Having to find a nanny or sitter for your children is an extremely important decision. They become intimately involved with your family, which means they need to be loving, considerate, and trustworthy. Kayme Pumphrey has worked with children throughout her life and seen the importance of choosing the right sitter. That is why she created K. Grace Childcare. A company that is committed to providing qualified and professional childcare referrals based on the unique needs of families. We caught up with this successful momma and asked her a few questions we were CRAVEing to know.

What is it about K. Grace Childcare that you love the most?
That is a tough question!  There are so many things that I love and am proud of.  If I had to choose one thing, I would say that I love the peace of mind and happiness that we have brought our past and current clients.  We get testimonials daily and I can’t even convey the joy they bring me.  We have clients who refuse to move out of the city so that they continue to have access to our services, and clients who beg us to service suburbs and other cities when they have to move.  I know as a parent how hard it is to trust others to care for your children; k grace has and continues to ensure that we provide exceptional customer service, constant attention to detail, quality childcare, and most importantly, sitters who are properly screened.

What is the most important thing about yourself that you’ve learned through running your business?
It may be cliché, but the most important thing that I have learned about myself through running the business is that I can’t do everything.  There are days when I feel like I can’t do anything, but I have come to know that the most important thing is to focus on the big picture.

When did you first know you wanted to work with children?
Well, I didn’t really make a decision about working with children; as the oldest of 9, it just happened!  I helped care for my siblings and started babysitting at a very young age.  I worked in countless childcare roles, from daycare centers, to preschools and primary classrooms, and finally as a nanny after moving to Chicago in 2000.  I saw firsthand how nanny agencies were run and knew there had to be a better option.  I also saw the great need for part-time help and started k grace with the intention of providing high quality in-home childcare for both full and part-time needs.

What is the best piece of advice you could give about starting a business?
It would vary based on the day, but I would tell any potential entrepreneur that time and energy are paramount for a successful business.  I worked 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when I started the business 8 years ago, and although having a wonderful staff has allowed for some reprieve, the business still consumes my life.