Meet Judith Lovely Mergilles

We were lucky to catch up with Judith Lovely Mergilles recently and have shared our conversation below.

Judith Lovely , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Early in my career as a nurse, I quickly realized that I wasn’t just showing up for myself; I was often representing voices and experiences that weren’t always present at the table. Over time, that table evolved. I went from bedside nursing to home health administration, launched multiple businesses in healthcare and insurance, and eventually stepped into leadership roles in industries where I was often the only woman and even more often, the only woman of color in the room.

At first, it was intimidating. I’ve walked into meetings where assumptions were made before I even opened my mouth. But I’ve learned that presence is powerful. I’ve built my effectiveness on preparation, authenticity, and purpose. When you know your stuff and speak from lived experience, it changes the energy in any room. One of my personal mottos is: my experience has become my expertise. I live by that. Every lesson I’ve learned—from caregiving to community building has shaped the confident, capable voice I lead with today.

I’ve also learned to use that “only one in the room” moment as an opportunity not just for myself, but to open the door wider for others. Whether I’m mentoring high school girls, advocating for local businesses on city councils, or leading panels for women in leadership, I carry the mindset that my seat at the table isn’t just a win for me, it’s a signal to others that they belong too.

Being the only one can be isolating, but it can also be deeply empowering. It sharpens your voice, strengthens your mission, and calls you to lead with impact. And one quote I’ve kept in my email signature and in my heart, for over 20 years, says it best: “When you are more fortunate than others, build a longer table, not a taller fence.” That’s how I’ve chosen to lead, live, and show up in every room I enter.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Judith Lovely Mergilles, a proud nurse with over 20 years of experience, a multi-business owner, and a passionate advocate for community, caregiving, and economic development. My career began in healthcare, where I worked as a bedside nurse, Director of Nursing, and case manager. Today, I channel that experience into business ownership, consulting, and leadership across multiple industries.
I run DLS Elite Services, LLC, an insurance brokerage that helps individuals and families navigate health, life, and Medicare coverage with clarity and compassion. I also own SEADS Mitigation & Restoration Experts, LLC, a full-service restoration company focused on property damage, mold remediation, and emergency response. Both businesses reflect my commitment to service, trust, and empowerment, whether I’m protecting people’s health or helping them recover from life’s unexpected moments.
What excites me most is how I’ve been able to use my journey to open doors for others. I mentor young women through organizations like Women of Tomorrow and Women Leading Broward and speak frequently on entrepreneurship, leadership, and how healthcare professionals can build businesses of their own. My keynote, “The Nurse’s Playbook: How to Start and Grow Your Own Home Care Registry,” has become a cornerstone of my mission to show nurses and caregivers how to thrive outside traditional clinical settings.
This year, I’m focused on expanding my consulting work under the brand Lovely Care, where I help aspiring entrepreneurs launch and grow home care registries and healthcare businesses. I’m also building momentum with my nonprofit, Heels & HammHERS, which supports women in business through strategic networking, empowerment, and mentorship. We champion women from the boardroom to the construction site, creating space and support wherever women lead.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple principle: your experience is your expertise and it has value. I help others recognize that value and turn it into purpose-driven impact. I’m also deeply involved in community-building through various chambers, councils, and nonprofits, where I advocate for small business growth, mentorship, and opportunities that create lasting change.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Resilience was born out of necessity. I’ve worked in high-pressure environments in healthcare and business, faced setbacks, and entered rooms where I didn’t always feel seen or heard. But I learned early on that success isn’t about never falling, it’s about getting back up with purpose. For anyone starting out: don’t be afraid of challenges. Let them refine you, not define you.

Relationship-building has opened more doors than any title or certification. I believe in the power of authentic connections. From mentoring students to collaborating with city leaders and fellow business owners, the relationships I’ve nurtured have created opportunities for growth, not just for me, but for others around me. My advice: Show up, listen, and follow up. Relationships are the real currency of success.

Strategic execution means not just having ideas but knowing how to implement them. I’ve seen many talented people with powerful visions who stay stuck in the planning phase. The difference-maker? Acting with intention. For those early in their journey: set clear goals, map your steps, and start. Done is better than perfect, and momentum will teach you more than overthinking ever will.
If you can build these three areas: resilience, relationships, and strategy, you won’t just grow, you’ll thrive.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

There hasn’t been just one person, it’s been a collective village that has shaped my growth, especially as a woman navigating leadership, business, and caregiving all at once.

I’ve been blessed with mentors, colleagues, friends, and even clients who’ve poured into me at different stages of my journey. But I’d say the most helpful people have been those who saw my potential even when I doubted myself, those who reminded me of my purpose, challenged me to stretch, and gave me the room to grow.
One of the most transformative influences has been the women I’ve mentored and walked alongside. Every time I share my story, they remind me why I started. Their resilience, their hunger to learn, and the trust they place in me have inspired me to keep sharpening my own skills and stay committed to this path.

What I’ve learned is that growth is not a solo journey. You need people who will tell you the truth with love, who will clap when you win, and who will help you course-correct when you drift. Those people, MY VILLAGE have been my greatest gift and the reason I continue to show up every day with purpose and passion.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Loveelycares
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-lovely-mergilles-rn-mrsr-92562611/

Image Credits

Black & White Photo – K.ameyphotography

Pink Photo – dream focus photography