Meet Genna Hackley | Founder & Director, Babysitters Of Boulder & The Boulder Nanny Agency

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

Hi Genna, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk has been a defining element of my working life. I’ve always been willing to take on risk by advocating for others in the workplace and remaining true to my values even when it meant swimming upstream. I learned that willingness to take informed risks is fundamental to strong leadership, and that risk is a catalyst for growth and innovation.

Founding a business comes with no guarantees, only possibilities and the promise of learning from it all. The decision to found my business has been the most significant professional risk I’ve taken, transitioning from the perceived security of employment to the uncertainties and rewards of creating something that’s entirely my own. Risk can be a lot of fun when it comes to marketing, competition, and the ongoing quest to innovate. Informed risk drives progress, whether that’s launching new programs for clients, or offering service to new locations. Risk injects fun and creativity and challenges us to improve and adapt, which benefits our clients and our team. 

However, my relationship with risk is not one-dimensional. In the context of operating Babysitters Of Boulder, it is crucial to minimize risk and to regularly assess potential risk. To develop our safety policies, I drew from my professional background in injury prevention, HR, and risk management. We are an insured and state-registered staffing agency with a diligent screening process for applicants, and all team members maintain current CPR Certification. Every team member shares my commitment to maintaining a safe, nurturing environment for children.

What should our readers know about your business?
Babysitters Of Boulder, a woman-owned local business established in 2018, specializes in dependable, nurturing childcare services for residents, visitors, events, weddings & hotels. Home of The Boulder Nanny Agency, we assist families hiring nannies, family assistants, and home managers in Boulder, Denver & Fort Collins.

We take pride in offering reliable support to busy parents, especially moms who often bear the brunt of childcare responsibilities. One of our core values is advocating for living wages for childcare professionals, a cause particularly close to my heart as women form the backbone of this industry. Our mission includes fostering a community where everyone feels valued and supported. Our goals include forming a nonprofit arm of the agency in the near future.

To succeed and overcome challenges, I have drawn immensely from my experience in program development, HR, staff training, and customer service. For anyone starting a staff-based business, I highly recommend having proficiency in these areas, along with a strong understanding of ethical management practices and compliance with state and federal laws. Your city’s business bureau may offer workshops on these topics, along with free business coaching. Invest in the professional services of a bookkeeper, and in legal counsel for navigating complex topics such as compliance, contracts, employment, and anti-discrimination law. These are critical business competencies and Google is not your friend here.

Along the way I have learned that in order to succeed, you need to recognize and appreciate your own value as the business owner. It’s easy to perpetually put yourself on the back burner and try to come through for everyone else, but that actually hinders the progress and success of your business. Allow your mind time to rest, too – don’t write emails or even look at your computer after 9pm! People who work in childcare and children’s education tend to give a lot more to others than they give to themselves. Burnout is a real concern. You have to include yourself in that giving and that compassion.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Around Boulder County I love the Acreage Cidery, both the food and the view. My husband and I even got married there in 2021! My favorite coffee shops are Brew in Lafayette and Alpine Modern’s North Boulder location. Across from Brew is the Lafayette Flea Market – I never get tired of going in there. Although Chautauqua Park is often crowded, it’s worth the hike for the view of the County and The Chautauqua Dining Hall is lovely all-around at any time of day. The Museum of Natural History tucked into the CU Boulder campus is a little gem, and the Fiske Planetarium is there on campus too. Old Towne Arvada is thriving, and you can take the rail into Denver for the museums or a game at Rockies stadium. I prefer rail, ride-share, or bus for going into Denver to avoid parking a car. Estes Park is a must-see at almost any time of year. That was the first town my husband and I visited when we arrived in Colorado in 2016. I love the drive up the mountain. I’d try to get out to Nederland as well with a visiting friend, to see the trails, the eateries and the carousel!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family. To me, family is not just one important thing in life, it’s the most important thing. I am one of 5 kids, and my two older siblings are business owners and support me in many ways. I also credit my two mentors who own childcare agencies in Chicago and in LA, powerhouse women who graciously mentor me and provide candid guidance.

Website: https://babysittersofboulder.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/babysittersofboulder/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genna-hackley/

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

Other: Linkedin business page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/babysittersofboulder/

Image Credits
Woman & child at park – Orione Conceição Woman and baby look at red flowers – Ala Ben Brahem