Dr. Iris Wright’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and a relentless pursuit of purpose. As a serial entrepreneur, author, speaker, and community advocate, she has carved out a remarkable path, transforming challenges into opportunities. Dr. Wright is at the helm of multiple ventures, including Caring Hearts Telecare, Author Iris Wright & Publishing, Real Talk With Iris, and Wrights Holdings. Through her diverse businesses, she has touched countless lives and continues to make an impact in the spheres of healthcare, literature, and community service.
Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2019 with a leap of faith that changed her life forever. “I was tired of working long hours with minimal support,” she recalls. It was after reading Steve Harvey’s book, Jump, that she made the bold decision to quit her job. With no savings and a burning desire to start her own business, she launched Wrights Virtual Services. The company initially offered a remote call center, notary, and tax services. Then, in April 2020, COVID-19 hit. “I had just opened my first brick-and-mortar office, and then I had to shut it down. It was nerve-wracking, especially with a 4-year-old at home,” Dr. Wright shares.
“Turning Adversity into Strength: Dr. Iris Wright’s Journey of Healing, Resilience, and Innovation in Home Care”
Faced with uncertainty, she turned her dining room into an office and adapted to the changing environment. While many businesses struggled during the pandemic, Dr. Wright found a niche in title work, which thrived as demand for refinancing surged. “I would get out of bed at 2 a.m. to work on opening my home care company,” she says. Her efforts paid off in January 2021 when she opened Caring Hearts Senior Living. Though the initial venture faced challenges—particularly with Medicaid payments and staffing—it laid the groundwork for the launch of Caring Hearts Telecare in July 2022, which marked a turning point. The restructured company offered companion services, private pay options, and partnered with Electronic Caregiver to deliver innovative home care solutions. “We are the only company in Virginia that provides these services,” she proudly states, having earned the Best Home Care title for both 2023 and 2024 by Community Votes.
However, Dr. Wright’s path was not without significant hurdles. At just 18 years old, she faced a wrongful accusation that could have led to a 20-year prison sentence. “It took me over 20 years to heal from this,” she admits. Her experience had a profound impact on her journey as an entrepreneur, teaching her the value of resilience and the importance of self-love. “When I became an entrepreneur and had to work closely with people, I realized I had a lot of healing to do.” The process began in earnest in 2021, leading her to rebuild her faith and confidence. Writing became an essential part of her healing journey, and in January 2023, she publicly shared her story, further cementing her transformation. “God and healing helped me find the peace I never knew existed. It took me out of survival mode and allowed me to grow my business strategically.”
Dr. Wright’s growth is evident not only in her businesses but also in her accolades. She has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Community Leader Award from ACHI Magazine, the Phenomenal Women Award by My Sisters Keeper, the Empowered Diva Award,
and Author Allstar of the Year. She also received two Honorary Doctorate degrees in Healthcare Administration and Business, along with the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. “These achievements are not just mine; they belong to every person who has believed in me and walked alongside me,” she reflects.
Her literary journey has been equally impressive, with best-sellers like Taking Your Power Back, Win in Nursing, and What Is Fearless Living among her co-authored works. Her solo books, Injustice My Story and the forthcoming Evolving the Storm, delve deeply into her personal experiences and lessons learned. She continues to push the boundaries of her creativity with upcoming visionary projects, including Black Diamond Chronicles, Injustice Vol III, and Teen Mom to Entrepreneur, set to launch in 2025
A key driver behind her work is a deep commitment to the community, particularly seniors and those affected by injustice. Her Injustice Movement, launched in January 2023, aims to provide legal support for the wrongly accused and reunite families. “Right now, I’m working to help a man get clemency after 27 years of an 80-year sentence for a non-violent crime,” she says, underscoring her dedication to societal betterment.
When it comes to advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, Dr. Wright’s message is simple: “Stop thinking about it—just go do it. JUMP!” Her own leap into entrepreneurship has shown that even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome with faith, hard work, and a willingness to take risks. As she continues to grow her businesses and advocate for her community, Dr. Wright’s journey stands as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.
