Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Chiamaka Enemuoh.
Hi Dr. Enemuoh, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am originally from Nigeria and currently live in Duluth, Minnesota with my spouse Dr (Prof.) Emmanuel Ugo Enemuoh and two beautiful children: a daughter (Adaeze) and a son (Ezechukwu “Eze”).
Living in Duluth has its ups and downs and it’s a happy home for my family. Things that I like about Duluth include the size of the city; peace and quiet; quick and easy commute to everywhere; building good relationships; family-friendly; and a good place to live. I enjoy quality time with my husband and children, listening to audio leadership books, walking outdoors during the summer months, and traveling as my business schedule permits. My Christian faith is an important part of who I am; my family belongs to St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Duluth where we are involved in different religious activities.
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?
Challenges are part of life, and as I always advise myself and others, they are never going away. Migrating to the USA unbundled different types of life challenges with respect to cultural changes, weather, societal, and entrepreneurship. Weather-wise, the subzero temperatures in Duluth MN during the winter seasons are a bit harsh compared to the tropical Nigerian temperatures that I grew up in. Interpersonal relationship within the community is also a bit different here in northern Minnesota. Starting a new business was a major challenge, in many ways. Most people did not believe in my vision due to biases and accessing resources was way difficult.
It was challenging to secure loans from financial institutions even though I had a well-thought-out business plan that was prepared with help of a business service. Despite the challenges, I founded the thriving Lifestone Health Care, Inc. (Assisting Living) in Proctor MN. Running a 24/7 healthcare operation poses increased challenges including hiring quality employees; managing staff; addressing clients’ needs; and managing the financial health of the organization which can eat away at personal and family time. During my challenges and decision-making, I pray for God’s guidance to help me make the best decisions.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am the Founder, and President of Lifestone Health Care, Inc. My educational background includes Doctorate in Nursing and Bachelor’s in Business Administration. The mission of Lifestone is to provide clients with reliable and respectful health care in a home-like setting. The story of Lifestone began with my vision to provide assisted living services to adults with high medical needs in a home-like setting.
With this vision, Lifestone began its operation in 2014 in a multi-level single-family home in Duluth, MN with five employees including myself. We had some clients that had some physical limitations and along with increased requests for placement of clients with high medical needs, I began planning for the expansion of our capacity and capability. We began the construction of our new 10-bed handicap-accessible location in Proctor MN in the fall of 2015 and we became operational at this location by early Spring of 2016.
With my education and professional experiences, Lifestone is able to offer adults 55 years and older reliable healthcare services when the home is no longer a safe alternative. Our unique smaller setting allows us to individualize each client’s health/care needs and pay detailed attention to their changing needs. We take great pride in rebuilding each of our client’s life with advanced supportive services and specialized medical care.
In addition to my commitment to Lifestone, I take pride in community engagements and enjoy helping others succeed. I serve as a STRIDE advisor at the Entrepreneur Fund in Duluth. The Stride program offers opportunities for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs to access grants, zero-interest loans, and one-on-one advising to strategically launch or grow their businesses. I serve on the Board of Directors of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce and Executive Committee as Vice Chair, of Fuse and Leadership Duluth. I am on the Board of Directors of the Women Business Alliance (WBA) at the Entrepreneur Fund, a program that is focused on providing expert support for women entrepreneurs in northeast Minnesota, central Minnesota, and northwest Wisconsin. Also, I am on the Board of Directors for the Duluth Work Force. In addition, I am a member of LeadingAge Minnesota, Care Providers of Minnesota, and a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Theta Xi Chapter).
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Due to my unusual circumstance, I would begin by acknowledging the financial institutions that had trust in me at the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey. I am always grateful to my team of employees who make it possible for Lifestone to provide 24/7 quality care and services to our clients and their families.
There are many professional friends who have supported me along the way by listening or offering their words of wisdom or helping in one way or another. And, to my beloved family with whom, I have shared and toiled to accomplish my dreams. I have been fortunate to have a supportive spouse who has worked alongside my triumphs and tribulations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lifestonehealthcare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifestonehealthcare/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifestonehealthcare
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifestonehealthcare/
