Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Jordan.
Ryan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey to open a nanny agency truly began when a family I tutored for nicknamed me, “The Educated Nanny.” What lead me to that paradigm shift in life dates back to twenty years ago. Let’s time travel back to 1996 when I was in high school. I was teaching children how to swim and babysitting for many local families in Wisconsin. I was an adventurous girl, and decided to move to England my senior year. I was placed in a kindergarten classroom as a teacher’s aide and found that my skills and talents were in teaching children to transition from learning to read to reading to learn. I fell in love with the, “Aha” moments. In college, I continued to care for children and became a summer nanny for a family in Milwaukee. I was caring for a toddler boy and helped him transition and welcome his new sister into this world. It was magical! I knew then that I was either going to marry young and have kids, or pursue a career that involved children. Can you guess which one I chose? My first child wasn’t born until 2014 so…
Cut to 2009, after spending years moving all over the country to be a news reporter and actress, and traveling the world while being a nanny, my father died unexpectedly. It was in that moment that I knew in my heart that it was time to follow God’s plan to be of service to others. I decided to go back to school to make a difference in this world. I quit acting, I continued to nanny for an inquisitive baby boy, and I enrolled at Pepperdine University. I took an accelerated one-year course to earn a Masters Degree in Education and a multiple-subject teaching credential. It was the best decision in my life and I know my father would be proud!
I taught at an elementary school in Los Angeles, and I nannied for a celebrity family with two children. I was represented by a few nanny agencies in LA, but I seemed to always find my best jobs on my own. I would refer nannies to families and families to nannies for free just to help. I loved networking and connecting others. I loved helping others and making people happy. Finally, one day I took that leap of faith after a mother told me she was having a hard time finding a nanny through an agency. I asked her what was missing and she said, “I need to find an Educated Nanny like you. Someone who has a positive attitude, who can drive and help with homework.” In the Spring of 2013, this Educated Nanny opened up Educated Nannies! Within two months, I chose to quit my full-time nanny job because business exploded, and I couldn’t give the children I cared for 110% anymore. Don’t worry though! I replaced myself with an amazing Educated Nanny who stayed with that family for 3 more years, and she could cook better than me 🙂
In four short years, we have placed over 300 nannies, babysitters, private educators and newborn care specialists with families. I have conducted hundreds of home visits and helped many parents navigate through the process of hiring household employees.
Educated Nannies has been written up in the Huffington Post and won the Red Tricycle Award for Most Helpful Nanny Agency in Los Angeles twice. I have been nominated for the Rising Star Award for the LA Business Journal and for the San Fernando Valley’s Women Making a Difference Award. My biggest accomplishment however, is giving birth to my two children. Miles and Charlotte are my inspiration. My “why.” I want every parent to have peace of mind and quality childcare. It took me a bit of time to get here, but I have finally found my purpose in life and it’s so rewarding!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
With every business there are challenges, and I think being a female entrepreneur comes with another set of struggles. With my first child, I didn’t take a maternity leave. I worked while my child slept, and I continued to grow the business because I was essentially caring for two babies. With my second child, I was in a position to hire a team of people who believed in my core values, and I trusted them to maintain the business, while I spent quality time with my daughter. Balancing time is one of the most challenging things for me personally. I want to do it all and have it all, but the reality is I just maintain a positive attitude and do the best I can for that day. I am grateful for all of the challenges that come with being a mother and entrepreneur. It’s through these struggles that I learn how to be a better business owner and parent.
Educated Nannies – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Educated Nannies is a unique boutique nanny agency that sets families up for success. We place college-educated nannies, babysitters, and private educators who are positive role models for children. Our newborn care specialists are some of the best in the industry, and they help parents navigate the first few months of caring for a newborn baby(ies). We really take pride in getting to know the childcare philosophies and values of a family, and we are one of the few agencies in Los Angeles that conduct home visits. Our Educated Nannies come from all over the world. We have some of the highest qualifications to become part of our agency, including five years of childcare experience, a college degree, and five verifiable outstanding references. I am most proud of our nannies. They are truly remarkable human beings with a passion for childcare! I always say, “I am only as good as my nannies.” I believe what separates us from others is our core values. We work from a place of Loyalty, Integrity, Gratitude, Honesty, and Trust (L.I.G.H.T.).
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
To me, success is waking up every day with a passion to do what you love, and going to bed at night knowing that you made someone happy.
Contact Info:
- Address: 13743 Riverside Drive,
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
By Appointment Only - Website: www.educatednannies.com
- Phone: 310-857-4985
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @educatednannies
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/educatednannies/
- Twitter: @educatednannies.
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/educated-nannies-sherman-oaks-2
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