By: Travis Hutton
Merj Chu is the Chief Visionary Officer of Angel Connection Nursing Services, a home care company based in Long Beach, California. Originally from the Philippines, with a degree in Respiratory Therapy, Merj has transitioned from caregiver to entrepreneur, bringing a deep commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care. Through Angel Connection Nursing Services, she offers personal care services for all ages, with a focus on maintaining dignity and professionalism for her clients. Merj’s journey in the home care industry is driven by her passion for service, family values, and a clear vision for the future of care.
How do you balance your personal values with the demands of running a business?
Balancing my personal values with the demands of running a business is not just important to me—it’s essential. My values are the foundation of everything I do, both personally and professionally. At Angel Connection Nursing Services, I try to create an environment where care is not just a service, but a reflection of compassion, respect, and empathy. These values come from my upbringing in the Philippines, where family and community are central to how we care for one another.
Even when the business side gets overwhelming, I remind myself that the heart of our work is helping people live better, more dignified lives. I make decisions with that in mind. Whether it’s choosing to prioritize caregiver support or adjusting how we provide services to meet a client’s emotional needs, I always try to lead with empathy. It can be challenging to maintain this balance when there are operational pressures, but staying true to those values has been key to our success.
How has your experience as a caregiver shaped the way you lead your team?
Having been a caregiver myself, I understand the emotional and physical challenges that come with the job. I think this experience gives me a unique perspective as a leader because I’ve been where my caregivers are. It’s not just about managing a company; it’s about understanding the day-to-day realities they face, whether it’s dealing with the emotional toll of caring for someone at the end of their life or juggling a demanding schedule.
This experience drives me to lead in a way that values the well-being of my team. I make it a point to ensure our caregivers feel supported, whether it’s through extra training, offering a listening ear, or making sure they’re not overworked. I want them to know that they are the heart of our business, and without their dedication and compassion, we wouldn’t be able to offer the level of care that defines Angel Connection Nursing Services.
What has been the most rewarding part of your journey from caregiver to business Chief Visionary Officer?
The most rewarding part has been seeing the direct impact we have on people’s lives. When I was a caregiver, I saw it on a one-on-one level—helping someone recover after surgery, or providing companionship to someone who felt lonely. Now, as a business CVO, I get to see that same impact multiplied across many clients and caregivers. Every time I hear positive feedback from a family about how our care improved their loved one’s quality of life, or when one of our caregivers tells me how supported they feel working with us, it reinforces why I started this journey.
I think the other rewarding aspect is being able to shape a company culture that reflects my own values. In many ways, I feel like I’ve built an extended family through Angel Connection Nursing Services, where everyone, from the clients to the caregivers, feels respected and cared for. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
How do you approach challenges that come with growing your business?
I think the first step is acknowledging that growth comes with challenges—there’s no avoiding that. But I’ve learned that the way you approach these challenges can make all the difference. For me, it’s about staying adaptable while keeping our core mission intact. Growth for the sake of growth doesn’t work if it compromises the quality of care or the values that define who we are.
I approach challenges with the same mindset I’ve used throughout my career: with patience, problem-solving, and an openness to learn. I also surround myself with people whose strengths complement mine. I might be good at the caregiving side, but I have a great operational team who ensures we’re compliant, financially healthy, and efficient as we grow. Having the right team in place gives me the confidence to navigate whatever challenges come our way.
How do you view the future of the home care industry, and where do you see Angel Connection Nursing Services fitting into that future?
The future of home care is promising, especially with the increasing demand from the aging population. What excites me most is the shift towards more personalized and holistic care models. People are looking for more than just basic assistance—they want care that addresses their physical, emotional, and even social well-being.
At Angel Connection Nursing Services, we’re already positioning ourselves to meet those evolving needs. We’re exploring new technologies that allow for better client monitoring and personalized care plans. But more importantly, we’re focusing on what makes us unique: our commitment to providing care with dignity, compassion, and respect. As the industry grows and changes, I want us to stay rooted in those principles while continuing to innovate and expand.
I believe that as long as we remain true to our mission, we’ll not only adapt to the future but thrive in it.
What drives you to keep innovating in such a traditionally structured industry?
In an industry like home care, which is often seen as traditional or set in its ways, there is a real opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and innovations that can make a tangible difference in people’s lives. What drives me to innovate is the knowledge that we can always do better. Every time I see a gap—whether it’s in how we support our caregivers, how we use technology, or how we address the individual needs of our clients—it pushes me to find solutions.
I think innovation doesn’t always have to mean big technological advances; sometimes, it’s about finding new ways to offer emotional support or training caregivers to handle more complex situations. It’s about continuously asking, “How can we improve?” That’s a question I never stop asking, and it’s what keeps me motivated to innovate and evolve Angel Connection Nursing Services.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind through Angel Connection Nursing Services?
I hope the legacy I leave behind is one of compassion and quality. I want Angel Connection Nursing Services to be remembered as a company that not only provided exceptional care but did so with heart. I hope that both our clients and our caregivers feel they were part of something special, where they were treated with dignity and respect.
For future generations, I want to inspire them to enter this field with the same passion and commitment. The home care industry will continue to grow, and my hope is that it will attract people who see it as more than just a business—it’s a calling. If I can contribute to shaping that mindset and fostering a culture of care that lasts beyond my time, then I will consider that a success.
Published by: Holy Minoza
