Meet Hunter Hébert | Owner, CEO, & Nanny

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hunter Hébert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hunter, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Like for many, the pandemic was incredibly eye-opening for me in regards to the childcare industry in two particular ways. The first being the absolute necessity that is childcare, and the struggle amongst families to find quality caretakers for their children. I believe many of us always knew the “inconvenience” it was for the daycare or school to be closed for Teacher Work Days, or if your sitter called out sick. However, the pandemic completely shut down most options for families, and suddenly the “convenience” of childcare shifted to an absolute need. It also became incredibly personal as people were having to have individuals come into their home, which for many was scary because of the potential health risks that came with interacting with people outside of your direct family and control. The need was overwhelmingly apparent, and families were scrambling to meet this new challenge.

My own personal experience as a nanny leads me to my second revelation in childcare. In hindsight, I believe I was fortunate to enter into the professional nannying industry during the pandemic. I came in direct contact with the fire, and was able to have a clear lens as to the true impact nannies and caregivers have on not only the children they work with, but the families as a whole. I took a job with a family who had a 2 year old and a newborn. Every single day working and being with them, I got to care for and watch these little humans turn into their own person. And along with teaching them how to write letters, or crawl and walk, and allowing time and space for the parents to work, they all enriched my life in return and taught me even more. This relationship, and foundation of “it takes a village”, is what inspired me to create and build WeNanny. I genuinely believe that every child, family, and nanny deserves a village in which everyone works hand in hand to create the most fulfilling environment. That’s why WeNanny goes deeper than simply matching you with a nanny, we work to understand both families and nannies on a personal level, and create matches that are tailored to seamlessly fit into their lives.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

WeNanny is completely tailored to focus on enriching the lives of not only children, but the families and nannies that work together to help raise little ones. We go far beyond just simply placing nannies with families. We take into consideration numerous factors that will ensure a natural, effortless fit between families and caregivers, and create the strongest foundations for the individual and unique villages we are fortunate to work with to thrive.

Every time we place a nanny with a family and receive feedback of gratitude and thanks, I am filled with pride for WeNanny. Families putting their trust into our hands to provide their family with the best care is not a task we take lightly. We give each family complete dedication to making sure they are receiving the best of the best, and every time we are successful, it is the greatest reward. Having also been on the nanny side myself, I am so thrilled to know that the nannies are as equally happy working with their families. Taking care of children is both the most rewarding and challenging job. Some days are filled with cuddles, laughs, and crafts. Others are filled with tears and tantrums. Caregivers are super heroes, and I find great joy in knowing these individuals are receiving the fulfillment they deserve from their job.

I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to connect with several individuals and families throughout Atlanta who had immediate trust and confidence in WeNanny. However, I believe any business owner would tell you that it’s never easy. In order to overcome any obstacles or challenges that have presented themselves along the way, I try to view them as an opportunity to learn and grow. Now, I’d be lying if I said in the exact moment of a challenge, I am always so calm in my approach. It is so easy to get flustered or overwhelmed, especially when you have the responsibility of childcare in your hands. However, I have learned to look for answers and solutions, get creative, and realize that any failures or mistakes I make do not take away from my progress or success. In fact, in the long run they will only serve to supplement it.

If I could somehow make every single person in the world sit down and read this article, I would want them to know that I love people for who they are, and want to know what makes them, them. This translates clearly into WeNanny. We want to know your family. We want to know why you became a nanny. We want to know your pet’s names, what your kids are going to be for Halloween, and what makes your family unique. We want to know about the one time you were a summer camp counselor in high school and that’s how you knew you loved working with children. I care, and WeNanny cares.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s tough. Being from small-town South Carolina, I find I am still to this day so overwhelmed by the options Atlanta has to offer.

Food is always my way of showing people around Atlanta. It is a universal language in which we all have, not only because it is a literal need to survive, but because it’s a universal time for gathering and conversation. Atlanta is filled with the most UNBELIEVABLE food. people and stories. So many of the places I frequent encompass some aspect of that. To name a few stops that are almost non-negotiable for visitors…

Morelli’s Ice Cream. The salted caramel and blueberry corncake flavors. (Don’t knock it until you try it).

Highland Bakery for breakfast.

Hampton + Hudson Brunch.

B & L Wings. The owners know my order and car by heart, if that gives any indication as to how often I go…

And to throw a little green in there, the salad at Establishment with salmon.

I’m a very casual, chill individual so my idea of “going out on the town” is maybe a stroll through Piedmont Park, throw in a Braves game, and finish with drinks at my pool that overlooks the entire city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My village. I could go on forever and a day about how each person has somehow played a direct role in getting WeNanny to where it is today, and where it will be tomorrow, and the days and years to come. However, there are a few specific shoutouts I would like to give.

One is my mom. She answers all of my calls (which are many) and listens to me spit out ideas, vent about frustrations, ask any and all the questions (she’s a math girl, so I often go to her for numbers), and any and everything in between. I appreciate the ability to have an ear that will listen no matter what.

The second is my partner. His influence and encouragement is entirely interwoven into WeNanny. His ambition and drive inspires me daily to meet goals, find challenges and overcome them, and to constantly strive for growth, both professionally and personally. I feel it is incredibly important to have someone in your circle that can dream larger than life alongside you. For me, personally, I find I can set limits for myself without even recognizing it. I am beyond fortunate to have someone who brings these in front of my face (even when I may not want to see or hear it), and pushes me to recognize that these only exist in my mind. I am, and will be, whoever I allow myself to be and become, and I am thankful for a partner who encourages this confidence within myself.

And lastly, are Quinn and Mia. Being their nanny has been the greatest joy and privilege. They inspire and challenge me daily, and have taught me more than I could ever thank them for. Those little girls changed my entire life, and I will forever be their “Hunny”.

Website: www.wenanny.co

Instagram: @wenannyagency

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WeNannyATL