On the outside, Noa Mintz is a typical teen. But while other teens are chatting about games and clothes, Noa is texting the manager she hired to run her growing business.
Noa has been heading up her own nanny agency since August 2012. She hired Allison Johnson in 2014 to oversee day-to-day business operations while she attended her freshman year of high school. She rents a room in an office building in Midtown Manhattan where Johnson works.
Like any teen, Noa has had to depend on her parents for some help. Her father is the registered owner of her business. He’s helped front money for legal fees. But Nannies by Noa is all her brainchild. The idea came about as a result of a challenge made by her mother: Find a better nanny for their family.
She did just that, and then she started helping her mother’s friends find nannies. “I found it fun to get to know a family and their needs—and find a nanny accordingly,” she said. Thus, Nannies by Noa was born. It was the summer of 2012, before she entered 7th grade.
She’s designed a thorough review process: an application, an in-person interview with a trained nanny, reference and background check and a phone interview. Her business has seen a considerable success: from 50 clients to 2,000 clients today.
At first, she charged $100 to $200. “I wasn’t charging enough. Even clients would say, ‘You realize you should be charging way, way more,’” added Noa, whose clients are mostly looking for long-term help. She’s since changed her business model: Nannies by Noa now takes a percentage of the overall rate, which is typically 15% of the nanny’s first year salary.
While Noa said she has other business ideas, she also wouldn’t rule out other careers. “Perhaps I’ll start another company. We will see,” said Noa.
4. How does Johnson help Noa?
A.She rents an office for Noa. | B.She helps operate Noa’s business. |
C.She tutors Noa in her school lessons. | D.She puts money into Noa’s nanny agency. |
5. What do we know about Nannies by Noa?
A.It was the idea of Noa’s mother. | B.It was legally registered by Noa. |
C.It aims to match nannies with families. | D.It offers nanny jobs for high school students. |
6. What change did Noa make to her business model?
A.She hired trained nannies. | B.She raised nannies’ salaries. |
C.She increased the service fee. | D.She interviewed applicants in person. |
7. What can we learn from Noa’s story?
A.Fame is a great thirst of the young. | B.A youth is to be regarded with respect. |
C.A good idea and action result in success. | D.Success means getting family needs satisfied. |