At 40, Kenyan Immigrant Reinvents Herself as a Business Owner in Washington State

Catherine Wangui, 46, is poised to launch her own group home in Washington State, a culmination of a six-year journey that saw her transition from a career in Kenyan banking and insurance to a registered nurse and, ultimately, an entrepreneur in the United States. 

Wangui's story begins in Kirinyaga, Kenya, where she spent her life working in managerial roles within the banking and insurance sectors. By 2018, however, she faced a confluence of personal and economic hardships. A failed marriage and a stagnating Kenyan economy left her seeking a more promising future for herself and her two daughters. With the support of family and friends, she secured funding for a one-way ticket to the US, a move that she never envisioned, but one that became an act of strategic imperative to secure a better future.

"The notion of moving abroad had never crossed Wangui's mind for much of her life," she says. "But when economic hardships hit, it forced me to reconsider everything."

Upon arrival in Washington State, Wangui confronted the realities of adapting to a new country and culture. She initially stayed with a host family before transitioning into a caregiving role. It was in this capacity that she encountered other immigrants, many of whom were working in the healthcare sector. These interactions sparked an interest in nursing as a potential career path. Despite her extensive background in finance, Wangui recognised that replicating her previous career trajectory in the US banking sector was unlikely to yield the financial rewards and long-term stability she sought. Healthcare, on the other hand, presented a more promising avenue, offering job security and the potential for career advancement.

The decision to pursue nursing required careful consideration. Returning to school represented a significant financial investment, necessitating a meticulous savings plan. She acknowledged that caregiving, while providing immediate income, was not a sustainable long-term solution due to its demanding hours and limited earning potential. Supported by her host family, who encouraged her to save and enrol in nursing school, Wangui took a decisive step. She secured a position as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at a children's hospital, marking the formal beginning of her foray into the medical field.

Driven by a desire to progress in the healthcare sector, Wangui embarked on an intensive search for nursing programs that aligned with her financial constraints and schedule. Ultimately, she selected Sumner College in Oregon, a decision that required her to relocate once again. Financing her education proved to be a major hurdle. Lacking a guarantor, she struggled to secure student loans. To overcome this obstacle, Wangui adopted an austere lifestyle, reducing her living expenses and working weekends to supplement her income. Her dedication and perseverance eventually paid off in 2023 when she successfully completed her nursing studies.

Following graduation, Wangui briefly remained in Oregon to gain practical nursing experience. However, she harboured a desire for a career that offered greater autonomy, financial freedom, and a better work-life balance than traditional nursing roles could provide. While visiting Washington State for a golf tournament, Wangui encountered Kenyan entrepreneurs who operated group homes, specialised facilities providing residential and medical care to individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Intrigued by this business model, she began researching the regulatory frameworks and financial structures governing group homes in various states. She weighed the possibility of starting her own business.

Her research convinced her that entrepreneurship was the next logical step. She made the bold decision to return to Washington State and transition into business ownership. This required careful planning, including obtaining a Washington State nursing license, accumulating sufficient savings, and securing stable employment to ensure financial security during the startup phase. Wangui landed a civil service nursing position at Western State Hospital. This was no small feat, but her entrepreneurial aspirations remained her primary focus. She was determined to establish her own group home and become a business owner.

In August 2024, Wangui realised a major milestone by purchasing a home, the foundation for her entrepreneurial venture. She then dedicated the subsequent months to remodelling the residence into a compliant group home, navigating the complex licensing and administrative processes required to operate such a facility. She is now poised to open her doors to residents. Her business model centres on providing comprehensive medical care and daily assistance to residents. Payment structures vary depending on the level of care required. Government-sponsored patients covered by Medicaid will generate approximately $3,000 per month in revenue, while private clients will contribute between $15,000 and $20,000 monthly.

Although Wangui's group home is not yet operating, she expresses optimism about the growing demand for such services. She cites the high patient volume at Western State Hospital, where she continues to work, as an indicator of the ongoing need for residential care facilities. Wangui’s journey epitomises resilience and reinvention. Over the past six years, she navigated immigration, career change, and entrepreneurship. She overcame financial obstacles, cultural challenges, and personal setbacks to realise her vision of a better life.

“If you told me at 40 that I would change my life, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Wangui says.