What I’ve Learned About Freedom, Fear, and Finding My Voice as a Home Care CEO

Written by Katharina Villanueva, CEO/COO/Founder of Olivia Professional Solutions and Nest & Care

Seven years ago, I started my home care agency with a dream that many of us share:

freedom.

Freedom to spend time with my children.

Freedom to build something meaningful.

Freedom to live on my own terms.

But somewhere along the way, I found myself trapped—not by a job, but by the very business I built. I was the scheduler, the marketer, the emergency contact, the weekend coverage. I had created success on paper, but I was buried in operations and running on fumes. That wasn’t the life I imagined when I chose entrepreneurship.

Fast forward to now, and I can tell you that true freedom began when I stopped doing everything myself and started building a team-managed agency. Through intentional delegation, solid systems, and learning to truly lead, I’ve built something that no longer requires me to be at the center of every decision.

But that transformation didn’t just happen behind the scenes. It pushed me into places that terrified me—like sponsoring conferences, speaking on stage, and hosting webinars.

From Hidden to Heard

I’ll be honest—I’m not naturally drawn to the spotlight.  I still dread speaking in front of people. It’s one of the most uncomfortable things for me. My heart races, my hands get clammy, and every part of me wants to retreat. Even hitting “record” on a webinar makes me nervous. But I’ve learned that the most meaningful growth doesn’t happen in comfort—it happens when we lean into the fear and do it anyway.

So, I started showing up. I began sponsoring home care events, not just to promote Olivia Professional Solutions—my virtual assistant staffing agency for home care owners—but to truly connect with my industry peers. I spoke on panels, hosted webinars, and shared my unfiltered journey: the good, the hard, and the truth behind what it takes to step out of doing everything and into true leadership.

And Something Unexpected Happened…

I started meeting agency owners—smart, seasoned, and passionate—who came up to me and said,

“I heard you speak at that event,” or “I watched your webinar… your story gave me hope.”

And let me tell you: those moments fill my heart in a way nothing else does.

To sit across from another home care owner who’s been through the fire, who’s tired and trying, and to know that something I said gave them direction or encouragement—it’s the most humbling, soul-filling experience. It reminds me why I show up, even when I’m nervous. Because our stories matter. Because real connection changes everything.

Learning from Life and Leaning on Mentors

While much of what I’ve learned has come through trial by fire—the failures, the lessons, the long nights—I didn’t do it all alone.

Over the years, I’ve leaned hard on mentors. Some were formal, others were friends, family, and colleagues who spoke truth, challenged my thinking, or simply reminded me of my own power when I’d forgotten it. I’ve learned that you don’t have to go alone to go far. Surrounding yourself with the right people is just as important as building the right systems.

What I Want Every Agency Owner (and Mama) to Know

Whether you’re knee-deep in operations or just beginning to scale, here are the biggest lessons I’ve learned—lessons I share in every room, on every screen, and through every conversation:

1. Fear Isn’t a Stop Sign—It’s an Invitation

Yes, I still get nervous. Yes, my voice shakes sometimes. But courage doesn’t mean not being afraid—it means doing it anyway.

2. You Can’t Build Freedom Without Letting Go

You can’t create a business that runs without you if you insist on being the one who runs everything. Delegation isn’t about losing control—it’s about gaining capacity.

3. Your Story Can Set Someone Else Free

The most impactful thing you can do is share your truth. Even if it’s messy. Especially if it’s messy. Authenticity is magnetic. Your vulnerability will reach someone exactly when they need it most—and that ripple can change lives.

4. You Don’t Have to Be Ready to Start

I’ve learned that version 1 is better than version none. Progress doesn’t require perfection—it requires movement.

5. Motherhood and Entrepreneurship Aren’t Separate Journeys—They’re One Story

I used to think I had to separate my roles. Now I know that my kids are watching how I build, lead, and stretch outside my comfort zone. My businesses are part of my legacy to them. It’s all connected—and beautifully so.

Final Thoughts

If you’re reading this and feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or like you’re the only one trying to hold it all together—I see you. I was you. And honestly, some days, I still am. Some days flow with ease, and others feel heavy. And that’s okay. It’s all part of the journey.

I want you to know that it’s possible to create a business that supports your life—not swallows it. You don’t have to be stuck. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to begin.

Show up scared. Learn from failure. Lean on mentors. And share your voice—even when it shakes. Because the world needs what only you can offer.

And if you’re ready to lighten your load and build a truly team-led agency, having the right support makes all the difference.

At Olivia Professional Solutions, we specialize in connecting home care owners with highly trained home care virtual assistants who understand your industry, your challenges, and your mission. Whether you need a virtual assistant to help with scheduling, recruiting, marketing, or admin tasks, we’re here to help you step into your next level of freedom.

Let’s build the business—and the life—you imagined.

👉 Book a free exploration call with us today.