Welcome to Chicago North Shore Moms Meet a Mom series where we feature one local mom, what they’re up to personally and professionally and any advice they have because it takes a village! This week’s Meet a Mom feature is an interview by our sister site, Libertyville Area Moms, of the lovely Ghana born and raised mom of four and founder of Our Joy Infant Care, Margaret! The Lindhurst resident established Our Joy Infant Care 11 in Chicago and it’s grown exponentially! She now has sites in several states and manages a total of 60+ registered night nurses, woah baby! Welcome, Margaret!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
I am originally from Ghana, West Africa. I lived in Chicago for 11 years and moved to Lindenhurst 2017, I relocated to Lindenhurst because as my business grows I begin to have more clients in Lake County and realize that moving here to build another location of the business in this community will be a great idea.
You’re a mom. How many children do you have? Ages?
Yes, I have 4 children, my daughter Margaret Diana 16, my son Michael Jr. 14, my son Manasseh 13, and my son Mattaniah 9 years.
What are your favorite things to do in the area with and without your kids?
Our favorite thing to do as a family is to study the word of God together and going for a long walk in the neighborhood. Our favorite restaurant is Red Lobster on Grand Avenue, but the kids cannot go a week without Domino’s Pizza. We have enjoy our date nights in downtown Chicago and Milwaukee in Wisconsin.
You founded Our Joy Infant Care 11 years ago. Tell us more about this important resource!
I opened Our Joy Infant Care in September 2009, I started this business 11 years ago in Chicago and we have been working with newborns, infant and toddlers. I have 64 night nurses and night nannies. I love these jobs and I love the families we have been working for with my team of night nurses, nannies, and babysitters. Our Joy Infant Care is a unique night nurse (Register Nurse/ Baby nurse) and night nannies (Newborn Care Specialist) agency in Illinois, it has become a recommended and trusted source for finding quality baby nurse care as a reliable referral agency. We are very proud to say that most of our clients and applicants come by way of referral and have worked with us for years. We are committed to providing a trustworthy and reliable source for quality referrals of Chicago, Lake County and the surrounding suburbs night nurses. Our night nurses and night nannies have been trained with the most quality care to care for newborns and we lovingly educate new and seasonal mothers.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
I love the community; we could not choose any other place than Lindenhurst and we love the surrounding areas as well. My family is part of the community, a friendly neighbor, and we love this calm place to live. The community has supported my business and the word of mouth referrals from them have been encouraging. Every referral I received is from someone in the community.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
People will be surprised to know that we are in Wisconsin, Maryland, Columbus Ohio, and Virginia, I started the business in these states last year and the night nurses are doing great over there.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another Mom?
I have gotten a lot of advice from moms but the one that inspires me most is when one of them told me to enjoy my kids whiles they are young, before I realize all of them will be gone and it will be hard to see them most of the time.
What is next for you?
I am exciting each day as I see what the future holds for my business and other business I planned to establish in the community. My first book that will be coming out soon “Every Baby Is Different” I believe will inspire and educate a lot of mom about the recent challenges of newborn care. Thank you!
*Photo Credit to Jojo Turkson Images
*This interview contains sponsored content from Our Joy Infant Care.