We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jaiya Jermulowske. Check out our conversation below.
Jaiya, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
For a long time, I’ve been hesitant to fully embrace my true calling, even though it’s been clear to me all along. I’ve always been an educator at heart, deeply passionate about childcare and working with children and youth. Despite this passion, I struggled with fully owning it because my career didn’t fit the traditional definition of “professional success.” My work has largely been behind the scenes—managing a babysitting company.
People constantly tell me how needed and valuable my services are, and within my close circle, there’s genuine appreciation. But outside of that, when I mention that I own a babysitting business, the reactions sometimes carry an undertone of, “Oh, that’s cool. Is that a real job?” Those moments made me question the legitimacy of my work.
However, recently I’ve had a shift in mindset. I’ve chosen to fully embrace it: I am childcare. I am babysitting. This acceptance has brought me a profound sense of peace. It’s also fueled my newest ventures—creating Life With Kids Hub, a parent resource center, along with the Babysitting Academy Hub. These projects have reignited my purpose, allowing me to educate others about the broader world of childcare and babysitting. It’s more than just providing a service; it’s about sharing knowledge, advocating for the importance of this work, and reaching beyond my local community to impact a broader audience.
Right now, I feel called to expand this mission—to not only provide excellent childcare services but also to elevate the perception of childcare as a vital, professional field. Embracing this fully has transformed my outlook and given me a renewed sense of purpose.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My journey in childcare began in my own neighborhood, where I started babysitting as a young girl. My love for working with children blossomed into a lifelong passion, leading me to earn a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, complemented by an endorsement in Outdoor Environmental Education. Before transitioning to full-time babysitting, I enriched young minds in outdoor camp settings, blending fun with education in engaging, nature-based environments.
My background doesn’t stop there. I have worked as a substitute teacher in elementary schools and in childcare centers, nurturing children from as young as 12 months to 12 years old. For the past five years, I have managed a bustling drop-in childcare facility at a recreation gym, caring for kids ranging from 3 months to 12 years old. As a devoted mother to my two children, aged 6 and 9, I bring not only professional knowledge but also heartfelt, real-world parenting experience to my teaching.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Having children profoundly shaped how I see the world. It’s a transformation that only a parent can truly grasp—the deep, unwavering feeling that you’d give everything you have, even your life, for another human being. From the moment my first child entered the world, every action, every decision, I make is influenced by the desire to nurture and protect them, to create a better life for them.
I believe in our society, while it might not always be obvious, this purpose is constantly present, guiding our choices as parents. As children grow, priorities shift slightly; decisions may focus more on securing their future, but the underlying motivation remains the same. Every single thing I do is for my children.
This is a universal, yet often unspoken, truth. We’ve all seen scenes in movies or TV shows where adults confront their parents about past decisions, believing they were made out of indifference. More often than not, the parent responds with heartfelt honesty: “I did that for you, to give you a better future.” It’s a sentiment woven into the fabric of parenthood—a quiet, enduring force that shapes lives in ways we rarely articulate.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Fantastic job!! Good job on all the small decisions you made along the way—those moments that felt like they carried the weight of the world. You stood up for your truth, even when it wasn’t easy. You made choices, understanding that not deciding is, in itself, a decision. Every small step, each seemingly insignificant choice, has shaped the path that brought you to where you are today. Good job. I know you did your best, and that was more than enough.
Reflecting on this, I’m reminded of the quiet strength it takes to navigate life’s daily challenges and the courage embedded in each decision, no matter how small.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One project I’m deeply committed to, no matter how long it takes, is developing the Babysitter Academy Hub. This hub is designed as a central resource for new and aspiring babysitters, particularly those in middle school or high school who are eager to empower themselves and start their own babysitting ventures within their communities.
At the heart of this initiative is my online coaching course, “Babysitting Essentials: A Beginner’s Guide.” This comprehensive, two-hour course includes an hour of engaging video content where I share practical insights, supplemented by informative blog articles and valuable resources. It’s tailored to help new babysitters get started on the right foot, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence they need.
This project feels like a true calling for me. I have an abundance of resources and information that I’m passionate about sharing, and this is just the beginning. Following this first course, I envision expanding into more specialized online coaching courses that delve deeper into various aspects of babysitting. This could include topics like building a babysitting business, covering the logistics, behind-the-scenes operations, and even offering one-on-one coaching sessions. These sessions would provide a platform for individuals to ask questions, seek feedback, and brainstorm ideas.
I am genuinely excited about this new venture. Through the Babysitter Academy Hub, I aim to shape and inspire future babysitters, potentially even mentoring those who may one day join my babysitting business.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I were to retire tomorrow, I believe my customers would miss the unwavering attention to detail I bring to every babysitting reservation. Since 2014, I’ve been managing Steamboat Babysitting Company, cultivating lasting relationships with countless families who return year after year, trusting in the consistent, personalized service I provide. While someone else might approach the role differently—or even excel in their own way—I take immense pride in the reliability and care my clients have come to expect from me.
Admittedly, this level of commitment can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it’s a responsibility I’ve wholeheartedly embraced as both my job and profession. I am dedicated to performing it to the best of my ability. I recognize that there will eventually come a time when I’ll need to pass the reins to someone else, though I can’t say precisely when that will be. Until then, I remain devoted to the work and the relationships I’ve built.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lifewithkidshub.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifewithkidshub/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifewithkidshub
- Other: Steamboat Babysitting Company
https://www.steamboatbabysitting.comThe Babysitter Academy Hub
https://www.lifewithkidshub.com/babysitter-academy-hub
