We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Adkins recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
In 2015, I took one of the biggest leaps of my life—I became a mother and a business owner in the same week. After years of working as a professional nanny and preschool teacher, I decided to start my own nanny agency when I got pregnant with my first son. It was something I had been dreaming about for years—parents would constantly ask me if I knew “someone like me” to help care for their children. I had a strong network of nanny friends, a love of supporting families, and a deep desire to build something of my own. So, I went for it. I made my very first placement—introducing a nanny to a family—from my hospital bed after giving birth. In hindsight, I probably should’ve taken maternity leave, but at the time, it felt right. I had this instinct that I needed to start building something for my future and my family.
Starting a business while stepping into new motherhood was anything but easy. I didn’t have a backup plan if it didn’t work out—I just knew I always wanted to be present with my kids while also creating something I could grow into once they started school. I had attended my first nanny agency conference in 2013 and connected with others already doing the work I dreamed of. That experience gave me the confidence to move forward. Over the past ten years, I’ve learned that I’m grittier than I ever realized, and that leading with heart and purpose is my superpower. Every day still brings new lessons, but I’m proud of the risk I took. It gave me a business I love, a flexible life with my family, and the ability to support other working parents navigating similar paths.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi, I’m Rachel, the founder of Nashville Nanny Agency. My background is in early childhood education and nannying, and for years I worked directly in homes supporting families. Over time, I started noticing just how hard it was for parents to find dependable, trustworthy childcare. They’d stop me on the playground or pull me aside at preschool asking, “Where do I find someone like you?” That question stuck with me and slowly grew into a calling.
At Nashville Nanny Agency, we serve families in the Nashville and Franklin areas by matching them with experienced nannies, family assistants, household managers, and newborn care specialists. Most of our clients are busy, dual-working parents who are stretched thin. Our job is to step in and simplify the hiring process so they can get back to doing what matters most—being present with their family.
What makes our agency different is how hands-on and personal our process is. We don’t just send a stack of resumes—we get to know each family and only introduce them to candidates who are a strong fit. That means we save them time, reduce stress, and create lasting matches that work.
Beyond placements, I care deeply about elevating the nanny profession. Each year, I host Nashville’s International Nanny Training Day to provide professional development and create community among local caregivers. That’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
If there’s one thing I want people to take away about me and our work, it’s that I’m in this for the kids and the families. I believe when families feel safe, seen, and supported, they thrive.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Our best source of new clients has consistently been referrals from happy families and nannies we’ve worked with. Many of our nannies return to work with us again after their placements end, and families are always referring us to their friends, neighbors, and coworkers. That kind of trust means the world to us—and it’s something we never take for granted.
We’ve also had strong success with organic search and Instagram —some of our most high-profile clients have actually found us there and slid into our DMs!
Over time, we’ve refined our processes to be clear, helpful, and welcoming – which has really helped convert inquiries into clients. We also make a point to follow up with leads regularly, understanding that childcare needs can shift quickly. Personal connection is key. We remember names, little details about each family, and lead with transparency from the very beginning and families feel supported and informed throughout the process.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think what’s helped me build a strong reputation is staying true to what matters most: being honest, responsive, and deeply personal in how I show up for both families and nannies. I’ve built this agency one relationship at a time—remembering parents’ names, their pets, and empathizing with their fears. That genuine human connection goes a long way.
Word-of-mouth has been incredibly powerful for us, and I believe that comes from consistently doing what we say we’ll do, not cutting corners, and truly caring about the outcome of each placement. We focus on quality over quantity, and that saves everyone time and frustration.
I’ve also put a lot of care into creating an experience that feels professional but warm—from how we onboard clients to how we prepare nannies for interviews. We’re efficient, but we never treat this like a transaction. Childcare is personal, and our approach reflects that. Over time, that kind of consistency builds trust—and trust builds reputation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nashvillenannyagency.com/
- Instagram: @nashvillenannyagency
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NashvilleNannyAgency
Image Credits
Mary Craven and Mandy Liz Photography