Juanita “Nita” Owens: Carving New Roads for Women in Healthcare and Trucking

A Mission Rooted in Purpose and Personal Legacy

Juanita Owens—known to most simply as “Nita”—is the founder of HerPath LLC, a company bridging the gap for women stepping into business ownership in two of the most complex and heavily regulated industries: healthcare and trucking. Her story isn’t one of overnight success, but of personal growth, service, and a relentless drive to uplift other women.

What began as informal help to family and friends became a structured platform dedicated to providing guidance, mentorship, and business setup services in fields where women—particularly Black women—are often underrepresented. The shift happened when she helped her soon-to-be mother-in-law launch a home care business. The experience left Nita both energized and convicted: “This is what I’m meant to do.”

From Trucking to Teaching

Nita isn’t just a strategist—she’s also a practitioner. With nearly two decades in the transportation industry, she’s logged years both behind the wheel and at the desk. She drove 18-wheelers, navigated Department of Transportation protocols, and managed back-end operations. That foundation gave her an unmatched understanding of how the industry works—knowledge she now uses to help others launch both driving and non-driving businesses in transportation.

HerPath LLC’s structure reflects this dual expertise. For those interested in trucking, Nita guides them through every step—from licensing and compliance to purchasing a vehicle. For those hesitant to drive, she offers pathways to enter through dispatch, non-emergency medical transport, and operations roles. On the healthcare side, she provides support in launching home care and home health businesses, complete with industry-standard tools, licensing guidance, and regulatory training.

Turning Grief into Impact

Nita’s commitment to transportation isn’t solely professional—it’s deeply personal. After losing her mother to complications tied to dialysis and witnessing firsthand the barriers in accessing reliable non-emergency transportation, she resolved to help others fill that gap. That passion drives her work in building up businesses that serve vulnerable communities—while also creating financial independence for their owners.

Empowering Women Through Hands-On Mentorship

What makes HerPath different is its scope and sincerity. Nita doesn’t offer vague encouragement or downloadable templates. Her support is hands-on and tailored, whether she's mentoring a new entrepreneur through licensing, finding them a commercial property, or introducing them to graphic designers and grant writers. “We start from the idea and work all the way through day-to-day operations,” she says. “We don’t just teach—we walk the path with you.”

Even while managing more than 25 clients, Nita continues to drive trucks herself. It’s a strategic decision—one that gives her financial independence while also serving as an example to her clients: Don’t quit your job until your business earns three months of income on its own. “I teach my clients to start smart,” she says. “Use your paycheck to build your platform.”

From Side Hustle to Scalable Business

Nita is transparent about what it takes to grow. When she first started, she was helping others for free or just a few dollars. Over time, HerPath became a formal entity—one with structure, partnerships, and long-term goals. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that you’ll see instant gratification,” she says. “Even if your business makes $50,000 its first year, that doesn’t mean you do. People forget there are expenses, taxes, reinvestments.”

By setting realistic expectations and teaching sustainability, Nita is helping her clients not only launch businesses but maintain them. Through budget coaching, planning tools, and her own lived experience, she’s building a network of entrepreneurs who understand the difference between ownership and survival.

Breaking Barriers in Male-Dominated Fields

Transportation remains one of the most male-dominated fields in the U.S., but Nita is determined to change that. HerPath not only prepares women for the industry—it motivates them with tangible benefits. “I post about the money. I post about the travel,” she says. “Women need to see what’s possible.”

She’s also working toward launching Indiana’s first Black woman-owned truck driving school. “There’s fear,” she says. “Walking through a dark parking lot at 2 a.m. as the only woman is scary. But I had mentors who guided me—and now I want to be that for others.”

Looking Ahead: HerPath as an Institution

In five years, Nita envisions HerPath not only as a consultancy, but a full-service educational institution. She plans to open a brick-and-mortar entrepreneur school—complete with a trucking program, bookkeeping and compliance classes, and a social media lab. Her goal isn’t just to build businesses, but to transform communities.

“I want women to know they’re not alone,” she says. “This isn’t just about income. It’s about independence, confidence, and legacy.”

Advice for the Aspiring Entrepreneur

To women leaving nine-to-fives, Nita is both encouraging and practical: “Start small. Budget wisely. Know that your responsibilities won’t disappear just because you’re following your dream.” Her guidance centers on grace and grit—acknowledging that building something meaningful takes time, effort, and a village.

Legacy in Motion

HerPath is more than a company. It’s a vehicle for generational change. Through her leadership, Nita is not just creating entrepreneurs—she’s creating educators, employers, and advocates. “I don’t want you to feel lost,” she says. “I want you to feel supported.”

Connect with Nita Owens and HerPath LLC

Website: www.herpathllc.com

Instagram: @HerPathLLC

Facebook: HerPathLLC

YouTube: [HerPath LLC Channel (launching April 1)]

Email: herpathllc@gmail.com