Today we’d like to introduce you to Myla Johnson.
Myla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My husband and I started Sitters in Paradise just over a year ago, starting in Palm Beach, FL. I worked as a full-time nanny for a few years before transitioning to a full-time, travel position for a high-net-worth family. I was in my early twenties when I was with their family. During my time working for this amazing family, I fell in love with the job, the kids that I cared for, and doing fun activities with them!
I loved meeting new families, setting up play dates, and I quickly saw the need in the area for nannies that were like myself: young, outgoing, and trustworthy. When I was with the kids, I got asked daily, “Wow, we would love someone with your age and energy to help with my kids. Do you have any friends?” At that point, I enjoyed getting to know families and finding friends that could help. It was a win-win for me- help a family and help a friend.
Once I started helping families, I had more come and ask for help. It almost felt like every day I was getting a text from someone I had never met, wanting my help. My husband, Andrew, and I both attended Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach and met numerous college students who were eager to nanny. They were joyful, excited, active, and trustworthy. This started becoming an easy and fun task for me. I was always on campus, meeting new people, and meeting new families at work.
After a few years with my nanny family, I decided to take a huge leap of faith and start a nanny agency – only we were different! While most agencies focus on the years and years of experience of a candidate, we focus on the ability, maturity, and potential of a nanny candidate. Yes, we also look at experience, but having 10+ years of experience is not our main concern. We love to place students who are fresh out of college, studied a child-related field, and are energetic.
After I stepped away from my day-to-day job and started my business, I had clients overflowing and needed help! In just about 15 months, we established ourselves as a trustworthy company and have opened 3 new locations around Florida, along with Charleston, SC, and Phoenix, AZ. Our largest office is in Miami, FL.
Our directors are also experienced, young, and eager to help. I believe we have one of the best teams at Sitters in Paradise! Who is better to help find your next nanny than someone who understands the job and connects with the candidates on a personal level? Our business has grown rapidly and there is only one reason for that – the Lord is involved in every step. We are a Christian company and believe in treating people the best we can, and putting people who you can trust in your home!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think overall it has been a smooth road. The biggest struggle for me is my age. Many people I talk to on the phone have no idea I am only 23 and sometimes I like it that way! But when it comes to managing employees, who are mostly all older than you, it does feel different. I have learned to be myself, enjoy the company, and show my employees how much it means to me so they love it as well.
Of course, we also when through a learning curve with the process of placing a nanny. I believe very much that mental health is important, having time for your family is important, and if you cannot do that, then you will not perform well. I desire that my employees are happy, healthy, and enjoy their job.
After a few months, it seemed like we never got a minute off work, and I made a big change to put employees first even if that means to make a client wait 24 hours for a reply. We made some great changes and everyone is happy. I think finding that balance when starting a business is very hard!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sitters in Paradise?
Sitters in Paradise is a company that places young, trustworthy nannies & offers families, qualified candidates, within 7 days. We also offer temporary travel nannies and short-term placements for those on vacation. Additionally, a placement fee is not due until a family has had 60 days to get to know their nanny!
We work directly in the community and with local colleges to find excellent babysitters and nannies amongst current attendees – undergraduate and graduate – as well as recent alumni. Being local to the area, our nannies understand the unique needs of our families and are invested in the next generation rising within our community.
We are different from other agencies because we provide families with young, vibrant, and outgoing nannies. Second, our nannies are not just another set of eyes, but individuals who truly desire to be invested in a child’s life. Lastly, we desire to make a difference here in Florida and around the world. We partner with a non-profit and are heavily involved in their work. Over 10% of all placement fees are donated!
I am most proud of our business getting candidates to a client in under 7 days! If you do some research, you will see no other agency says this. The average time frame for an agency to get candidates sent out is 6 weeks. When a family needs a nanny, they do not have 6 weeks to wait, they need help immediately, and we are here for them when they call!
I want your readers to know that we are trustworthy and honest people. Finding people who are honest today is hard. We are here to make you happy, and that is why you do not even pay a placement fee until you have had 60 days to try and hire your nanny! If you are not happy, we will even help suggest another agency that fits your family’s needs that we think might help better than we do.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people do not know that I come from a family that also runs their own business, Braxton’s Auctioneering! My dad and brother are both licensed auctioneers and our family runs one of the largest, most successful auction houses in the South. I have been working at a computer and doing payroll from the time I could read and count!
Today, we have one of the largest antique malls with over 40 vendors and sell almost 3,000 items a month in our auction house. I can pretty much run our auction software in my sleep.
Pricing:
- Parttime Placement – $2,500
- Fulltime Placement – $4,500
- Live-in Placement – $6,000
Contact Info:
- Website: sittersinparadise.com
- Instagram: @sittersinparadise
