What do you get when you bring together babysitters and parents in a speed dating type situation? It's Superstar Sitters.
Founder and owner Jessica Turner created the new company to solve a problem she found when she moved to Kalamazoo from the Detroit area. Having worked in childcare as a nanny and other jobs that require similar experience she was used to easily finding work, but when she enrolled in Western Michigan University the question became "where are all the kids?"
"I had no idea where all the families were," Turner says. She eventually connected with a family, two professors from WMU. "That's how it all started."
They were impressed with her experience and advice and they recommended her to others, saying, "Whatever Jessica tells you, just listen to her."
She found people were asking her to watch their children and as she already had a commitment she had to turn them down. She knew some parents were using the same websites she used when she was looking for work. The downside to those sites is that parents often did not know whether the potential babysitter is a good fit. Some did not meet the babysitter until it was time for him or her to watch the children.
Turner says she knew there had to be a better way. She talked to parents to find out what they were looking for in a babysitting service. What was missing was a chance to meet prospective sitters. She came up with the idea for an event where in which moms and dads have the opportunity to interview up 12 college-aged babysitters in just over an hour.
Superstar Sitters introduces parents to pre-selected college babysitters looking for part-time, occasional work. They could be busy parents in need of extra help or those who need a date night. The events are held at local businesses after business hours.
Upon arrival at the event parents are given a booklet containing all of the sitters' resumes. The resumes include information such as their experience, availability, contact information, and references. Turner chose the sitters who will work for Superstar Sitters after reviewing about 80 applicants. "It was hard to pick. The turnout of applicants was very good."
Parents have a five minute interview with each sitter in attendance. When the bell rings the sitters move to the next parent. After the event, parents contact their top picks directly. Parents are responsible for negotiating rates, job specifics and perform any necessary screening that they believe is necessary.
"This is the newest, best, simplest way to find a babysitter. It's so stress free," Turner says.
The WMU junior majoring in family and child development is excited about the possibilities for growth of her company. One reason is that she has connected with Moms in Tow, a Michigan website that offers discounts from area businesses to participating moms. Parents who are members on the site will receive a 15 percent discount when they attend Superstar Sitter events. Turner already has plans to expand into Grand Rapids and beyond as her business grows.
"This is my passion," Turner says. "The only thing I want to do is help parents."
The first Superstar Sitters event will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at "Just Move Fitness and More," 626 Romence Road, Suite 104, Portage. A second event will be hosted at the same location Nov. 23. Sitters attend for free and parents attend for $39.99 per family per event.
To register parents must fill out a registration form by visiting the Superstar Sitters website and clicking on the "events." Sitters interested in attending must send their resumes to Turner
here.
For more information, or an interview, contact Turner at 269-447-1391 or visit the website.
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Source: Jessica Turner, Superstar Sitters
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