Success Stories: How This Doula Built Her Dream Business - Jen Tawil

Summary

Summary of "Success Stories: How This Doula Built Her Dream Business - Jen Tawil"

Episode Release Date: January 17, 2025
Podcast: The Doula Darcy Podcast
Host: Darcy Sauers
Guest: Jen Tawil

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Introduction and Background

In this inspiring episode of The Doula Darcy Podcast, host Darcy Sauers welcomes her guest, Jen Tawil, a standout student from her Doula Village. Jen shares her remarkable journey from a private investigator to building a successful doula business, offering valuable insights for both new and seasoned doulas.

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Jen’s Career Transition: From Private Investigator to Doula

[02:54] Jen Tawil:
"Before that, you were a private investigator... What made you go from PI to postpartum doula?"

Jen details her 25-year career as a private investigator and her subsequent eight years assisting a New York State assemblywoman. The turning point came during the pandemic when Jen found herself naturally holding space for distressed callers, mirroring the support a doula provides.

[05:23] Jen Tawil:
"I had this flashback of when I had a postpartum doula... that's what I want to do."

This realization led Jen to pursue her passion for helping others in a more direct and personal way, ultimately transitioning into the doula profession.

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Building "Lean on Me Westchester Doula"

Jen discusses the strategic decision to include her location in her business name, emphasizing its impact on her online visibility.

[02:08] Jen Tawil:
"I put in the Westchester because Darcy said so... A thousand percent."

Darcy Agrees:
[02:17] Darcy:
"Put your location. So yeah."

This approach significantly boosted her SEO, ensuring her business appears prominently in local searches such as "Westchester doula" or "doula near me," which has been instrumental in attracting clients.

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Authentic Marketing and Social Media Presence

Jen and Darcy delve into the importance of authenticity in marketing. Jen highlights how being genuine on social media helped her connect with her audience without striving for an unattainable perfection.

[08:26] Jen Tawil:
"Post it ugly. It's true... I post pictures of myself in all ways."

Darcy echoes this sentiment, encouraging doulas to present their true selves online. This authenticity fosters trust and attracts clients who resonate with their genuine approach.

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Networking Beyond the Doula Community

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Jen’s innovative networking strategies. She emphasizes the value of connecting with professionals outside the doula sphere, such as chiropractors, acupuncturists, and psychiatrists, to create a robust support network for her clients.

[16:14] Jen Tawil:
"Networking with people that were not other doulas... like all the other people in the birth practitioner world."

This strategy has not only expanded her referral base but also enriched the services she can offer to families, setting her apart in a competitive market.

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Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Taking Action

Jen candidly discusses her initial struggles with imposter syndrome and how pushing through fears and uncertainties was crucial to her success.

[15:03] Jen Tawil:
"Beyond your... you have to push yourself anyway because why are you doing it in the first place?"

Darcy reinforces this message, highlighting the importance of taking decisive action despite self-doubt. Jen's perseverance led her to confidently launch her business and continue expanding her reach.

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The Doula Village: A Pillar of Support and Growth

Jen praises Doula Village, Darcy’s monthly membership program, for providing invaluable support through mentorship, community, and continuous learning.

[19:24] Jen Tawil:
"It has been a huge help to you... it's a sisterhood."

Darcy Adds:
[20:10] Darcy:
"You come for the marketing tips, you stay for the sisterhood."

The collaborative environment of Doula Village allows doulas to share experiences, seek advice, and grow together, fostering both personal and professional development.

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Launching "The Private Idealist": Combining Past Expertise with Doula Skills

Jen introduces her new venture, The Private Idealist, a course designed to help parents conduct thorough background checks on nannies and daycare providers, leveraging her investigative background alongside her doula expertise.

[31:40] Jen Tawil:
"How to collect the information that will put them in a better frame of mind to make the right decisions."

This innovative approach addresses a critical need for parents, ensuring the safety and well-being of their children by providing them with the tools to make informed childcare decisions.

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Balancing Personal Life and Business Growth

Jen reflects on the motivation derived from her personal responsibilities and the drive to create a sustainable business that allows her to balance her professional and personal life effectively.

[18:26] Jen Tawil:
"I've had two kids in college... It wasn't like, oh, this is my little new thing I'm doing."

Her commitment to building a business that supports her family while maintaining her passion for doula work serves as an inspiring model for other doulas seeking similar balance.

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Community Building and Future Aspirations

The episode concludes with Jen expressing heartfelt gratitude for Darcy's mentorship and the supportive community of Doula Village. She looks forward to further growth and continued collaboration, including participating in future Birth Worker Retreats.

[34:16] Jen Tawil:
"Everything you do is invaluable... Just do it. That's it."

Jen’s journey underscores the importance of community, continuous learning, and leveraging one's unique background to create a meaningful and impactful doula business.

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Key Takeaways

1. Strategic Branding: Including location in your business name enhances local SEO and attracts relevant clients.
2. Authenticity Matters: Being genuine on social media fosters trust and attracts clients who resonate with your true self.
3. Expand Your Network: Building relationships outside the doula community with other birth practitioners can significantly grow your referral base.
4. Overcome Imposter Syndrome: Taking decisive action despite self-doubt is crucial for business growth.
5. Leverage Unique Skills: Combining past professional experiences with your current role can create innovative services that address specific client needs.
6. Community Support: Engaging with supportive communities like Doula Village provides mentorship and fosters both personal and professional development.
7. Work-Life Balance: Building a sustainable business model allows for balancing professional aspirations with personal responsibilities.

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Notable Quotes

• Jen Tawil [02:05]:
  "Darcy tells me to do something, I do it without question."

• Jen Tawil [05:48]:
  "I had this flashback of when I had a postpartum doula. That's what I want to do."

