Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharina Armstrong.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story really began during one of the hardest seasons of my life. After losing my mother during COVID, I left my job at Mayo Clinic and started driving for Lyft. At the time, I just needed something different — something that allowed me to breathe, reset, and be around people again.
Two years later, while going through a divorce, I found myself questioning everything, including whether I should return to the hospital. One day, I picked up a couple who lived in a 55+ community. I didn’t know it then, but that ride would change my entire future.
When I dropped them off, the wife turned to me and shared that she was on her third marriage — and in that moment, she gave me hope that I would recover too. She also told me she had owned businesses and encouraged me to consider starting my own. I smiled, thanked her, and didn’t think much more of it.
But a few weeks later, she texted me out of the blue:
“The snowbirds are coming. You should start your own business. Seniors really need help with rides.”
That message lit a spark.
Forty‑five days later, I launched 55 Plus Taxi LLC — a service designed specifically for adults 55 and older, offering far more than transportation. I focused on door‑through‑door assistance, help with mobility devices, companionship, and safe, reliable rides to medical appointments, errands, and the airport. What started as a simple idea quickly grew into something meaningful and deeply needed.
Over time, I realized I wasn’t just providing rides — I was providing support, dignity, and peace of mind. Seniors trusted me. Families trusted me. And that trust shaped the direction of the business.
Today, that journey has evolved into 55 Plus Senior Mobility & Concierge Services, a premium, CPR‑certified mobility service built on compassion, patience, and the belief that seniors deserve more than curbside drop‑offs — they deserve care.
What began with a Lyft ride, a conversation, and a moment of encouragement has grown into a service I’m incredibly proud of. And I’m still just as hands‑on, committed, and grateful as I was on day one.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. I’m a single mother, and building a business while raising a child comes with its own set of challenges. Car insurance is expensive, we don’t have medical benefits, and the demand in the community is so high that there are weeks when I’m working long nights, early mornings, and everything in between.
There have been times when I’ve had to rely on my brother to help, and other times when I’ve hired third‑party drivers just to keep up with the needs of the seniors who depend on me. Balancing the business, the financial pressure, and the responsibility of being the only parent in the home has been overwhelming at moments.
But even with all the obstacles, I’ve stayed committed because the work matters. The seniors I serve rely on me for more than transportation — they rely on me for safety, support, and peace of mind. That purpose is what keeps me going, even on the hardest days.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run 55 Plus taxi & Concierge Services; a specialty transportation and support service designed exclusively for adults 55 and older. What I do goes far beyond driving. I provide door‑through‑door mobility care, which means I stay with my passengers every step of the way — from helping them safely out of their home, to assisting with walkers or wheelchairs, to escorting them into medical buildings, airports, or appointments, and making sure they’re settled before I leave.
I specialize in working with seniors who need patience, physical support, and a sense of safety that traditional taxis and rideshares simply don’t offer. I’m known for being hands‑on, reliable, and compassionate. Many families trust me because they know I communicate with them, I wait with their loved ones, and I treat every passenger with dignity and respect.
What I’m most proud of is the impact. I’ve helped seniors stay independent, helped families feel at ease, and built real relationships with the people I serve. This isn’t just transportation — it’s care, companionship, and peace of mind.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I keep things simple and rely on practical tools that help me stay organized while running a busy senior mobility service. For my website, I use Wix, which makes it easy for me to update information, add services, and keep everything clear for my passengers and their families. For scheduling, I use BookRidesOnline, which helps me manage appointments, track rides, and stay on top of the high demand in the community. And for communication, I depend on Google for phone, email, and day‑to‑day management.
These tools keep my business running smoothly, but the real inspiration still comes from the people I serve. Seniors share stories, advice, and life lessons that motivate me more than any book or podcast ever could.
Pricing:
- Hourly Rates
- Flat Rates
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.55plustaxi.com
