In this blog post, we have the pleasure of interviewing Simone, the founder and driving force of Homebodies. We learn more about her background and the passion and experience that drive her dedication to this rewarding work.
Simone shares insights into the unique qualities that set Homebodies apart, highlighting how her journey as a mother shaped her approach to childcare and family support. Join us as we explore Simone's vision for Homebodies and the core values that underpin her mission to empower families and nannies.
What's your background, and why did you start Homebodies?
"My career began in the classroom as a primary school teacher, where I had the pleasure of working with children from Reception to Year Six. Later, I started working for a Children's Centre, where I enjoyed supporting new parents with their babies and toddlers. Balancing my career with raising three young children at the time made me want to create more flexibility. So, in 2011, I co-founded Homebodies, initially offering a range of in-home support, including nannies, au pairs, and housekeepers. After going solo in 2019, I decided to re-brand the agency and specialise in nanny and maternity roles (including maternity nannies and night nannies).
I find immense fulfilment in connecting families with the right childcare, helping overwhelmed parents navigate their challenges, and supporting nannies in their career progression. My passion for facilitating these connections makes my work at Homebodies incredibly rewarding. I love making sure that all families who work with us receive the support they need while helping nannies thrive in their roles."
How has your experience as a mother influenced the way you run Homebodies?
"My experience as a mother profoundly impacts how I run Homebodies. Having navigated the challenges of parenting myself, I can genuinely relate to the concerns of the families who come to me. For example, when a client recently shared her struggles with her daughter settling into nursery and frequent illnesses, I immediately understood her challenge, having faced similar situations myself. Many of my clients are in London without family support, just as I was, and I know how invaluable it is to have someone you can rely on.
I remember the difference my maternity nurse made for me, providing both practical help and the confidence I needed. Also, being a mum means I can offer guidance to parents dealing with sleep difficulties, sibling rivalry, and even challenges from having twins or children close in age. My core values revolve around providing loyalty, support, and encouragement, empowering families to take control of their well-being, and this is all rooted in my own experiences as a mother."
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a mum?
"One of the biggest challenges I faced as a mum started when my first baby was just five months old. I was finally beginning to adjust to the sleepless nights and establish a routine when I discovered I was pregnant again—this time with twins. Returning to work when my daughter was just six months old was daunting enough, but announcing I was pregnant again added an extra layer of complexity.
My journey into motherhood hadn't been easier either. After unsuccessfully trying for a baby, I learned I had a non-cancerous pituitary tumour. Taking medication for that meant I was finally able to get pregnant, but when my babies were born, I couldn’t produce any breast milk. The circumstance brought its own set of challenges, especially when I felt pressure and guilt for not being physically able to breastfeed.
However, when I had my twins, not being able to nurse them turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It allowed my husband, other family members, and friends to help with feeding, which made my journey a bit easier. I always try to find positives, even in difficult situations. That mindset has not only helped me navigate motherhood, but I believe it's what makes the work we do at Homebodies stand out compared to other nanny agencies."
How did having no family in London shape your perspective on hiring help?
"Not having family in London when my children were young profoundly shaped my perspective on hiring help. Through the work I do, I see that many international families also find themselves in similar situations, lacking a support network. To me, having a nanny isn't just about childcare - it's about bringing in someone you can rely on, whether it's to help with daily routines or to provide a much-needed evening of babysitting for a date night.
I believe parents deserve 'me time' to recharge and having a professional in your home who genuinely cares for your children can be invaluable. Unlike sending a child to a nursery, hiring a nanny creates a deeper, more personalised relationship where the nanny becomes an integral part of the family and your extended support network. Even after their role has ended, many families maintain lasting connections with their nannies. It's a special bond that can benefit everyone involved for years to come."
What do you think are the most important qualities to look for in a nanny?
"When looking for a nanny, there are several key qualities that I believe are essential. The most important aspect is that parents need someone who can truly understand their unique needs. Often, families may not even be fully aware of what they require, so an experienced and ideally qualified nanny can provide that crucial guidance.
