Today we’d like to introduce you to Jada Pickett.
Hi Jada, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey from being born in the city of Detroit to moving down to the vibrant community of San Antonio has been an adventure filled with passion, discovery, and growth. I’ve always been a melting pot of interests, from theater and dance to entrepreneurship, never wanting to be boxed into a single path. This enthusiastic spirit of mine led me down many roads, but the unexpected turn into childcare truly shaped my career.
Starting in a church nursery and moving on to daycare, I stumbled into nannying, a role defining much of my professional life. I founded my nanny agency, driven to connect families with compassionate, professional care. My entrepreneurial journey expanded with a subscription box service, an endeavor that unexpectedly thrust me into the local media spotlight. This exposure revealed my dual role as a nanny and entrepreneur, leading to opportunities to share my expertise on childcare across various platforms, even reaching audiences in cities like Houston. A pivotal moment came when I spoke on a panel about my experiences as a Black nanny in a predominantly non-Black area. This candid discussion caught a marketer’s attention from Sittercity, leading to a significant career shift. I joined Sittercity initially as a brand spokesperson but later transitioned into their business development department and then on to their marketing and branding team. Despite these professional changes, nannying remained a core part of my identity. I continued to babysit, albeit on a smaller scale, maintaining connections with the children I’ve cared for, many of whom are practically grown now.
The decision to sunset my nanny agency post-pandemic was bittersweet. It came from a place of introspection, realizing that the joy and connection I once felt were waning. I redirected that passion to mentoring caregivers who shared a passion for building an online presence in a unique niche like the nanny industry. Shortly after the pandemic, I birthed The Nanny Niche, where members of that community, through my mentorship and masterclasses, went on to create viral content, land brand partnerships, build personal brands, and start new businesses. Additionally, platforms like Sittercity offered a broader reach to families in need, prompting me to pivot my focus towards leveraging my expertise in a new capacity. Today, while my role has evolved beyond full-time nannying, the essence of caregiving remains integral to my life. I cherish being a “fun auntie” to my four-year-old nephew, embracing the joys of family and the spontaneity of childhood. My story is a testament to the power of embracing change, the importance of following one’s passion, and the beauty of nurturing growth in others and oneself.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Reflecting on my journey, I wouldn’t describe it as a smooth road but a path filled with valuable lessons and challenges that shaped who I am today. One of the most significant hurdles I’ve faced was the internal conflict of feeling compelled to choose a singular career path. This notion was daunting, especially given my diverse interests and passions. Only when I started letting go of this restrictive mindset and embracing my evolving passions did I begin to flourish. My identity was deeply intertwined with the nanny industry for a long time. The thought of stepping away from nannying was daunting; it felt like letting go of a part of myself and the community I had built. There was a sense of security within this familiar territory, which sometimes felt like all I knew. This attachment made it challenging to explore other interests, as running my business and fulfilling my nanny responsibilities consumed much of my time and energy.
Another significant challenge I encountered was the allure of becoming a celebrity nanny. This aspiration provided a glimpse into a world I thought I wanted to be a part of. I tasted this high-profile lifestyle, which only fueled my desire for more. However, this pursuit often led to periods of stagnation, as I would find myself putting other opportunities on hold, waiting for that one breakthrough that never fully materialized. This experience taught me the importance of discernment and the courage to let go of dreams that no longer served my greater purpose. The transition from being deeply rooted in the nanny industry to embracing opportunities as a content creator and TV contributor and eventually working with Sittercity was filled with moments of uncertainty. As my presence on TV and brand partnerships grew, balancing these roles significantly presented a dilemma. I struggled with knowing when and what to let go of, fearing the loss of one passion for the pursuit of another. These challenges, while difficult, were instrumental in my personal and professional growth. They taught me the value of flexibility, the courage to embrace change, and the importance of following my heart, even when it meant closing one chapter to begin another. Growth often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and let go of the familiar to embrace new possibilities.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a Social Media Manager for SitterCity, I am now entering my third year, and I’ve found a fulfilling blend of passion and profession. My primary responsibility is to embody and project the brand voice across all major social platforms, from LinkedIn and Instagram to TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest. This involves meticulous coordination with our brand and marketing teams to ensure our organic content complements our paid initiatives and resonates deeply with our audience.
