Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann McKitrick.
Hi Ann, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Here’s a little of my story… I first started my entrepreneurial journey by creating online professional development courses for early childhood educators who work in state-licensed childcare programs – and I still own that business. About 7 years ago, my daughter, who’s also an educator, and I decided to start a “mommy blog”. She was going to write the blogs and create the website; I was going to provide support financially and help her make it happen. We decided on the name “Nurtured Noggins”. She learned how to create a website and began posting excellent blogs. After a couple of years of trying to monetize the site, she said, “mom, I really don’t want to do this anymore, it’s harder than I thought to make money at it and I’ve kinda lost interest.” Of course, that was fine with me, but I loved the name Nurtured Noggins and kept the website live while I worked on my other business full time.
Fast forward about a year or so, when it was time to pay the fee for the domain name, I thought, ‘I’ll just check on that little Nurtured Noggins website and see how it’s doing.’ Well… she had gone viral on a couple of blog posts and was getting 20,000+ clicks per month! There were several standouts but the post that was the clear winner was entitled, “20 Ways to Play with Your 0–3-Month-Old”.
I decided then to turn my attention towards the Nurtured Noggins audience and build that business because you know what? I LOVE working with brand-new parents and I really love helping people understand infants, toddlers, and preschoolers!
Today I work with parents’ one-to-one, helping them navigate the challenges of maintaining who you are as a person while you gently and sometimes, abruptly, go through the life change from non-parent to parent. I love helping moms find balance as they work towards being the parent they want to be while balancing work, relationships, and self-care.
This year I launched a podcast, Parenting in the First 3 Years, and have loved having amazing guests on the show as well as sharing my heart about children and how fascinating I think they are.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road is never smooth, but it’s definitely been fun! Some struggles I’ve encountered include the steep technology learning curve (I’m a little on the older side – haha) and the challenge of being a solopreneur. The challenges are something that every person faces and I do my best to maintain a spirit of joy, peace, and curiosity as I commit all I do to fulfilling the call that God has given me. Which is to help people see the dignity in each child and to treat them with kindness.
We’ve been impressed with Nurtured Noggins, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Nurtured Noggins is known for providing practical, insightful information for expectant and new parents. Our focus is human development – how we all, parents and children alike, are growing and changing all the time. I bring this awareness into all that I do. I’m honored to share both wisdom and science with parents. Raising children in our modern age has some unique challenges, and I help moms and dads expand their parenting checklist to include connection, belonging, and purpose. I want your journey as a parent to be as rich and fulfilling as your dreams of becoming one. And I want to help you give your child the gift of being known by the very people they’re wired to connect with and love.
What sets me apart is that I have 30+ years of teaching child development in higher education, training the teachers that teach your children. I am the parent of 3 amazing young adults, a grandparent, former foster parent to 5 sweet babies, and a person who continues to learn. I bring a perspective that is beyond the everyday, in the thick of it parenting. I’ve experienced raising children from birth through adulthood and can share that unique, long-range view with parents.
I offer one free in-depth coaching session to those who are interested. We won’t just talk about your kid. We’ll talk about you. I help you understand yourself and I help you see the dignity in your child. You shape your child’s development through the ins and outs of everyday life. And most everybody needs to talk it through with someone at one point or another. Please contact me at ann@nurturednoggins.com for a scheduling link.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?I am always on the lookout for people much smarter and more successful than me to learn from! And I try to always support those who are on the same path but a few steps behind me.
I’ve participating in some amazing learning groups, led by very successful leaders in the field of online marketing, education, and coaching. Through theses groups I’ve forged solid friendships with people all over the world. So, zoom is my friend.
I am also the founder of two Mastermind groups. One is a peer mastermind with three successful entrepreneurs. We meet monthly to share our successes, brainstorm challenges, and hold each other accountable on our goals and intentions. We have an annual retreat where we make a vision board and set annual goals. We share our reflections and plans with one another and pray for each member, seeking guidance and revelation. We’ve been together for many years, and we’ve seen each person’s business grow tremendously.
The other Mastermind is one for young moms who are each seeking to balance parenting with their professional goals. I lead this group and love seeing them grow and learn.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://nurturednoggins.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurturednoggins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nurturednoggins
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX_DzHAm_evF6HMAd5NNWlA
- Other: https://texaschildcaretraining.com/
Image Credits
Kristen Gonzalez
Leah Nguyen
