Tucson’s Rosalind Prather is the co-founder of Trusting Connections, one of the fastest growing and most respected nanny agencies in the country. Trusting Connections not only unites families with the best sitters and nannies around, but it has also proved to be a valuable tool for parents navigating this unique time in history. Learn more about Rosalind Prather…
Hometown: I grew up in a small town outside of Tucson. My parents were small business owners here and I grew up with a very strong sense of community. I love that I am now raising my own family right back in Catalina, removed from the city life. Everything is still the same here!
First job: My very first job was working in my family’s business. At 16, I answered phones and greeted customers and watched my mom and uncle in their elements. I always say that without having a mom who set an example of female business ownership, I might not have ever believed it was possible.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in AZ: We are big on enjoying the outdoors. We love spending time at the lake, camping in the mountains, four-wheeling in the desert near our house, and hiking Catalina State Park. The older I get, the more I appreciate the beauty of the mountains outside my windows, the big sky above my backyard and our beautiful desert landscape, especially after a good monsoon storm!
Person who has impacted your life the most and why: My daughters. How can I even put into words the way they move me to achieve, push me to be a better person, and fill my heart with more love and joy than I ever thought possible? They are the “why” behind everything I do. Everything changed when I became a parent and “mommy” is the title I am most proud of.
Biggest accomplishment in your eyes and why: I continue to be proud of everything my business partner, Caroline, and I have built because we launched our business when we were so young. At 24 years old, we fearlessly pursued an idea that became bigger than we are and more successful than either of us ever imagined. We didn’t do it alone, of course. And I am grateful for the people and opportunities God placed in our path to help us along the way.
The biggest obstacle you have overcome: I found out I was pregnant the month we opened our business, and I was so scared about how I was going to manage being a mom and new business owner. It was a huge challenge in the beginning. I only had a nanny about 15 hours a week and the rest was me multitasking every waking hour – nursing while checking emails, timing naps with conference calls, sometimes trying to soothe a screaming baby in the middle of putting out work fires. It was incredibly stressful at times, especially when number two came along but I figured it out and somehow survived. Now that they are older and more self-sufficient, I look back and wonder how I did it.
Someone who inspires you and why: My girlfriends inspire me every day. Watching these incredible women juggle so much and do it with such love and grace and too little thanks reminds me why I do what I do for a living. I am a champion for moms because I am always in awe of what they do everyday behind closed doors. That’s why I’ve made a career of supporting moms whether it’s in providing an amazing nanny so they can better balance home and a career or a babysitter to give a stay-at-home mom a much needed day off.
Favorite quote: “Someone once told me not to bite off more than I can chew. I said I’d rather choke on greatness than nibble on mediocrity.”
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: The childcare industry is traditionally not super lucrative. Some services are more profitable than others, but in general, it’s not a get-rich-quick career. It’s a do-what-you-love profession. As far as business ownership goes, it’s not for the faint of heart! So put on your armor, lift up your chin and get ready for one crazy adventure.
What you think makes someone fabulous: Having a zest for life and a consistently kind and giving spirit despite life’s hardships.
In honor of National Parents Day on July 26, Trusting Connections is giving one lucky family a prize pack of a 12-month membership and $250 gift certificate with the agency (a $490 valued package!)
To enter the outstanding parents in your life, you:
1. Must be following Trusting Connections on Instagram @tcnannies
2. Like the post
3. Tag three parents
4. For an extra entry: repost on your story
Must be a resident of the Phoenix, Tucson or Dallas Fort-Worth area to win. Participants have until July 25 at 11:59 p.m. EST to enter. Winner will be announced on National Parents Day, Sunday July 26.