A Conversation with Sonia Abdullahi, Co-Founder of Sonia Footcare Services

Some businesses are built to chase profit.

Others are built to fill a need.

When I sat down with co-founder of Sonia Footcare Services, it became clear that hers falls into the second category.

Her journey into foot care wasn’t accidental. It was observant and deeply personal.

Seeing the Gap Others Overlooked

Sonia explained that one of the first things she noticed was a quiet shift in the healthcare landscape.

“One of the reasons that drove me into this business was that many foot care nurses were retiring. There was a growing need.”

As experienced professionals stepped away from the field, the demand – especially among seniors and long-term care residents – remained.

But there was another reason.

“When I came to Canada, I received a lot of help from people I didn’t even know. I kept asking myself: how can I give back? Foot care became that place for me.”

For Sonia, the business was never just about opportunity. It was about gratitude translated into service.

Mobility Is Dignity

Foot care may sound routine. Cosmetic, even.

It is not.

“Yes, the money is there, but most important is putting a smile on someone’s face. Mobility is everything. If you cannot stand on your feet, your whole body suffers.”

That line reframes everything.

Mobility affects balance.
Balance affects safety.
Safety affects independence.

In elderly populations especially, something as simple as improper nail care or ill-fitting shoes can lead to infection, falls, or hospitalization.

Sonia is quick to clarify a common misconception:

“Foot care is not just cutting nails. During assessment, you can identify gait problems, improper footwear, flat feet, or nail conditions.”

Many people attempt self-care without realizing the risks.

“Some people try to cut their own nails and end up causing ingrown nails or infections. I’ve been called many times after someone tried to cut their husband’s toenails and ran into problems.”

For seniors with limited eyesight or reduced flexibility, even basic nail trimming can become dangerous.

“Elderly people often don’t have good eyesight to safely do this work.”

In that context, foot care becomes more than maintenance.

It becomes prevention.

It becomes dignity.

A Two-Decade Foundation

Sonia’s confidence comes from experience.

“In nursing, I’ve been in the field for about 20 years. I started the foot care business about 10 years ago.”

Over the past decade, Sonia Footcare Services has grown through steady community support, serving long-term care facilities, private homes, and individual clients.

“It’s been wonderful. We’ve had support from the community, long-term care homes, private homes, and individuals.”

There is no flash in her story. No overnight success.

Just consistency.

Recognition – Shared

At the recent GCA Gala, Sonia received a Business Achievement Award recognizing her entrepreneurial excellence .

When asked how she felt, she didn’t pause.

“I feel very honored and happy to receive this award. But this award is for the whole foot care team, not just for me.”

That response reveals something important.

Behind sustainable businesses are teams.
Behind teams are values.

And behind values are people who remember why they started.

The Bigger Picture

In a healthcare system under pressure, preventive services often operate quietly in the background.

They do not trend.
They do not dominate headlines.

But they reduce long-term strain.
They extend independence.
They restore confidence.

Sonia Abdullahi did not set out to build a headline business.

She set out to give back.

And in doing so, she built something both practical and meaningful — one appointment at a time.