by Angela St. Denis

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” Helen Keller

Heidi St. Clair, a Babonneau Secondary School alumni had her sights set on becoming a fashion designer  until  her  introduction to childcare. This experience commenced her daring adventure into the world of children through her business, St. Clair’s Sitting Service.

In an interview with Dazzle, the 26-year old talks about her love for the business and what keeps her going. In all things she holds God as a vital component of her life. She did not get it right initially but in her own words, steady does it.

Dazzle: Who is Heidi St. Claire?

Heidi: I was born in Gros Islet town and spent a number of years in Switzerland. I can remember some of the sights and smells from my time there but not the language. I undertook most of my primary schooling at Gros-Islet Primary, where I wrote the Common Entrance Exam. I did well and was placed at Babonneau Secondary, where I met my best friend, Nasha Joseph.

Dazzle: When you left Babonneau Secondary what happened?

Heidi: At that time my dream was to become a fashion designer so I made no plans to attend Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Instead, I made plans to pursue my dreams at a Fashion School in London. However, when I landed my first job all fashion design dreams disappeared.

Dazzle: What was that first job?

Heidi: It was providing assistance at a Day-care operated by Ms. Bridget. At the time my response was one of uncertainty as I had never worked with children. However, I decided to take a chance and fell in love with them. I remained on the job for approximately five months.

Dazzle: Tell us about the business you are in?

Heidi: The name of my company is St. Clair’s Sitting Services. Basically, we hire ladies to serve as nannies, who are long-term child carers or sitters, short term carers. Our services also include house cleaning, school pickups and grocery shopping. We boast a staff compliment of over 25 temporary/permanent employees, who are assigned as required.

Dazzle: What differentiates you from other care services  providers?

Heidi: There is no one like us. At St. Clair’s we take care of your children as if they are our own. To ensure that our staff are the best of the best, we undertake extensive background checks. This ensures that the client is assigned a capable and trustworthy nanny or sitter. We do not see other childcare facilities as competition since there is no other service provider like us.

Dazzle: What did you do after the first mishap?

Heidi: Since I had no training in child care I went back to school to study early childhood education at Penn Foster College. My studies strengthened the areas I lacked. I also did a lot of googling. Google is my best friend. More importantly, I asked a lot of questions from people who were in business. To further strengthen my skills I am currently pursuing business management training.

Dazzle: Who were the persons that provided pivotal support to you?

Heidi: My ‘people pillars’, these are the people in my life who influence my decisions. They include my best friend, Nasha Joseph, my fiancé Mc Kenny Mc Gowan, Gregory St. Croix, Yvette Theodore, Sally Alcindor and my mom, Petra St. Clair. I do not make any major decisions without consulting my pillars.

Dazzle: Did you receive assistance from any organisations?

Heidi: I received technical assistance from SEDU in getting organised. Financially, I started with EC$150. At the time I rushed to get everything done in one go. I thought I could become a millionaire as soon as I had the business set up, but this I learnt the hard way. It was like someone took a long needle and popped my bubble when I realised it was not going to occur to easily.

Dazzle: What were some other challenges you faced?

Heidi: Knowing the true value of money; worrying about finance. I wanted everything right away, however I was told I had to wait. It takes time to build a success. However, it was not until I grew as a person that I understood what they meant.

Dazzle: What keeps you motivated?

Heidi: There is no one who motivates me, it comes from my internal desire to succeed. I love St. Clair’s Sitting Services and only want the best for the company.

Dazzle: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Heidi: You could never have too much information. Conduct a lot of research. Take your time, steady does it. Seek advice from people who know what they are about. You will grow as you acquire information and gain experience. Surround yourself with people who support your aspirations.

Dazzle: What next for Heidi St. Clair?

Heidi: I am satisfied with what I have accomplished to date. However, my short-term goal is to start a day care service and build the brand locally, then in the long term go regional.

Heidi’s inspiring story shows the resilience of a determined young lady who is set to make bigger waves in St. Lucia and beyond. She’s feisty and full of spirit, which could only propel her to achieve greater success.

Dazzle Magazine extends best wishes to Heidi in her future endeavours.

fun facts

Last book read.

50 Shades of Grey.

Favourite colour?

Pink.

Favourite Food?

Anything with cheese; breadfruit and saltfish.