Local entrepreneur launches in-home care service to help those in need

It takes a special individual to care for others who can’t take care of themselves, and that’s what BeLove Home Care does for families and individuals in the community. Owner Bonika Surline started her own home care business in January 2022 after working as an employee in the medical field for 16 years.

In-home care service consists of a caregiver assessing the client’s needs after leaving the hospital, from issuing medication at proper times, helping around the house, providing transportation to appointments, and other activities of daily living. BeLove Home Care provides services to the St. Clair County region as well as a few of the surrounding counties.

“After doing home care for so many years I wanted to start my own company. I’ve witnessed things I didn’t agree with or felt I could provide a better service for,” Surline says. “Taking care of people has always been my passion, so I figured why not do my own thing. I’ve learned a lot from my education as well as my experience in the field.”

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Surline moved to Port Huron at the age of 13 where she attended Port Huron High School before entering the nursing program and graduating in 2021.

“I got into nursing because my daughter was born with a heart defect, and I would watch the doctors and nurses come to work every day to take care of her, and I wanted to give back and do the same thing for other families who needed medical care as well,” Surline says.

Going from employee to business owner is a big transition with new obstacles and challenges as well as rewards. In the short amount of time BeLove has been open, the business has really picked up. Providing employment to 25 employees and care for over 40 families, it’s a testament to the love and care provided by its staff.

“It’s a rewarding feeling to see my dreams and goals manifesting before my eyes, all of the hard work and dedication are finally paying off,” Surline says. “I enjoy meeting new individuals and providing them with that comfort and care that isn’t always provided by some agencies or homes in the field of healthcare.”

BeLove recently participated in the St. Clair County Community College Career Fair and would like to expand to serve those living in the Metro Detroit area in the future. To contact BeLove Home Care visit belovehomecare.com or facebook.com/Belovehomecareservice.

 *FUN FACT: Reads inspirational quotes every day/BeLove name is derived from the first initial of Bonika’s name and her loving nature.