We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Jo Cassidy-Dupree . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie Jo below.
Katie Jo , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
I have always had a love for Disneyland and for friends and family I was the unoffical guide before going to the parks and while in the parks. I was nannying for a family when they asked me to join them at Disneyland as an extra pair of hands with the kiddos. The mom quickly realized how much knowledge I had that was helpful, knowing where the bathrooms are, what the parade route is, where the characters are… and after a few short hours she said, “Why isn’t this your job? Every family needs someone like you to help navigate the parks.” I originally laughed it off because who has ever heard of such a job? But with a little nudge from other family friends I started exploring the idea of a nanny/tour guide for hire. With an immense knowledge of Disneyland and a degree in Early Childhood Education, I knew this was an awesome way to blend my love of Disney and working with children. On a sleep deprived flight home from Minnesota the name, The Fairy Guide Mother came to me. I checked Google immediately: no Fairy Guide Mother dot com, no social media presence and I thought “Well ,the name is too cute to pass up, I have to do it now.”
Katie Jo , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Once upon a time in a kingdom not so far, far away, I was just a little girl with a churro in my hand waiting in line to meet my favorite mouse. It was a magical first trip that became an annual family tradition. As Disneyland evolved over the years, my love for all things Disney has continued to grow. Showing people the most efficient way to experience the park and sharing that love is what makes me the perfect guide. Disneyland and California Adventure have so much to see and do, Navigating the app, utilizing the Genie plus system and helping young children navigate big feelings are all part of the job. The company of a life-long Disneyland enthusiast with extensive knowledge about and experience in the park it will undoubtedly maximize anyone’s time in the park. Safety is always a priority, so being CPR and First Aid certified helps put minds at ease. A degree in Early Childhood Education, 10+ years experience working with children and a background check certified by Care.com. adds to my credibility. The main goal is to take the pressure off and ensure everyone has a good time at the parks.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I started The Fairy Guide Mother in 2016. I was very excited to own my own business and be doing something I loved. Quickly I realized I was building the plane as it was taking off. I had to learn things on the fly, like requiring a deposit for when someone “no-called, no-showed,” adding things to my contract like working more than the initial agreed upon hours.–mostly just surrendering to surprise and going with the flow. I was building clientele and had many repeat customers. In 2018 I stopped doing other nanny jobs and focused solely on Fairy Guide Mother. In 2019 I had my most successful year to date and was so excited and ready for what 2020 was going to bring. I had big plans and visions to take my business to the next level. A global pandemic plus Disneyland being closed for a year and a half was not on my vision board. Like most of us, I was stuck inside and had to figure out what to do. Luckily most of the families I had nannied for needed help because schools were closed and I had to put Fairy Guide Mother on hold. As soon as Disneyland had an open date, I had two repeat families call and book me . Of course, I was ready to get back into the parks, but everything had changed.: no annual passes, a new app, a new reservation system. It was a whole new world that I had to learn and fast. The first year back clients had to purchase my ticket as well as my fee which caused some families to not book with me but all my repeat clients often said, ” We won’t go without you!” I had to master the new Genie Plus and navigate the new stage. I often miss “the good ole days” but this has been an interesting “now” chapter.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Word of mouth will always be my best strategy for growing clientele. When a friend or family member recommends something to you, you are more likely to listen. Influencers, ads and good reviews help, but nothing beats one mom grabbing another mom by the shoulders and saying, “I would not have survived Disneyland without Katie Jo!!” I have all 5 star reviews and often become a part of the family with my clients. I receive Christmas cards with photos from our time together in Disneyland and some clients even traveled a long distance to come to my wedding. One of my last clients is a pediatrician and every time she has a family say they are going to Disneyland she sends them to me.
I also work with travel planners and Disney influencers but time and time again, a previous family is my best recommendation.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.fairyguidemother.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairyguidemother/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fairyguide/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-fairy-guide-mother-anaheim
Image Credits
@capturesby.liz