Kristen Szapka, the founder of A Nanny Match in 2015, aimed to revolutionize the nanny/family matchmaking approach and bridge the gap between traditional agency structures and unregulated online platforms.
With a professional background encompassing recruitment, arts administration, and over 20 years in the childcare industry, Kristen’s expertise and experience set her apart.
Throughout her tenure in Chelsea art galleries, she displayed exceptional customer care skills while catering to high-profile clients.
Her roles as both a teacher and a nanny allowed her to delve into the realm of child development and collaborate with families from diverse backgrounds.
Driven by a profound passion for children’s well-being and family support, Kristen approaches her work with unwavering dedication.
Demonstrating compassion and professionalism, she possesses a deep understanding of the qualities that distinguish a good nanny from a truly exceptional one.
Mindful of the matchmaking process, Kristen places utmost value on honesty, integrity, superior service, and ensuring peace of mind for all parties involved.
Success Story
In 2015, Kristen Szapka embarked on a journey that would define the next decade of her life. As a solo female entrepreneur, she founded A Nanny Match, an NYC-based nanny placement agency.
From the early years, Kristen juggled every aspect of running the business, wearing multiple hats and handling tasks ranging from sales and recruiting to vetting nannies, client acquisition, social media marketing, and accounting. Despite the overwhelming workload, she remained determined and dedicated to delivering exceptional service to both clients and nannies.
Recognizing the demand for reliable sitters during vacations, Kristen made a pivotal decision in 2016 to expand A Nanny Match to Italy, despite having only a year of operations under her belt.
This expansion broadened the agency’s reach and provided families with fully vetted holiday sitters in picturesque Italian destinations such as Positano and Rome.
It opened new doors and introduced A Nanny Match to a broader audience seeking trustworthy childcare solutions.
In 2020, amidst the uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kristen identified an opportunity to support clients who had purchased homes in Southern Florida, particularly Miami.
By extending their services to this region, A Nanny Match ensured a seamless transition for families in need of trusted caregivers in their new locations. Despite the adversity, Kristen and her team adapted and found innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of their clients.
Further expansion came in 2022 when A Nanny Match set up a base in Boston, allowing them to proudly serve families across the United States. The agency’s reputation precedes them, boasting a remarkable 90% retention rate, receiving five-star reviews from both clients and nannies, and boasting a vast network of professional caregivers.
What’s remarkable is that Kristen achieved all this without any prior formal education or training in business, relying instead on her passion and curiosity for entrepreneurship.
She embraced every opportunity to research and learn from her experiences, constantly pursuing knowledge and adapting as the industry and business landscape evolved.
Throughout her journey, Kristen encountered numerous hurdles, particularly in the early stages. Some clients took advantage of her empathetic and supportive nature, posing challenges that required careful navigation. Learning to set boundaries and communicate expectations became essential in maintaining a healthy and sustainable business model.
Kristen expresses deep gratitude to the women who have supported her along the way, as well as her mentors whose invaluable lessons and encouragement have shaped her path.
She also acknowledges the immense value provided by her quick and resourceful team members in navigating complex public and client relations. Together, they form a female-led team that values hard work, integrity, meaningful relationships, innovation, and female empowerment.
Kristen’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to embrace their passion and pursue ventures aligned with their values, as it fuels motivation during challenging times. She emphasizes the importance of learning from every experience, embracing a growth mindset that embraces lessons from both successes and failures.
Building a supportive team of talented individuals who share the vision and complement skills is crucial for achieving sustainable growth. Kristen advocates for setting boundaries with clients and partners and ensuring fair compensation for the value provided.
Additionally, she highlights the importance of adaptability, embracing change, and being willing to innovate and adjust the business model to meet evolving market demands.
From the early days of single-handedly managing every aspect of A Nanny Match to its expansion across multiple locations and nationwide success, Kristen Szapka’s entrepreneurial journey has been defined by resilience, determination, and a unwavering commitment to excellence.
She cherishes the hurdles she overcame, the lessons she learned, and the remarkable team that stands beside her, forming the foundation of A Nanny Match’s continued success.
If you would like to get in touch with Kristen Szapka or her company, you can do it through her – Linkedin Page