that I built this company from firsthand experience. I’ve worked as a home health aide, STNA, LPN, and private-duty nurse, so I understand the challenges caregivers face and the importance of providing exceptional, client-centered care. Harris Homecare was built on integrity, compassion, and the belief that every client deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and genuine care. Every decision we make reflects those values.

What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve earned within our community. Families invite us into their homes during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. Our team is committed to building genuine relationships, providing reliable care, and making a positive difference in the lives of the clients and families we serve. At Harris Homecare, our goal has always been simple: to care for others with the same compassion and respect we would want for our own loved ones.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to start before you feel completely ready. There will never be a perfect time, and waiting for everything to be in place can keep you from pursuing your purpose.

I also encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to build a strong foundation. Learn your industry, ask questions, find mentors, and never stop learning. Success isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about being consistent, adaptable, and willing to do the work even when no one is watching.

One thing I wish I knew when I was starting out is that not everyone will understand your vision, and that’s okay. Protect your peace, set healthy boundaries, and surround yourself with people who genuinely support your growth. Most importantly, lead with integrity. Your reputation is one of your greatest assets, and people will remember how you treated them long after they forget what you accomplished.

Finally, trust the process. Every setback teaches a lesson, every challenge builds resilience, and every season prepares you for what’s next. Stay faithful, stay humble, and don’t give up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://harrishomecarellc.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harrishomecarellc