We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle LaRowe. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.

Michelle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
In the nanny industry, some of the biggest trends include an ultra competitive market, a shortage of qualified nanny applicants, an increase in hourly wage expectations from nannies, an increase in nanny demand from potential first-time nanny employers, a renewed interest in nanny shares, and higher expectations surrounding paid time off, specifically sick time, as a result of the pandemic.

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?
During my high school years, I was always the student that teachers would call to babysit their children. While my friends were working summer jobs in retail or fast food, I was working as a summer nanny. I continued to work as a nanny while attending college, and when I was in my junior year of pursuing a degree in chemistry, I realized that I loved what I was already doing and had no interest in wearing a white lab coat and working in a sterile room. I began to research and discovered the nanny world. I graduated on a Sunday with my degree, and started work as a nanny for newborn twins that following Monday. Soon after, I became involved with the International Nanny Association, served on the board of directors, earned my INA Credentials, received the INA Nanny of the Year award, and went onto serve as the association’s executive director, after having my own children. After my time with INA, I joined my business partner to manage a portfolio of nanny related businesses, including Morningside Nannies, Houston’s award-winning nanny placement agency, NannyTraining.com, where we educate nannies in over 35 countries, and Nanny Magazine, the industry’s trade publication. I’ve spent more than half of my life in the nanny industry and I love empowering nannies to provide high-quality care, empowering parents to choose it, and I love helping nannies and families find their right match.

Have you ever had to pivot?
During the pandemic, we were forced to reevaluate how we did business. With restrictions and mandates in place, we were challenged to adapt to what was becoming an online world. By pivoting our services from in person to virtual, we were able to continue helping families secure the childcare they needed when they needed it most.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
When communicating with clients, I’ve really had to learn to slow down. Being from Boston, our communication style can be fast and hard. For me, I learned that sometimes my desire to solve a problem or find a solution to a challenge can unintentionally escalate a situation or create a problem when there was none. I’ve had to learn to dance a bit and let my clients lead, rather than jumping ahead to the bottom line.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.morningsidenannies.com/
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