Ami Davis – Sweetheart Nannies

Every day is a new day in my career, every family, and every child is a new challenge. Depending on the family or the event, day or night can change the day.

My name is Ami. I have been a professional nanny for over 14 years looking after children of all ages, from new-borns to 14+ year olds.

6.5 years ago, I set up a business as a sole trader running childcare at events, looking after children at weddings, charity events, corporate ceremonies and birthday parties.

My love for children has been the main reason for my choice in career. I love planning and attending events so bringing the two together was a big bonus for me.

From a very young age I have been around business, my father has had successful businesses throughout my life, and I believe this has rubbed off on me. I am extremely resilient in all that I do and will always try and excel in every aspect of my business.

I spent a lot of time in the first couple of years developing my own belief and strength, in 2019 I took advice and worked with a coach and social media experts to try and get everything in line to get the best out of the business.

I had many challenges along the way, after setting up my business. I had several hits from a competitor who would do anything in their power to bring me down. I kept strong and was very determined to ensure my business would be a success and knew there was plenty of space in the industry for us both. I was working full time and setting up the business, trying to juggle them both whilst also attending wedding fairs, visiting venues and getting the business seen.

I am extremely passionate about making childcare the easiest and most stress-free part of organising a wedding. Making sure that children are well looked after, cared for, and entertained is the number one priority of any parent attending an event. I will do as much as I physically can to make sure that parents and nannies alike know as much as possible before attending an event to ensure everything runs smoothly. Parents are apprehensive and have a lot of worries and concerns when having a ‘stranger’ looking after their child, and I try to settle any nerves or doubts they may have beforehand, including meeting up with the nanny who will be in charge on the big day. The more relaxed everyone is, the more fun everyone will have.

Every creche brings a rush of adrenaline, and buzz of excitement. Seeing the children so excited and enthusiastic about coming to play, watching the other children come together, making new friends and making new memories is the best feeling. Finally, the look from their parents leaving with a sigh of relief, as they can now relax and enjoy the wedding is a great feeling and keeps me motivated.

I feel my gender in my profession is a plus, as many men struggle in childcare, and it can even have a negative stigma behind it. Many parents take comfort in speaking to a female where childcare is involved as we generally have a maternal instinct.

Many years of experience with children of all ages gives parents reassurance that I understand nothing can be guaranteed or promised when looking after children. As a nanny we have to be quite flexible and learn to work on our feet, using our initiative well.

Setting up and running a successful business is the biggest achievement in my life. The biggest lesson I have learnt would definitely be that you won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and what you have to offer won’t be for everyone. Know your worth and stick to it.

A woman that has impacted my life is my mum, she doesn’t have the confidence or belief in herself and what I do every day is to try and make her proud. I wish she could find something that she felt as driven and passionate about.

My typical day – My morning usually consists of waking the children up, sorting breakfast, getting the children dressed and ready for the day, attending playgroups, swimming classes, occasionally taking them to school or nursery, baking, painting or sorting the laundry. By night, I will usually be helping with homework, making dinner, preparing bottles, bath time and reading bedtime stories. At events, we have the best time making jewellery, crafting, playing games and watching movies, making memories for all the children that attend our mobile creche packages.

Outside work I enjoy keeping fit, with regular personal training sessions. My partner and I enjoy going on holidays and visiting nice restaurants.

My tips for anyone starting their careers are to be ready for plenty of challenges, don’t underestimate your worth, never regret anything, grab opportunities with open arms.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is ‘never look back in regret’

My advice for women aiming for leadership positions is to believe in yourself and others will believe in you.

A key leadership lesson I’ve learned along the way is that the more belief you have in yourself, the more will come to you.

Advice for my 16-year-old self – never go into a partnership without seriously thinking out all the aspects and trust your instinct