Hidden Gems: Meet Marianela Avila of Laguna Baby Collective

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianela Avila.

Hi Marianela , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey with newborns began more than 20 years ago in Panama, where caring for little ones quickly became my greatest joy. In 2008, I moved to the United States as an Au Pair for a wonderful family of six in Winnetka, Illinois, including a sweet newborn who reminded me just how meaningful this work is.

After settling in Orange County in 2010, I continued supporting families as a professional nanny, specializing in twins and newborns. Along the way, I became a Certified Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist, and Sleep Consultant, allowing me to guide parents through those early months with confidence, reassurance, and gentle structure.

In 2020, after completing a long-term contract with a special twin family, I began offering full-time overnight care. Word spread quickly, and soon I found myself supporting one family after another, more than fifteen sets of twins since then with feeding, routines, and sleep support.

In 2022, I launched Bellisima Care, LLC, focused on postpartum support. As families began reaching out for help finding trusted nannies and household staff, the vision naturally grew and in 2024, Laguna Baby Collective was born.
Laguna Baby Collective represents everything I believe in: compassionate care, trusted expertise, and a genuine commitment to families. I’m endlessly grateful for the wonderful clients who have welcomed me into their homes and hearts. Your trust continues to inspire our mission: nurture, support, and bring peace of mind to every family we serve.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Building Laguna Baby Collective has been a true labor of love and a roller coaster of emotions. There have been incredible moments of joy and gratitude, but also challenges along the way. One of the hardest parts has been learning to manage my time and set healthy boundaries while supporting so many families who need care and reassurance.
Finding that balance hasn’t always been easy, but it’s taught me the importance of caring for myself so I can continue caring deeply for others. Every lesson, every late night, and every milestone has shaped me and strengthened my commitment to serving families with compassion and integrity.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Laguna Baby Collective ?
Laguna Baby Collective was created from my heart and years of hands on experience supporting families through the tender stages of early parenthood. Before launching the agency, I spent many years working as a professional nanny, caring for newborns, twins, and growing families. Those years taught me that the most meaningful care comes from genuine connection, empathy, and trust.

We offer nanny placements, sitter services, and postpartum support, helping families find trusted care and balance in their everyday lives.
What makes us unique is the deep level of care and understanding behind every match and every service. I’ve personally walked alongside families as a Professional Nanny, Certified Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist, and Sleep Consultant, and that experience shapes everything we do. I know how much trust it takes to welcome someone into your home and that’s why I personally get to know every caregiver and family we work with.

At Laguna Baby Collective, we don’t just support families we also care for caregivers ensuring they feel valued, respected, and equipped to thrive in their roles. We believe that when caregivers are supported, families receive their very best care.

We specialize in newborn and twin support, overnight care, and connecting families with nurturing, professional nannies who bring both skill and heart to their work. Every placement and service is guided by empathy, professionalism, and genuine respect for the families and caregivers we serve.

I’m most proud of the community of trust we’ve built where families feel seen, caregivers feel supported, and everyone feels understood. At Laguna Baby Collective, our mission is simple: to provide care you can rely on and relationships that bring peace of mind.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Honestly, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of balance. In the beginning, I gave everything I had to every family I supported: long nights, early mornings, and very little time for myself. I love what I do, but I realized that to truly care for others, I also needed to take care of myself.
That shift changed everything. It helped me set healthy boundaries and taught me that compassion isn’t just something we offer to families it’s something we need to extend to ourselves and to the caregivers who work alongside us.
Now, I lead Laguna Baby Collective with that mindset. When everyone feels supported, respected, and valued, the care we provide becomes even stronger and more heartfelt.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lagunababycollective.com
• Instagram: @lagunababycollective
• Facebook: Laguna Baby Collective
• LinkedIn: Laguna Baby Collective
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/oLvZMuAdWz