“Live each day to the fullest, because tomorrow is never promised.”
Name: Rebecca Stewart
Age: 28
Occupation: Business Owner
Did you go to college? Where?
Yes, I attended Hope International University for two years and graduated from California State University Fullerton
What did you study? Human Services, Psychology, Counseling
Where do you work? I own my own business – VIP Nannies Inc., Household Staffing
Where are you from? Born and raised in San Luis Obispo, California
Why did you pick this career?
I have always wanted to own my own business, and I have a passion for children – particularly for good, positive, role models working in the lives of children.
What are your future plans for your career?
In the near future, I plan on opening an office in Santa Barbara, Calif. We already have numerous high-profile clients in the Santa Barbara area whom we service, and they are begging VIP Nannies Inc., Household Staffing to open a physical location in their area. Of course, the five-year plan is still a secret.
How did you get involved in this career?
I was a nanny for a high profile Hollywood family years ago. While working for this family and a few others, I found myself referring other American, educated nannies to a Los Angeles-based agency. One day, after my fourth referral, I had that “ah-ha” moment and said to myself, “I could do this. I could own my own agency.” In 2006 I launched VIP Nanny Agency, now VIP Nannies Inc., Household Staffing.
How did you prepare yourself for this career?
To be honest, I did nothing to prepare to be a business owner. I have always wanted to own my own business – it had always been a dream, nothing I ever prepared for, per say. I love people, I work hard, I develop relationships … I’m good at what I do. ☺
And if you just happened to land in this career what made you stay?
Determination! And I love what I do; it’s my passion. If you are not passionate about what you do for a living, there is NO REASON to waste time doing it anymore. I say GET OUT and LIVE YOUR PASSSION!
What are the downsides to this profession?
In the beginning, there is no consistent paycheck.
What is a typical workday for you?
I first check my “CrackBerry” at 6:30 or 7:00 a.m. Then I wake-up, go workout for an hour, shower (all while constantly checking my Blackberry and/or answering morning phone calls). Next I head to the office between 9-10:00 a.m. At the office, I return phone calls, check emails, interview 2-3 applicants, answer more phone calls and emails, call and check references, then head home … and most likely work another hour from home.
How might this job be a stepping stone to other professions?
This is my profession, I am a business owner. I love what I do!
What is the single-most important piece of advice you can offer a person pursuing this career?
To anyone who wants to become a business owner: CHECK YOUR PASSION and DO YOUR RESEARCH – how can you make money doing what you are passionate about? Find out!
What steps do you recommend to someone who is planning to pursue this career?
To become a business owner: (1) Do your research (Why do you want to start/open your business? Why would people want to use your service? Eat at your restaurant? Come to your business? Who has had this idea and why did it succeed or fail?); (2) talk to other business owners – especially in the field into which you want to enter (What makes them successful? Do they have any tips they can give to someone starting their own company?); and (3) make sure you have money in your savings account (or at least you are not in massive amounts of debt).
What professional or community volunteer organizations are you currently a member of?
I am a member of the International Nanny Association (INA), the Sherman Oaks Chamber of Commerce and Step-Up Women’s Network a non-profit organization (www.suwn.org).
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