Driven by Resilience: Why Going Into Business Was The Only Choice For Nina

We sat down with Nina Allen, owner and director of Austin Allen Home Care, at the beautiful Albion House Hotel in Ramsgate to learn more about her story. The Kent-based home care entrepreneur is a force of nature, a living testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of a tenacious spirit. She encourages women everywhere to chase their dreams despite the odds. Her story, which spans continents, personal hardships, and professional triumphs, is one of grit and determination but steeped in a strong desire to deliver outstanding service.

A  Childhood of Contrasts

Nina’s story begins with her Nigerian parents moving to the UK in the 1970s, seeking education and a better life. Her early years were spent in Kent, cared for by an English nanny while her parents pursued their studies. But life took an unexpected turn when her mother’s visa expired, and five-year-old Nina found herself on a flight to Lagos, Nigeria, to be reunited with her biological family.

“It was a complete culture shock,” Nina recalls, describing the contrast between her British upbringing and the vibrant but unfamiliar world of her Nigerian relatives. Though she cherished the chance to connect with her roots, civil unrest in Nigeria soon prompted a return to the UK.

In 1983, six-year-old Nina landed back in Kent, clutching a sack of belongings. She was taken in once again by her former nanny’s family, who lovingly raised her as one of their own. It was the last time she would ever see her biological parents.

“My mum and dad—the ones who raised me—they were everything. They shaped who I am today,” Nina says of her adoptive parents, who brought her up in a tight-knit working-class community. Despite their modest means, their generosity and sense of community left a lasting imprint on Nina’s character.

A Budding Entrepreneur

From a young age, Nina’s entrepreneurial spark was evident. As a schoolgirl, she cycled to school selling snacks to classmates, undercutting the vending machines. “I’ve always had that drive to make something happen,” she reflects with a laugh.

But life was not without hardship. At 15, Nina faced the devastating loss of her adoptive mother to lung cancer. The grief was profound, but Nina channelled it into ambition. Determined to create a life of stability and success, she pursued education with vigour. After excelling in business studies at college, she enrolled in university, juggling part-time jobs and mounting debt along the way.

From a young age, Nina displayed a knack for business. “I used to cycle to school and sell cans of Coke and chocolate, undercutting the vending machines,” she laughs. This entrepreneurial spirit never waned.

After losing her adoptive mother to lung cancer at just 15, Nina channelled her grief into ambition. From excelling at a grammar school to discovering her passion for business and marketing at college, she began carving her own path.

Finding Her Calling

Nina’s professional journey began in recruitment, where she quickly proved her mettle. “I loved the challenge of matching people to the right roles and helping businesses grow,” she says. Her talent was undeniable, and she swiftly climbed the ranks. But the 2008 financial crisis turned her thriving recruitment business on its head.

“Clients were calling me to make staff redundant rather than hire,” Nina explains. “I knew I needed to pivot to something more stable—something recession-proof.” That’s when she turned her focus to domiciliary care, recognising the growing need for compassionate, reliable home care services.

Building Austin Allen Home Care

Launching Austin Allen Home Care wasn’t without challenges. Nina had to navigate the stringent regulations of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and earn the trust of Kent County Council. “They gave us the most challenging cases, the ones other providers didn’t want,” she recalls. “But we didn’t care. For us, it’s always been about providing outstanding care—treating clients as though they’re our own family.”

Her dedication paid off. Word spread about the exceptional quality of care Austin Allen Home Care provided, and the company expanded rapidly. Today, it operates in four locations, with plans to open two more branches in the coming years.

Overcoming Barriers

As a Black woman in business, Nina faced unique challenges. “People would ask me if I worked with my husband or from home, as if I couldn’t possibly own a business myself,” she says. Such comments, steeped in racism and sexism, only fuelled her determination to succeed.

“I’ve always believed that resilience and ambition are the keys to overcoming barriers,” Nina asserts. “If someone doubts you, use it as motivation to prove them wrong.”

Advocating for Social Care

Beyond her business success, Nina is a passionate advocate for systemic change in the social care sector. “It doesn’t matter how much the government invests in the NHS if they don’t address the issues in social care,” she explains. From training carers to securing fair funding, Nina is committed to raising the profile of the care industry and ensuring its sustainability for future generations.

Lessons for the Next Generation

When asked what advice she would give to young women, Nina’s response is clear: “Do more than just your studies. Volunteer, join clubs, take up hobbies—anything that sets you apart.” Drawing from her own experience as a recruiter, she emphasises the importance of standing out in an increasingly competitive job market.

“It’s those extra experiences that build your confidence and make you dynamic in the eyes of employers,” she adds.

The Future of Austin Allen Home Care

As for what lies ahead, Nina has big plans. In addition to expanding her home care business, she is investing in property and exploring ways to further her impact in social care advocacy.

“I’ve got a five-year plan,” she says with determination. “After that, who knows? I might sell the business, step back, or bring in a director to take over. But for now, I’m focused on growth and making a difference.”

Living with Purpose

Nina’s story is one of resilience, resourcefulness, and heart. From her modest beginnings to her current role as a leader in the home care sector, she exemplifies the power of perseverance.

“Success isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about how you impact others and the legacy you leave behind,” she says. With her sights set on continued growth and advocacy, Nina Allen is a shining example of what’s possible when ambition meets compassion.