 |
| Lifestyle | Finance | Travel | Motoring | Property | Health | Careers | WE Top Websites | Parenting | Regulars | Contact Us | Exclusive Shopping & Services | Archives |
|
Sara Rahmani Founder of Peek-a-boo Childcare It was a real pleasure chatting to Swedish-born Sara who at the age of 21 started her own nanny and au pair agency in London and today has more than 1500 registered nannies on her books. Sara came over to the UK to find work as a nanny and ended up setting up her own company from her bedroom. Today that business offers top end nannies to the rich and famous all over the world. As well as providing nannies she also offers mothers helps, housekeepers, maternity nurses and the like. Because of her background Sara has managed to specialise in a few key areas and has on her books Mandarin-speaking nannies, as well Swedish, German and French nannies. At just 28 she is an inspiration to us all; Sara started from nothing and now, including her housekeepers and the like, has over 2,000 people on her books. To remain at the top of her business and provide a first-class service Sara runs a number of child related courses throughout the year that she welcomes all her registered candidates to join. Today I chat to Sara about her business, her success and where her future lies: Q – Why an au pair/nanny business? Sara – “Having my own businesses came naturally to me. Being a determined person with a lot of drive, enthusiasm, energy, authority, having your own businesses seemed like the only option as a natural leader. When I came to the UK in 1998 I worked as an au pair and a nanny myself and saw a great opportunity to start a mediating/matching agency in London. Being Swedish, having lived all over the world as well as having connections all over Europe – I was used to doing business with European countries, cultures and people made sense. I see myself as a link between the English/Swedish/European cultures.” Q – Do you see yourself as successful? Sara - I believe that I am successful to an extent but I always want more. I am not the content type and want to improve myself and my businesses all the time. It also depends on how you define success…I like to think of myself as a driver, a survivor and hopefully an inspiration to others. You can really do anything once you put your mind to it and I am grateful everyday. Q – Are you still ambitious? Sara – “The first agency was only ever meant to be a start up point. My intentions were to start a third, fourth and hopefully more businesses within my lifetime. The more work I do, the more doors are being opened and more opportunities arise. I love the buzz and the feeling of starting something new and watching it flourish”. Q – Was it hard to get started? Sara – “Coming from a background with no financial support it was difficult to start up a company from scratch. Having said that, this is also, I believe one of the reasons why I am so driven. I know that I cannot fall back on anyone else as there is nobody to rely on except myself. This was instilled in me from a very young age and I believe is the main reason why I simply do not see failure as an option”. Q – I’m sure you must have some tips for my women readers who want to start a business – what would they be? Sara – “Believe in yourself, if you do, other people will too. Do not be afraid of going your own way. If you have a vision or an idea, go for it. I’m yet to meet a business woman who has failed if they have the drive, a great vision and the courage to follow their dreams”. Q – Women usually always have to juggle their career and home life – yet men are never questioned on this – what are your thoughts? Sara – “Men are not expected to be as “multi-dimensional” as us women are. Women are meant to be great at their jobs, in charge of their children, household, attend the gym whilst having a busy and rewarding social schedule. I think there is a fundamental belief or thought process in people that men are meant to be good and successful at their jobs and that’s it!” Q – Do you have any role models? Sara – “I look up to people that are individuals, people that have come from nothing, gone their own ways and made an impact or a difference. People like Richard Branson, Madonna, and Sir Bob Geldof are the people I would stick on my list”. Q – Do you have someone who supports you in your business and do you see this as part of your success? Sara – “My partner is extremely supportive and loves the fact that I am driven, motivated and ambitions. We often chat about future ventures and business plans. I support him back with his future ideas and he appreciates the fact that I have a lot of experience and concrete advice that I can share with him”. Q – Are you a believer in luck or is it just hard work? Sara – “Mainly hard work, I would not be where I am today if I hadn’t worked as hard as I have. In my case I believe that most of it is down to hard work. At the same time, I feel lucky to be surrounded by a number of influential people and to have an excellent support network”. To learn more about Sara's business go to www.peekaboochildcare.com/ |
|
| Copyright © WOMENS EVERYTHING 2008 | Advertise | | Privacy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap | Web design by 7Soft.co.uk |