Why Nanny Harmony? What Sets Us Apart From Other Chicago Agencies?
Brooke Blazevich, CEO and Founder of Nanny Harmony
With dozens of agencies to choose from in Chicagoland, how do you decide which one is best for you (either as a Nanny or as a Family)?
We are a licensed, bonded and insured agency with 4+ years of experience matching families in Chicagoland.
Brooke, our founder comes from both angles as a former professional nanny and a mama of 1 (and another on the way). Chelsea, Brie and Jesse are essential to the Nanny Harmony team and have higher-education degrees in fields relevant to childcare along with years of experience as career nannies in Chicago.
Our team is well-equipped, sensitive to families' and nannies' needs and devoted to fostering long-lasting partnerships.
A message from our founder:
“I founded this agency for a few reasons. My mom, my shining role model, has nannied since before my sisters and I were born. She works as a nanny to this day and she is *chefs kiss* one of the absolute best.
Naturally, I started babysitting at an early age and continued to nanny through college and grad school.
Once I finished my master's degree, I set aside all that I learned in the nutrition/health field to pursue nannying, full-time in the city. "WHY?" many of my friends/family members asked. Simply put— because I can't imagine a day without the rewarding feeling of making an impact on a child's life.
Fast-forward to 2017 when I spent countless hours drawing up plans for an agency. Not just because "I'm a nanny" but because it's engrained in me, and this culture, this community FILLS my heart. I want everyone to feel the feeling of connecting on the most personal level with a family/nanny. The kind of NF that sends you flowers when your mom is in the hospital. The kind of nanny that cautiously zips up your toddler's winter coat and patiently sings a song about tying your shoes (because every day is filled with opportunities to learn and have fun).
As a nanny who has experienced working through some big-name agencies first-hand and as a new mom myself, I know just how important these relationships are. This is not just a job, but a partnership. Career nannies make sacrifices, they are always in 'fight or flight' mode and foreseeing dangers before they take place. They take care of parents' most prized possessions and leave an imprint on their hearts, forever.
If nannying is your career, and/or if you can see yourself identifying as a career nanny for years to come, please consider the support of an agency that cares about you as an individual. An agency should listen to your goals, get to know you personally and help reinforce expectations between both families and nannies. This is a partnership/job unlike any else. This is one of the most personal jobs out there, and not all families and nannies are meant for one another. When you find your match, you just know.
Last but not least:
In a time where everyone seems to find both jobs and love/relationships online, it can be tempting to listen to "he said, she said" on FB groups, forums, or reviews. What I know from experience is that there are a lot of extraordinary agencies out there, both in Chicago and throughout the nation. If you are a career nanny searching for your next long-term fit, polish up your professional nanny resume, update your CPR or any other certifications in the field, and apply to any agencies that spark your interest. See for yourself. The best approach is to put your best foot forward and aim to set yourself apart. Our favorite candidates are authentically themselves, open up to us about their quirks and strengths, who aren't afraid to be vulnerable (or tear up talking about past NK's!), and whole-heartedly embrace the aches/pains of this type of work.
At Nanny Harmony, we are here because we LOVE this community. We are here because we've been in your shoes as Chicagoland career nannies. We set very clear expectations with both families and nannies to encourage a smooth partnership from the start. We are here because there is nothing better than taking part in fostering a happy, healthy nanny-family relationship (which also makes for very happy little ones! )”
To read our post about “Nanny Agencies vs. Searching for a Nanny On Your Own”, click here.
