Story & Lesson Highlights with Sarah O’Connor of South Bay

We recently had the chance to connect with Sarah O’Connor and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
What is most misunderstood about Heartfelt Care Agency is the belief that home care is only about completing tasks like bathing, meals, or medication reminders. Those services are important, but they are not the heart of what we do.

Many families think they are simply hiring help. In reality, they are inviting someone into one of the most personal seasons of their lives. Our work is about dignity, trust, and helping people continue to feel like themselves at home even as their needs change.

Another common misunderstanding is that home care is only needed during a crisis. Families often wait until they are overwhelmed, exhausted, or reacting to a fall or hospitalization. The truth is that care works best when it begins earlier. When support is introduced at the right time, it helps people remain independent longer and prevents many emergencies before they happen.

Finally, people are often surprised by how much guidance we provide beyond caregiving. We support adult children who are navigating guilt, uncertainty, and difficult decisions. We help families understand what is happening and what options make sense, reminding them that they do not have to figure everything out on their own.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sarah O’Connor, and I am the owner and operator of Heartfelt Care Agency. I started this agency because I saw how often families struggle to find trustworthy, compassionate support when a loved one wants to remain at home but cannot manage everything on their own anymore.

At Heartfelt Care Agency, we provide in-home care that goes beyond basic assistance. Our focus is on preserving dignity, routine, and quality of life while helping seniors stay safely in the place they know best. We support not only our clients, but also their families, especially adult children who are often navigating these decisions for the first time.

What makes our agency different is the way we approach care as a relationship, not a transaction. We take time to understand the person behind the care plan, match caregivers thoughtfully, and stay closely involved as needs change. I remain hands-on in the business because I believe consistency, communication, and accountability are what families need most during this stage of life.

My work is centered on helping families feel confident, supported, and less alone as they navigate aging at home. That commitment is what continues to drive everything we do at Heartfelt Care Agency.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself was caring for someone close to me during a period when they needed more help than they were comfortable admitting. Being in that role showed me how quickly life can change and how vulnerable even the strongest, most independent people can become.

That experience taught me patience, humility, and the importance of listening. I learned that showing up consistently matters more than having all the answers, and that real care is often quiet and steady rather than dramatic. It also helped me understand the emotional weight families carry, especially adult children who are trying to balance love, responsibility, and guilt.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that it is okay to trust your instincts, even when the path is not clear yet. You do not have to have everything figured out to be moving in the right direction.

I would remind her that caring deeply is not a weakness. It is the very thing that will shape your purpose and allow you to help others in meaningful ways. There will be moments of doubt and exhaustion, but they do not mean you are failing. They mean you are growing.

Most of all, I would say that the work you are being pulled toward matters, and the compassion you lead with will become your greatest strength.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire Mister Rogers for his character. He led with kindness, humility, and a deep respect for people, especially those who felt overlooked or misunderstood. He never relied on authority or status to be impactful. Instead, he showed that gentleness, patience, and listening can be powerful in their own right.

What stands out most to me is his consistency. He showed up the same way every day, modeling empathy and emotional honesty without judgment.

His example reminds me that meaningful influence comes from how you treat people, not the position you hold.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I showed up when it mattered. That I treated people with kindness and respect, especially during moments when life felt heavy or uncertain.

I would want families to remember that I listened, that I was honest with them, and that I helped them feel less alone during difficult transitions.

More than anything, I hope the story people tell is that I led with heart, stayed grounded in compassion, and made a meaningful difference in the lives of the people I was trusted to care for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://heartfeltcareagency.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartfeltcareagency
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/heartfelt-care-agency/
• Twitter: https://x.com/heartfeltagency
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartfeltcareagency/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/heartfelt-care-agency-torrance
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg7_Zn0k2e9xA0hDbPcDdfQ
• Other: https://heartfeltcareagency.com/resources/the-spelling-social/