It’s crucial for me that when people visit our pages, they gain more than just an understanding of SitterCity as a company; they feel the heart and soul of our mission to foster genuine, long-lasting connections between families and caregivers, all aimed at nurturing children’s optimal growth. Beyond my corporate role, I thrive as a content creator, collaborating with brands to weave their narratives into the fabric of my unique brand voice. This aspect of my work allows me to unleash my creativity, crafting mini commercials and engaging content that brings products to life in innovative and relatable ways. This creative liberty to tell stories visually and connect with audiences personally is incredibly rewarding.
What I’m most proud of in my work is the ability to make a real impact. Through SitterCity, I’m part of a larger mission to support families and caregivers in their most crucial roles. As a content creator, I authentically represent brands and products that align with my values and resonate with my audience. Specializing in translating brand essence into engaging social content, I revel in the challenge of capturing the attention and hearts of our community, making every post, video, and campaign not just seen but felt.
Alongside my primary role as Social Media Manager at SitterCity, I also serve as the brand spokesperson, which adds another layer of depth and engagement to my work. Collaborating closely with our PR team, I handle press inquiries, ensuring our company’s message and mission are communicated and upheld. This role extends to representing SitterCity in news publications and visual interviews, where I articulate our values and initiatives, fostering a strong, positive public image for the brand.
Specializing in digital content creation and public relations allows me to shape and share the narrative of SitterCity in a multifaceted way. It’s about more than just managing social platforms; it’s about being the voice and face of the company in various public domains, ensuring consistency and integrity in every message delivered. This dual responsibility underscores my commitment to promoting meaningful connections within our community and advocating for our brand’s vision and impact on a broader scale.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My journey to where I am today hasn’t been solitary; it’s been enriched and supported by a constellation of remarkable individuals and experiences that have each played a pivotal role in shaping my path.
Firstly, my mom and dad deserve immense credit for their unwavering support of my creative endeavors and interests. They instilled the courage to explore multiple paths and not confine myself to one route. My dad, in particular, has been an active participant in my creative projects, even joining me in skits, showcasing his support for my passions in the most tangible way.
One of my earliest bosses saw potential in my entrepreneurial spirit and not only encouraged it but actively contributed to its growth by assisting me in setting up my LLC. His guidance through the legal intricacies of running a business was invaluable and laid a solid foundation for my entrepreneurial journey.
Another significant figure in my career was a boss who supported my need to balance work with my appearances on “SA Live.” This flexibility allowed me to include her son in a fun toy segment, seamlessly blending my professional responsibilities with my passion projects.
I also owe tremendous gratitude to the owner of a large skincare brand who helped me see beyond my identity as just a nanny, opening my eyes to a broader spectrum of possibilities and self-perception.
A turning point in my career came when the former brand director at Sittercity heard me share my experiences as a Black nanny on a panel. Her advocacy was instrumental in opening new doors for me within the company. The panel, put together by the owner of Nanny Tees, was a crucial platform that allowed me to voice my story and connect with Sittercity on a deeper level.
The team at Sittercity has been a source of constant growth and inspiration. Their collaboration, support, and shared vision make me better every day, and I’m profoundly grateful for the environment of mutual respect and encouragement we’ve cultivated together.
My experiences with “SA Live” have been nothing short of transformative. From the hosts Mike and Fiona to producers Jen Struski, John Marr, and the entire team, their belief in me and support over the past six years have been a cornerstone of my professional and personal development.
Lastly, but most importantly, my faith has been my guiding light. I attribute my steps, protection, and the fulfillment of the desires of my heart to God’s grace and providence. Without his guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Each of these individuals and experiences has contributed a unique thread to the tapestry of my career; for that, I am eternally grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://msha.ke/jayyrashawn
- Instagram: Instagram.com/jayyrashawn
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jada-pickett-32687551?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Don Hopkins (photographer)
