Photography by Brandi Stage Portraiture | Makeup/hair touch-ups: Bria Fowler, Elle Louise, LLC
Throughout her 25 years of nursing experience, Misty Nichols Stevenson noticed a troubling trend.
“I saw too many individuals discharged home, only to be readmitted — sometimes within 72 hours,” says Stevenson, who was raised in Gulfport and now resides there. “I knew there was a gap in care, and that gap couldn’t be fixed inside the hospital; it had to be fixed externally.”
To fill that gap, Stevenson founded Elite Care Home Care. The business, which offers a range of services to help clients stay comfortable and independent in their own homes, opened in 2022.
“Since then, we’ve grown into one of the Gulf Coast’s most trusted agencies, with a reputation for compassion, excellence and reliability,” Stevenson says.
MORE THAN A BUSINESS
Besides being a CEO, Stevenson is a proud wife to her husband, Calvin, with whom she shares a blended family of three daughters and with whom she has built several businesses — including a home construction company. She’s also an alum of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
In becoming both a registered nurse and a business owner, she was following in the footsteps of her mother, Linnie Nichols Davis, who is a retired registered nurse with a background in hospice care. As a little girl, Stevenson went with her mother to visit patients and helped with small tasks like bringing them water or washing their faces.
As she got older, Stevenson started assisting more with her mother’s community work, and Davis encouraged her to pitch in without charge — whether she was delivering meals, tidying homes for the elderly or sitting with someone who needed company.
“Caregiving and nursing come naturally to me, but entrepreneurship gave me the freedom to do it differently — to innovate, to build systems and to make care more personal and dignified,” says the Loyola University graduate. “For me, this is more than business; it is my calling.”
GOING THE EXTRA MILE — EVERY TIME
Describing Elite Care’s style as upscale, yet approachable, Stevenson explains that the business serves seniors, veterans, disabled individuals and post-operative clients across the Coast — especially those seeking private-pay, premium services.
“Our clients choose us because they know our goal is to keep them home, safe and happy,” she says. “That benefits everyone — the families, the hospitals and the community.”
What sets her company apart, Stevenson adds, is its heart. Elite Care doesn’t just provide services, she says; they create experiences of dignity, excellence and trust. Every detail matters — from the quality and consistency of the care to the small touches that make people feel seen.
“We go the extra mile, every time, because we believe that’s what makes the difference,” she says. “Families often tell us they can feel our heart before they even see our services, and that’s the highest compliment we can receive.”
‘I FOUGHT FOR MY VISION’
Experience has taught Stevenson that small-business success often starts with what happens behind closed doors, from training staff and holding leadership accountable to improving services and building a culture of excellence.
“For me, it’s also about showing up for my staff and my community,” she says.
Stevenson surmounted many obstacles to realize her dream, but the biggest challenge she overcame was her own fear and self-doubt. Despite the intense pressure, sleepless nights and tough decisions, she refused to quit.
“I fought for my vision; I fought for my team, and I fought for the families who depend on us, Stevenson says. “Every staffing shortage, every financial setback and every obstacle that tried to break me only made me stronger.”
While she’s still growing and learning, Stevenson describes herself as a fighter. To achieve her goals, she says, she had to get out of her own way and embrace her business as her God-given assignment.
“Once I did, I became unstoppable.” Stevenson adds. “I lead boldly now because I know I’ve already survived the fire — and come out refined.”
‘THIS WORK HAS TO BE BIGGER THAN YOU’
Being a woman in business, according to Stevenson, requires both grit and grace.
“We build with our hands, lead with our hearts, and balance business and family in a way that is uniquely ours,” she says. “What makes it special is that we don’t just build companies; we build legacies.”
Seeing Elite Care become such a trusted name in such a short time fills Stevenson with pride. The CEO credits entrepreneurship with making her a stronger leader and a better woman overall.
“It forces you to grow, to take accountability, to accept feedback and to keep evolving,” she says. “Those who refuse to grow don’t last.”
Her best advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Understand that this work has to be bigger than you.”
“When you are walking in your God-given purpose, even the hard days feel satisfying,” she says, “because you know you’re doing Kingdom work through your business.”
Offering further advice to future business founders, Stevenson urges them to do the research, lean on their mentors and don’t skip the quiet work behind the scenes.
“Build with prayer, patience and excellence,” she says, “and you’ll find that the reward is not just in profit, but in impact.”
Stevenson also cautions against getting caught up in rushing growth. Early on, she admits, she had to learn to slow down and pace herself.
“That season taught me the importance of building strong systems, improving processes and preparing my team before scaling,” Stevenson says. “Rapid growth without structure can destroy what God intended to bless.”
THE TRUE MEASURE OF SUCCESS
Stevenson’s biggest goal for her business is to expand Elite Care so that it becomes the most trusted name in senior care — not just locally, but far beyond. The company is expanding into concierge-style services and launching specialized nursing care, including wound care and wellness support.
“My vision is to put Elite Care at families’ fingertips,” she says, “creating options that keep loved ones out of the hospital and thriving at home.”
Ultimately, Stevenson says her greatest desire is to honor her Maker, as well as her mother, and to inspire her daughters and community with her work. Her calling, she realizes, is far bigger than she is.
“Elite Care will outlive me; it will continue serving families, creating opportunities, and standing as proof that faith and excellence can build something lasting,” she says. “That is the true measure of success — leaving behind a legacy that speaks long after I’m gone.”