Pop Therapy careers is a new addition to the blog…I’ll be interviewing some fantastic people who are smashing it with their respective careers, and finding out their tips, advice and super career secrets!!
Shannon is a super-mum of three children under three, who took a risk to give up a lucrative corporate career as an HR manager, to start her own business; Nanny2U.
After deciding to undergo IVF with a sperm donor at the age of 38, Shannon is now the mother of twins aged 2.5 and a 4 year old boy.
I sat down with Shannon for a coffee and a Croque Monsieur, to talk about how she went about starting a successful business whilst looking after three small kids…. I also took the opportunity to find out her secret time saving parenting hacks, and tips for time management when you have very little time!!
What made you decide to start a business?
I decided to start the business when I was looking for a nanny for a 1/2 day each week, to look after my own kids, when my twins were about 6 months old and I needed some time out….and I realised just how hard it is to find a nanny!! I also knew that I was being made redundant from my HR role after 14 years of employment. I have a background in childcare and HR, which helped me to know what to look for in a nanny, and to how to ask the right questions to make sure they’re the right fit for the role.
How did you get started with the business, and did you need help or advice?
I was looking for ideas (whilst walking round the block with the twins for the 50th time!!) for a business. I got some advice from a fantastic accountant on things like setting up an ABN and the financial side of things. She also introduced me to a lawyer to develop our business terms and conditions. I also used an online mothers group, North Shore Mums, where I was able to find help with everything from the logo to the website.
What does Nanny2U do?
Nanny2U is a nannying agency that specialise in finding nannies for families with twins and multiples, as well as for single children. A lot of our business comes from mums going back to work, and we find we often have mums looking for part time nannies. We also provide services for twins and newborns where a nanny can complete overnight shifts to assist with newborn care. I interview all the nannies myself, and check their credentials including working with children checks, first aid and reference checks. All the nannies I take on are experienced and reliable.
Do you need to work full time to run the business?
Some weeks I find I end up working close to full time hours, but find that running my own business allows me to work flexible hours. I often reply to emails at night time when the kids are sleeping, which allows me to spend time with the kids during the day.
How do you maintain work-life balance?
I’m lucky to have the support of my mum and dad who live around the corner, who help with looking after my kids when I need help. I also have other relatives who can help so that I can spend time with friends and have a break or some time out. When I feel like I need time out, I make sure I take it. I also try to spend one on one time with each child, to make sure they’re getting individual attention.
What are your tips for multi-tasking and staying organise with multiple children.
Routine, routine, routine!! I find a regular routine with babies is really important in the early days, and consistency with getting up, feeding, nap times and self settling. I found that being consistent early on helped all three kids to get into a good routine early on. We also have a chart on the wall with the daily routine for the kids, including having breakfast, putting shoes on etc…and they get a sticker when they get it right. My other biggest tip is not to sweat the small stuff!! If my daughter wants to wear a tutu with socks and sandles…I don’t care…. you don’t fight the battles you can’t win, and you spend less time stressing.
Thanks for the great tips Shannon!! If you’re looking for a nanny in Sydney, Nanny2U is a great place to start!!
Would you start your own business? Or are you a business owner who would like to share some tips and advice that helped you to get started? I would love to hear from you!!