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

Hi Josie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
At age 5, I asked for chalkboard so I could teach my dolls their ABC’s. I always knew that I wanted to be an educator and most importantly, work with kids. After watching my mother (a teacher of 36 years) I was certain that education was the career path for me. However, due to minimal pay within the teaching profession, I decided to explore other options. I soon realized, during my last year of college at the age of 20 that I wanted to start a company that was built around helping provide education and care to children. Hence, Sitters Select was born! Offering exclusive babysitting, pet sitting and house sitting services while also providing supplementary income for education majors and current AZ teachers. Together, the business has grown as Sitters Select is far more than a babysitting service but an educational euphoria of opportunity for both clients and employees.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Sitters Select is far more than a babysitting company. Every employee is passionate about the field of education which means that they are either studying education at the college level or are current educators. In addition, all sitters go out on babysitting jobs with “Sitters Select Tote Bags” which are filled with educational resources, games and crafts! We aren’t your typical sitter who sits on the couch and watches movies with the kids. Instead, we help reduce screen time by replacing it with board games, science experiments and out door play! Sitters Select also offers pet sitting, house sitting and tutoring services. In fact, Sitters Select was founded 3 weeks before the global COVID-19 pandemic. Due to this, we shifted our business model and created satellite schools across the valley. We now have 4 locations of learning pods where groups of 10-15 students are learning together in a cohesive manner while undergoing online learning. While others, are learning bilingual Spanish immersion from our phenomenal Spanish speaking educators. Even with the challenges of COVID-19, our team stayed hopeful that we would be able to provide reassurance and help to many families across the valley as they navigated the difficulties that online learning may bring. In all, the most important lesson that I have learned is to be flexible, seek guidance and embrace change all while remaining positive!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The best spots in North Phoenix/ Scottsdale are definitely the following: Look Out Mountain and then after the hike head to Phoenix Nutrition (this is the best spot in Moon Valley to get your protein shake fix). I also highly recommend Desert Ridge as their are amazing diners such as; Barrio Queen and BJ’s as well as great entertainment. Then, I would take them up to Anthem, Arizona to play a new game that is becoming quite popular (Gorilla Ball) where you take a medicine ball and you throw it back and forth in one fluid motion. Definitely a great work out while allowing you the opportunity to make new friends/ build a team! Lastly, I would take them to Top Golf and the OdySea Aquarium for some fun!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success and growth throughout the field of entrepreneurship would not be possible without the many mentors in my life. From business to school and even life, there have been many individuals who have gotten me to where I am today. First off is Meggin Kirk, lead education faculty member at Paradise Valley Community College. She saw something in me that I did not see. Not only did she encourage me to go after my aspirations but she also helped me allocate resources that ultimately led to my success as a college student and business owner. From being deemed as a national academic scholarship recipient to owning a company with over 30 employees— she was definitely my biggest supporter and always encouraged me to keep working and conquering my goals. In business, Dave Forman (Owner of Pour Masters and Simply Servers) has guided me through all the obstacle courses that come with being a business owner. From helping me find payroll companies to trouble shooting problems of all kinds. He has been my rock and I am forever grateful for the resources he has and continues to provide me with! The best piece of advice he has provided me, is “No matter how stressed, anxious or nervous. . . Just look up and smile!” Little did I know that this small notion would be the key to all of my successes.

Website: www.sittersselect.com
Instagram: sitters.select
Linkedin: Josie Emch
Facebook: Sitters Select
Yelp: Sitters Select

Image Credits
Jim and Christy Photography

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