Heidi Clair, conquering the Childcare Industry in St.Lucia
Twenty six year old, Heidi St.Clair, entrepreneur, is working hard and quickly to conquer the Childcare industry in St.Lucia. High spirited Heidi has invested everything in what she loves.
GIBD sat down with Heidi to talk about her love for her business and her journey to getting where she is today
GIBD: Tell us a little about yourself and how you gained interest in this field.
Heidi: I was born in Gros Islet town and spent a number of years in Switzerland. I undertook most of my primary schooling at Gros-Islet Primary where I wrote the Common Entrance Exam. I then attended the Babonneau Secondary and it was uphill from there.
The funny thing is, I never knew I considered childcare. Fashion was what I loved and all I wanted to do was to pursue that dream by attending The Fashion School of London. However, when I landed my first job, all of my interest in fashion flew out the window.
My first job was providing assistance at a daycare in gros-islet operated by Teacher Bridget. At the time I wasn’t sure about myself, being that I never worked with children. However, I decided to take a chance and I fell in love with the kids instantly! I was a natural, I never looked back again.
The thing about me is that all my life I always fell into the leadership role, no matter what it was, I was the one to lead. I was born to guide and teach and who better to do that with but the kids... they need us. It is just a matter of understanding them and for some reason I can.
GIBD: Tell us about your business and your role.
Heidi: Although I am the owner, I never introduce myself that way. I am the Business Development Manager at St. Clair’s Sitting Services. I am responsible for the hiring new staff and prospecting for potential new clients. I attend events on behalf of the business and showcase our services to help promote and build the business. I do whatever it takes to develop the business, hence my title Business Development Manager. At St.Clair’s Sitting Services we hire ladies to serve as Nannies and babysitters, but our services also include Housekeeping, Elderly Care and Errands. We have over 25 (temporary/permanent) employees.
GIBD: How long have you been pursuing your dreams?
Heidi: In 2009 I came up with the idea of St. Clair’s Sitting Services. I tried, but basically I had no idea what I was doing. At the time I was in a hurry for everything. I wanted it now, and I failed miserably. I felt like a disappointment. After sulking and feeling sorry for myself, I picked myself up and went back to the drawing board and came up with a plan. It took me 8 years to gain the experience. It has been a hard and very crocked road. I had many personal battles to take care of and finally I made it here. It is only when you grow you understand, and if I had the chance to change anything, I wouldn’t change a thing! All these trials made me who I am today. Slow and steady does it.
GIBD: How is St.Clair’s Sitting Services different from the rest?
Heidi: St.Clair’s Sitting Services cannot be compared There is no one like us. We are selling a unique and special service which does not compare to any other. You compare us…you just can’t! At St. Clair’s we take care of children as if they are our own. To ensure that our staff are the best of the best, we have a procedure that they must go through to make it with us. This also ensures that the client is assigned a capable and trustworthy caregiver. We do not see other childcare facilities as competition because like I said what we have is unique and special.
GIBD: What makes your service so unique?
Heidi: Despite the fact that there may be other businesses like mine, I don't think they can match what I am provided. Its more on a personal connection I make with our clients. I form an intimate relationship with my clients, by taking care of the simple things, by doing this we care for the greater things and we achieve that by working hard to make sure they get the best. The staff are trained to be responsible and build strong professional and hosptiable relationships with the clients.
GIBD: What did you do to get yourself where you are today?
Heidi: I went back to school and studied Early Childhood Education at Penn Foster College. My studies have strengthened in the areas I had lacked. Google was and still is my best friend, but more importantly, I asked a lot of questions from people who were in business. All this was accompanied with tears, lack of faith in me and doubt, but also prayers and perseverance and my people pillars.
GIBD: Who are these people Pillars?
Heidi: My ‘people pillars’, these are the people in my life who sometimes influence my decisions. They are also the ones who push me when I cannot push myself. They include my best friend, Nasha Joseph, my fiancé- Mc Kenny Mc Gowan, Gregory St. Croix, Yvette Theodore and my mom, Petra St.Clair. People normally cannot control my decisions but If I need a ‘good-talking-too’ or I cannot seem to decide upon a major decisions these are the people on speed dial.
GIDB: Share one lesson you have learnt as an entrepreneur?
Heidi: I learned that everything takes time and I have to take my time. I thought I would become a millionaire overnight, but this I learnt the hard way. The harsh reality hit as though someone had took a long needle and popped my bubble. I wanted everything right away. I have grown up so much and today I see It takes time to build a successful business.
GIBD: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Heidi: Information is key. Take your time, give it your all and as you grow as you acquire information and gain experience, but most importantly surround yourself with people who support your aspirations.
GIBD: What’s next for Heidi St.Clair and St.Clair’s Sitting Services?
Heidi: Well today I am very satisfied with what I have accomplished. However, my goal is to start a Childcare Centre and build the brand locally, then in the long run go regional.
GIBD: Well Heidi, we wish you all the best with developing your business and gaining more success.
This is the resilience of a determined young lady who has invested everything and her love into this business. She is forceful and full of spirit, which could only thrust her to achieve greater success.
