Meet Nanny You was started over at the CincyNanny Blog to introduce and connect local nannies. Greta Schrear brought it to Regarding Nannies in hopes of doing the same with our readers on a larger and worldwide level. We have found attending national conferences and local nanny gatherings that we can have so much in common with the many of nanny professionals we meet. There is an instant appreciation, respect and understanding that nannies have with each other. That being said, we are all so unique and extraordinary in different ways. We hope that the stories and experiences shared in the “Meet Nanny” series will inspire.
If you are in the San Antonio, Texas area, Jada aka The Nanny Know It All, is launching her new agency and consulting business, No Other Nanny, LLC this Saturday January 26, 2013. She is having a nanny and family “meet up” group to launch her business.
Let’s meet Nanny Jada aka “Nanny Know it All” today.
How long have you been in the nanny industry?
4.5 years
What are THREE unique characteristics about you, that you strive to pass along to the children in your care?
I’m goofy/fun yet firm! I am responsible and creative.
What is the most rewarding thing about your career as a Nanny?
Watching those little ones grow and know you had an impact in their life! When they tell you they love you and give you big hugs and kisses, it really makes your day! Also, seeing the peace of mind you give the family.
What is one thing you wished you had known your first day as a Nanny?
I wish I would have had a more in depth understanding of the industry. Knowing how to protect myself and set my price points properly would have helped me avoid some bumps I ran into in the beginning.
What is your daily life in your job like?
I work Monday through Friday from 7:30a-6ishpm. As soon as I get to work I am greeted by both parents and their daughter who is 22 mos. Our schedule is busy yet fun. I am so grateful for all of the fun exciting things we get to do on a day to day basis. A typical day for me is breakfast prep for the little one and me, and then we have “Free play” where I let her play with any of her toys, blocks, etc. Shortly after we have a morning snack, and then prepare for arts and crafts. I prepare weekly themed lesson plans and so our craft is usually related to what we are learning. I teach her sign language, alphabets, colors, animals, etc. it’s amazing how much that little brain has soaked in at her young age! I am also the errand runner so dry cleaning drop off/pickup and grocery shopping is a routine task. Occasionally I get to buy birthday gifts for friends, and send them off. I like doing personal assistant things as well 🙂 we frequently go on “field trips” to the zoo, botanical gardens, museums, parks, and gymnastics. We are members of many of these places which allow us to visit them a number of times. I really believe her learning is so advanced because of the hands on real life learning engagements she has.
Are you involved in the nanny industry? (organizations, conferences, trainings, yahoogroups, blogging, websites, support groups)
Yes! I am a blogger: Jada-The Nanny Know it All and I am in the works of launching my very own nanny placement and consulting service! In conjunction with that I have a nanny and support group that I will be launching the same day, January 26, 2013. The name is “No Other Nanny, LLC”
What is something others may be surprised to know about you?
I love network marketing, Joseph prince, Dave Ramsey, and sewing.
If you weren’t in the nanny industry, what do you vision yourself as doing?
Being an actress, and author of Children’s books (which I still plan to do).
Tell us a little bit about how you got into the nanny field.
I was 17 going on 18 and just graduated from high school. I received a part time position working at a private school in the 2 year old daycare center. I had already been involved and volunteering every other Sunday morning to the Children’s nursery as well as school aged group at my church so this was something I was excited to continue to get to do. A parent asked a teacher’s assistant to be her nanny. That was the very first time I’d really even heard of a nanny. So, I did my research and found that with my love for kids, I wanted to do that! I created a profile on care.com and sitter city and landed my very first part time job! From there, I accumulated a number of families to occasionally babysit for. I gained a lot of in-home childcare experience that way which really paid off when I decided to start applying for agencies 2 years later.
What is the most important piece of advice you can share with others in the nanny industry and our readers.
There may be many nannies, and many agency owners. But there’s only one you. Find that unique spark that sets you in a class all by yourself. When you know your worth and the value you can bring, others will too!
What was your first job or other jobs you have held.
My very first job was at Chic Fil A. I love that place for introducing me to the number 1 that I now and forever will order with bacon and American cheese, and an Arnold palmer:) it’s my favorite fast food restaurant.
When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing?
Spending time with friends and family, blogging, changing my hair, shopping, sewing, and learning DIY projects.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I can juggle!
What advice would you give to someone considering entering the nanny industry?
Know your worth and don’t be afraid to ask questions and take time to consider things for yourself. saying yes without thinking things over and signing a contract to something you don’t fully understand are doors that you will walk into causing your views and love for this industry to become negative. You gain more respect by coming off as patient, organized and a person who thinks things through instead of off of impulse. As Dave Ramsey always puts it, “children do what feels good; adults devise a plan and follow it.”
What changes would you like to see in the nanny industry?
I would like to see more marketing done in the media. I believe there is a gap in the nanny industry because of lack of advertising done for nanny agencies, and the profession of a nanny in general.
What is your favorite book that you have read? movie?
Dave Ramsey’s “ENTRELEADERSHIP” the best book, I was so happy I got to see him when he came to San Antonio last year.
When you retire, what you would you like to be doing?
Public speaking, book writing.
Where would you take your dream vacation?
My dream vacation (as of now) doesn’t really consist of a specific location, but rather the freedom I will financially have. Where ever I go, I want money to be the least of my concerns. That’s a dream vacation to me.