Introducing Business Blooms Entrepreneurs Annkaro and Denys!

Annkaro Muthoka

Annkaro Muthoka is a dedicated educator and healthcare professional currently working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. Born in Kenya, Annkaro began her career as a teacher, dedicating over 30 years to educating students. Her expertise eventually led to a leadership role as a director of a newly established school. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, she faced both personal and professional losses that led her to resign in March 2021. 

After stepping down, Annkaro made the decision to move to the United States. A friend soon introduced her to an elderly gentleman in need of caregiving support, which sparked her passion for the healthcare field. She traveled to Washington State to complete her CNA training and later returned to North Carolina, where she began working full-time as a caregiver for senior citizens with medical needs.

Through her friend Annette, Annkaro connected with Alice Bosley, co-founder of Five One Labs and lead trainer for the Business Bloom program. Initially, Annkaro was uncertain about her business idea and whether it could become a reality. However, after just a few calls to workshop her idea, she began to envision it more clearly. This process ultimately led her to a refined concept, a business that provides massage therapy and caregiving services tailored to meet the specific needs of elderly individuals. The growing need for this industry is apparent, as a “rising aging population is leading to an increase in demand for elderly health care” and that nearly “six in ten senior adults require (health) assistance.” 

“It’s going to be a company, but it’s going to be a company with standards,” Annkaro shared during an interview about her aspirations for her venture. She plans to build her inclusive, patient centered business on a strong foundation of genuine care and compassion. “If you take care of people with the pure love of God, you will see the difference. Love is something that anyone can understand.”

Annkaro is fully committed to working toward her goals, aiming to “start her business in the right place, build the right foundation…and to see it progress.” Beyond her healthcare business, she is also working to establish a school in Kenya geared towards the creation of awareness for the Elderly and their care needs there. This school will operate similarly to her business model, where the caregiving skills are tailored to their individual needs, and will continue her passion for education while making a positive impact in her home country.

Denys Vasyliev

Denys Vasyliev, originally from the Ukraine, moved to the United States a year and a half ago. With 18 years of business experience, he and his wife now operate “Rebel Tails” in Morrisville, North Carolina, which provides pet grooming services. As part of the Business Bloom program, Denys aims to develop a comprehensive plan to expand their business into a larger facility that will offer grooming, boarding, veterinary care, dog park and more.

Denys’s inspiration for this venture stems from a noticeable lack of dog services in the area, an issue exacerbated by a surge in pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the Business Bloom program, Denys was paired with a local mentor, Brandon Kashani, who encouraged him to research the growth of the pet care industry and market over the past 50 years. This research confirmed the rising demand for pet services amid a shifting market landscape, solidifying Denys’s belief that now is the perfect time to enter this market.

Reflecting on his motivation, Denys shared, “You understand that you are building something great,” which drives him to work hard and grow his network in the Raleigh area. A key goal, both for his business and his participation in the Business Bloom program, is to foster connections. He expressed a desire “to create meaningful relationships with those who share my vision...We are doing business to bring them value and build great friendships.”

Currently, Denys is using a sandbox model to assess the market capacity and demand for his services. This model has helped him estimate the land size necessary to support an anticipated 35,000 services annually. Denys aims to open the new facility by October 2025, with long-term plans to expand its offerings and possibly explore franchising opportunities in the future.

We look forward to following Annkaro and Denys as they grow their businesses and create positive impact on their communities and beyond!