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Introducing Lulu Kuliabko…
When you meet Luda Kuliabko, known to everyone as ‘Lulu’, you immediately sense her warmth and genuine desire to help others – traits that are right at the heart of her successful Extra Help franchise in Plymouth & Saltash.
For almost ten years, Lulu has been building an Extra Help home-help franchise that’s rooted in compassion and care. From helping elderly clients with shopping and providing companionship, to supporting busy parents and household chores, Lulu and her team tailor their support to meet people’s daily needs.
Originally from Ukraine, Lulu met her future husband there in 2012 and relocated to England. With a desire to live by the sea, they initially lived in Exeter before settling in Plymouth.
“I wanted to be close to the sea,” Lulu says. “I didn’t quite realise how cold the ocean would be, but Plymouth more than makes up for it with its beautiful views and amazing places to explore, especially with my little dog, Banjo.”
Strength through adversity
Lulu still has close family in Ukraine, including her mum and elderly sister, whose lives are deeply affected by the ongoing war.
“My mum does a lot of charity work to support the front line,” Lulu explains. “Together with other women, she cooks and preserves food to send to soldiers. They are feeding and supporting our protectors – true heroes!”
Lulu’s sister lives in Odesa, a city that has faced constant attacks and long periods without power or water but, despite the danger, she refuses to leave.
When Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, Lulu experienced a particularly difficult and emotional period in her life.
“I was crying every day, sometimes ten times a day – for three months!” she says. “It was heartbreaking and incredibly hard to stay focused, but I knew I had to stay strong for my family.”
However, despite the ongoing anguish over her family’s safety, she continued to grow her Extra Help franchise, drawing strength from her community.
“The support I received from Plymouth and Saltash was overwhelming,” she says. “The kindness, love and sense of safety I felt is something I’ll never forget.”
Finding the right opportunity
Lulu had studied for eight years at college and university in Ukraine and already run her own business before moving to the UK. Although further studying at an English university was an option, she preferred to take a different path. She decided to search for a business opportunity and, when she discovered Extra Help, everything seemed to click into place. She purchased the existing franchise in Plymouth and Saltash, which she says enabled her to grow her business more quickly and confidently.
Building the business
When Lulu took over Extra Help Plymouth & Saltash, the franchise mainly focused on cleaning. As her confidence grew, she expanded her offering to include a range of daily support services, such as companionship, meal preparation and transport to appointments and social activities, and began working closely with Social Services. She says this was one of the best decisions she ever made.
Today, Lulu works with GP prescribers, hospital discharge teams, physiotherapists, supported accommodation providers and organisations such as Age UK, and this growth that has brought her both professional and personal rewards.
A reputation built on compassion
Lulu believes that her home-help franchise’s strong, local reputation is attributed to how her clients are treated.
“Every client is individual and special,” she says. “We listen, we respect them, and we genuinely care.”
She also ensures that these same values are instilled in her team of home-helpers.
“I always try to go above and beyond, and only look for kind, caring and responsible people to work with me. My team has been my biggest support over the years,” she says.
Lulu’s high standards are maintained through daily communication, training, spot checks and regular conversations with clients.
Keys to success
Lulu believes that, while hard work and dedication are essential in building a successful home-help franchise, Extra Help’s business model and ongoing support are the keys to her success.
“Extra Help is a unique and brilliant business model,” she says. “The support from their Head Office over the years has always helped me make the right decisions and choose the right path.”
Every day is different
Lulu says there’s no such thing as a typical day in the life of an Extra Help home-help franchise owner, and that’s what she loves the most about it. Every day brings different challenges and rewards, and Lulu thrives on that variety.
“I enjoy busy, stressful days full of rushing around, but I also value quieter office days when I can focus on new ideas and projects,” she says.
What matters most
While financial stability is important, people remain at the heart of Lulu’s Extra Help home-help franchise.
“Hearing positive feedback from clients is like music to my ears,” Lulu says. “Seeing real changes in people’s lives when we step into their homes is incredibly powerful.”
This dedication was recognised at the Extra Help Franchisee Conference last October, where Extra Help Plymouth & Saltash won the Compassion Award, based entirely on client feedback. Lulu’s team also received the Extra Help Strength Award in 2023.
“My staff truly deserved that recognition for the help and assistance they deliver every single day,” says Lulu.
Looking Ahead
Despite personal worries about loved ones abroad, Lulu continues to lead with positivity and determination. Her Extra Help home-help franchise has become a trusted part of daily life for many in her community, which is a testament to her resilience, kind heart and true entrepreneurial spirit.
Joining Extra Help, Lulu says, was one of the best decisions she’s ever made, as it offers real opportunities to improve your financial stability. She can’t imagine her life without Extra Help now, as it means so much more to her than just a franchise business, it’s a family.
Looking to the future, Lulu is incredibly optimistic.
“I have so many plans to make the business even stronger and there’s still so much more I want to achieve,” she says. “I know this is going to be a very good year!”
Her advice to anyone considering the Extra Help home-help franchise opportunity is simple:
“Don’t overthink it – just do it. You won’t regret joining.”
Inspired by Lulu’s journey?
If you’re kind, compassionate and looking for a rewarding business that truly makes a difference, an Extra Help home-help franchise could be the perfect opportunity for you. You don’t need a background in the home-help industry, just a genuine desire to help others and build a meaningful business within your own community.
To find out more, call us on 01752 905790 or visit the Extra Help website.
Start you own Extra Help story today!