When it comes to qualities, trust and flexibility are essential. A good nanny should adapt to various parenting styles and support parents in their decisions, whether that involves different weaning methods or language requirements specific to their home. I find that parents today often look for a gentler, baby-led approach compared to more structured methods used in the past, and it's important your nanny can support your parenting style and values."
Do you have any advice for families to help them create a good relationship with their nanny?
"Creating a good relationship with your nanny starts with open and effective communication. Families need to value and respect their nanny, as a one-sided relationship can lead to misunderstandings. As I mentioned, flexibility is key—just as a nanny may need to accommodate late evenings or travel, parents should also be willing to allow her to leave early where necessary, for things such as doctor’s appointments, for example.
When a nanny feels respected and valued as part of the family, relationships thrive. Making her feel welcome, encouraging breaks, and allowing her to help herself to snacks and drinks can go a long way. Also, little gestures of appreciation like saying thank you or giving thoughtful gifts, such as birthday cards or baking a cake together, build meaningful and lasting connections. The effort you invest in nurturing this relationship pays off as you dramatically reduce the chances of things not working out. Ultimately, treating your nanny as part of the family and aiming to create a warm, respectful environment will improve everyone's experience, including your children's!
What should families understand about the process of hiring a nanny?
"Families should understand that hiring a nanny is a process that requires patience and flexibility. At Homebodies, I guide families through every stage to make sure they feel supported. It's important to recognise that what you think you want at the beginning might evolve as you proceed. Regular check-ins allow us to reassess needs, and sometimes we may need to explore different paths to find the perfect fit.
From the initial consultation and interviews to trial periods and contract setup, I’m there to help navigate each step, including payroll and logistics. However, the most crucial aspect is ensuring the nanny is the right long-term fit for the family. My approach as an independent thinker and thoughtful matchmaker allows for creative and critical decision-making, making sure the match is based on personal insight rather than just conventional methods. This approach is at the core of what we do at Homebodies, and it guarantees a positive and successful experience for everyone involved."
What are you most proud of in your journey with Homebodies so far?
"What I’m most proud of in my journey with Homebodies isn’t just the awards or the hundreds of successful matches we've made between nannies and families, though those achievements truly mean a lot to me. The most significant aspect is being a role model for my children. I want them to see firsthand the hard work and resilience that goes into what I do. They witness the effort I put in and understand that meaningful results often require dedication and perseverance.
I find immense fulfilment in making a positive impact on both nannies and families. It’s about doing meaningful work that matters to me. I hope that by demonstrating my commitment as a hardworking, compassionate woman, I inspire my children to strive for their success. It’s a journey filled with challenges and mistakes, but ultimately, it’s about showing them the importance of effort, resilience, and doing your best every day."
How do you continue to evolve Homebodies to meet the changing needs of families?
"At Homebodies, I'm committed to evolving our services to meet the changing needs of families. One significant change has been the focus on thorough consultations at the beginning of the client relationship. I find that by investing time and effort upfront, I get deeper insights into what families need, which greatly improves the success of our matchmaking process.
In terms of future developments, I aim to maintain a healthy work-life balance while expanding our partnerships with other professionals, such as midwives, obstetricians, and sleep trainers. Collaborating with these experts allows us to refer clients to one another, creating a supportive network for families.
I also aspire to assist more families relocating to London (as they often require tailored support) and want to focus on helping women transition back to work after maternity leave, enabling them to focus on their careers while running their family life effectively. Continuous improvement is a core value at Homebodies, and I am dedicated to learning and evolving to provide the best possible outcomes for our clients."
And finally, where do your clients typically live?
"We place nannies all over London, but key areas are Angel, Barnes, Battersea, Belsize Park, Chelsea, Chiswick, Central London, Clapham, Fulham, Hampstead, Highgate, Islington, Knightsbridge, Marylebone, Primrose Hill, Putney, Richmond, St Johns Wood, Victoria, and internationally (we have clients in the US, The Middle East, and around Europe)."
Would you like Homebodies to find the right nanny for your family?
If you'd like Simone to help you find the perfect nanny for your family, get in touch today for an informal chat.
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