Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rosalie Kassen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rosalie, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

It all started the day I was chatting with a dad at the park.

But first, let’s rewind.

Back in 2013, fresh out of a two-year accelerated Nursing program, I was eager to dive into the hospital environment, particularly the Labour and Deliver Unit.

I was excited for night shifts and the adrenaline rush or a fast-paced hospital setting.

To put it bluntly: I hated it (most of it)

Working nights and the high-risk environment were not my cup of tea.

Surprisingly, what I did love about L&D, the part I once considered “boring” in nursing school, was providing education.

So, I shifted gears, leaving the hospital to work in the community.

For over 5 years, I delivered health education and supported individuals of all ages in making lifestyle changes for better health.

While I loved primary care and health promotion, after becoming a mom of two, my interests took a turn. The excitement for the education I once provided dwindled.

This brings me back to the dad at the park who uttered a sentence that altered my career trajectory.

“My mother in law just purchased us the BEST gift ever…a sleep consultant”.

He shared the incredible transformation his family experienced, enjoying better sleep overall.

That’s when it clicked – sleep is health.

Educating and supporting parents through sleep changes is a form of health promotion and primary care!

After months of research, I committed to a program to become certified as a Paediatric Sleep Consultant.

I distinctly recall the first family I assisted and the life-changing impact it had for them. In that moment, I knew I had found the career for me – a space that filled me with excitement and passion.

While my journey into the business world was a learning curve, here I am now, two years later, helping exhausted families worldwide in improving their sleep situations.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Rosalie—a Baby and Toddler Sleep Consultant, Registered Nurse, and mom of two incredible kiddos. I’m on a mission to revolutionize the way we view parenthood, particularly shifting the narrative around sleep.

Parenthood does not need to mean months or years of sleep deprivation.

With my background in nursing, helping people navigate behaviour change and supporting them through vulnerable times has always been at the heart of the work I do.

With the arrival of our son and daughter, I saw first-hand the health impacts on myself, my husband and our children due to a lack of sleep. This motivated me to become a paediatric sleep consultant so that I could support families through this transition.

Sleep isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity, akin to proper nutrition and physical activity. Yet, all too often, new parents underestimate its importance, dismissing sleep struggles as a normal part of the journey.

My approach goes beyond resolving immediate sleep issues; I’m passionate about empowering parents with the knowledge and tools to navigate their child’s sleep journey long-term. Because let’s face it—our kids aren’t robots. Their sleep patterns will evolve as they grow, and they’ll encounter setbacks along the way. By supporting parents with a solid understanding of what to expect and effective strategies to overcome challenges, I aim to make the journey smoother for everyone involved.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

In my role as a baby and toddler sleep consultant, I’ve come to understand that empathy and personal experience are just as crucial as training and knowledge. While expertise guides me in providing practical solutions, it’s my own journey as a parent that really shapes my approach and my work with families.

I never sought the assistance of a sleep consultant when my own children struggled with sleep. Instead, my husband and I attempted to navigate the challenges on our own, and it was an exhausting experience. I wish I had known what I know now. When I reflect on that time, I realize that not seeking help is one of my biggest regrets in parenthood. I really believe my postpartum journey could have been so different and improved had I reached out for support.

There’s a pervasive pressure for parents to handle everything independently, but I’ve come to understand that this expectation is both unrealistic and detrimental. Drawing from my own experiences, I empathize deeply with the objections and concerns parents may have about seeking professional help. My aim is to provide not only practical solutions but also emotional support and validation to families as they navigate this challenging phase of parenthood.

I am working to create a supportive and empowering environment where families feel heard, understood, and confident in their ability to overcome sleep challenges. Parents were never meant to do it alone, and I’m here to ensure they don’t have to.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that I should inherently know how to handle every aspect of parenthood and entrepreneurship. This mindset, ingrained by societal pressures and comparisons to others, had led me to believe that seeking help was a sign of weakness.

But parenthood, with its many challenges, taught me otherwise. I realized that I didn’t have to navigate this journey alone—that seeking guidance and support was not only acceptable but essential. This shift in perspective didn’t happen overnight; it required conscious effort and time. And to be totally honest, that mindset still makes an appearance every so often!

As a mom, shifting this belief was liberating. It not only relieved me of the burden of unrealistic expectations but also sets a powerful example for my children—that it’s okay to ask for help!

Interestingly, this lesson extended into my entrepreneurial journey as well. While seeing so many successful business owners, I initially adopted the mindset of “if they can do it, so can I.” While this optimism was essential for starting my own venture, I soon realized that running a business is a multifaceted endeavour that requires diverse skills and expertise (and I do not have them all!).

Taking a step back and acknowledging the reality that I couldn’t do it all alone has been the best step forward for my business. It allowed me to actively see my limitations and seek out the support and guidance necessary for growth. Collaboration and community are indispensable pillars of success, both in parenthood and entrepreneurship.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.plumesleep.com
• Instagram: @plumesleep
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plumesleep
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosaliekassen/

Image Credits

Danna Casement