Hidden Gems: Meet Emily Cooley and Kaley Eads of Sitting Made Simple® Raleigh

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Cooley and Kaley Eads. 

Hi Emily and Kaley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our names are Emily Cooley and Kaley Eads and we are sisters, as well as the owners of SMS® Raleigh. Kaley had worked as a sitter in college for SMS® Indy and fell in love with the company from the amazing families and connections she had made. In the Spring of 2018, we discussed what was next in both of our careers, and in a test of faith, we decided to pursue opening up our own SMS® location here in the Triangle. We have loved the opportunity to work and grow this business together. It’s truly been a blessing and we are so thankful for the friendships and connections we have made over the past 2 1/2 years. 

We have experienced first-hand how special sitters and family bonds can be. That bond is what makes SMS® different. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges in working in childcare is gaining the trust and respect of the community. We understand the responsibility involved in providing quality childcare for families and take our role very seriously. We strive to hire only the best sitters to ensure reliability and amazing experiences for the families that utilize our service. 

We’ve been impressed with Sitting Made Simple® Raleigh, 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?
Sitting Made Simple® is a local babysitting company that connects area families with sitters. SMS® has been around since 2008, but the Raleigh location launched in March of 2019. With SMS®, we support families in their search for reliable childcare and offer last-minute babysitting, help with before and after school care, part-time, full-time, evenings, and weekends. We also provide childcare to local businesses, events, such as weddings and corporate functions, as well as out-of-town guests. We interview and vet all of our sitters who are CPR certified, background checked, their driving record, license, and insurance is all on file so that when a family is confirmed with a sitter, they can rest assured that they are getting the best. SMS® members have an online account in which you can select the date and time you’re needing a sitter, whether that be a one-time or consistent need. We pride ourselves on being that support person to both our members and sitters to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible. With SMS® you have complete access to our Office Team 24/7 should you need it. It’s our goal that everyone feels supported and valued. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Everyone has had to adjust and make changes since the pandemic, and our business was no different. There is nothing more important than one’s children, so the amount of responsibility and trust involved in providing families with the best childcare experience is something we strive to do. Since the pandemic, we have had to evolve and make sure that all involved feel safe. This past year has taught us to be flexible as we have had to be resilient and open-minded to make the changes necessary to continue to provide the best childcare and experience to the community. 

Pricing:

• $50 annual membership fee
• $10-25 scheduling fee for each date requested
• $15/hr, +2/hr for 4+ children

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.sittingmadesimple.com/raleigh
• Instagram: sms_raleigh
• Facebook: smsraleigh