• Jen Tawil [08:26]:
  "Post it ugly. It's true. Because I don't always like the pictures that I have of myself on social media."

• Jen Tawil [15:03]:
  "You have to push yourself anyway because why are you doing it in the first place?"

• Darcy [02:17]:
  "Put your location. So yeah."

• Darcy [20:10]:
  "You come for the marketing tips, you stay for the sisterhood."

• Jen Tawil [34:56]:
  "Just do it. That's it."

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Conclusion

Jen Tawil’s story is a testament to the power of strategic marketing, authentic engagement, and leveraging one’s unique background to build a thriving doula business. Her journey offers valuable lessons for doulas at any stage, highlighting the importance of community, continuous learning, and unwavering dedication to helping families. Through her experiences, Jen exemplifies how passion and perseverance can transform a career and inspire others in the doula community.

For those interested in expanding their doula business or seeking support, Doula Village offers a robust platform for growth, mentorship, and connection. Jen’s success underscores the potential that lies within each doula to create a meaningful and impactful practice.

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For more insights and support, join Doula Village or follow Jen Tawil on Instagram at @theprivateidealist.

Transcript

[Darcy]

Welcome to the Doula Darcy Podcast. I'm your host, Darcy, a business coach for doulas. And I love helping my fellow doulas master the art of marketing so that they can grow their businesses and help more families. On the podcast, I combine my decade of experience in Advertising with 14 years as a doula to empower other doulas with the marketing strategies and mindset shifts they need to attract more clients and create successful, fulfilling doula careers. Whether you're just starting out as a doula or you're looking to take your doula business to the next level, you're in the right place. Let's go.

[Jen Taweel]

Welcome, everybody. I'm super excited for this new kind of version of the Doula Darcy podcast here with one of the star students from. From my doula Village. Her name is Jen Taweel. And so Jen and I have known each other now for a couple of years and her trajectory has just been so amazing to watch and it's so. I think it'll be so inspiring to other doulas and I want you to tell your story of. You just said it to me this morning. You were like, Darcy, you know, when I got into this, I just thought it was going to be this little postpartum doula. And here we are. We're literally in my hotel room in Clearwater, Florida at the birth worker retreat.

I have chills.

We were just watching dolphins off my deck. Like, who knew? Here you are.

I never could have imagined.

Yeah. So tell us, where do you live? What's the name of your doula business? Yes, tell us a little, a little about that.

I live in Westchester County, New York. My doula business is called Lean on Me Westchester Doula. And I put in the Westchester because Darcy said so. And just have to say out of the gate what I always say. Darcy tells me to do something, I do it without question. Like, I don't even think twice about it.

And has that served you well?

A thousand percent.

Well, you know what? Let's just stop right there. Even just that little tidbit of putting Westchester, putting your location in your business name, what do you think that's done for you?

I think it, you know, the whole SEO part. Like people when they are on Google and they search, they literally probably are searching Westchester doula or doula near me. Westchester county or something. I don't know where I am in that number, but it, but I think I do come up pretty on the higher side.

Yeah. Because those words are in your name. So. Yeah, right out of that's my top tip. Put your location. So. Yeah, so. And then we'll get into your other kind of side of your business in a little bit. But I want to just start. Talk about you starting as a postpartum doula. And you did not graduate college and decide to become a postpartum doula.

Oh, no.

So before that, you were a private investigator. Right. And what. What was it that made you. I mean, because that's a pretty big, big switch. You know, some people are kindergarten teachers and that, you know, you can kind of see, like, where. What made you go from PI to postpartum doula?

Well, there was a little thing in between. So I was a pride investigator for 25 years, and then the last eight years prior to being a doula, I. For New York State assembly woman. And in that role, I was helping people. Like, every day people were calling our office, coming in, walk ins with. You don't even want to go into, like, so many, like, just issues, just problems. And I was like, you know, putting out fires and helping them. But I really enjoyed it. And what really solidified that was during the pandemic. I can't tell you how many people were calling us because they were trying to get their unemployment, and that was a whole mess. And, you know, people were crying, like, calling us, crying. And I had to just sit there and listen. Like, I didn't even try to even give them the answer because I didn't always have the answer. I just let them sit there and vent to me.

You held space, right?

Exactly. Exactly.

You were dueling them.

I was.

You didn't even know it.

I was. So I had that position for eight years. And at one time, you saw the one which I knew this day was coming. She said, I'm retiring.

Yeah.

And so at that point, I was a little over 50. I was like 51 at the time. And I really just had to, like, take a pause and sit myself. I sat myself down and I said, what do you want to do now? I couldn't go back to investigation as much as I loved being an investigator, because the amount of time I had been out, the technology had gone so far. And. And most likely if I started in a firm or whatever, like, I wouldn't be VP of whatever.

Right.

And I was like, I'm not. I'm not going down. So I really had to think about, like, I have to reinvent myself some way. And, like, what do I want to do? So the one thing I knew is I don't want to sit at a desk anymore. And just stare. Sorry. And just stare at a computer screen all day. Like, I just don't want to sit anymore. And then I was like, well, I enjoy helping people. I'm good at helping people. So I wanted to keep that in my life. And then what I described this as the only way I can. Is I kind of had, like, a little flashback, or what I say, Like a download.

Yeah.

I don't know. And I had this flashback of when I had a postpartum doula. And my. You know what I always. This might always align, too, is she rescued me. She rescued me. And after I had that flashback, I was like, that's what I want to do. Like, unequivocally. It didn't even. It wasn't even, like, a question.

Right. You're doing it.

And that was it.

And you did it.

And I am.

And here you are, and here I am. And so then one day, I, like, floated across your Instagram screen, so.

Which is so funny, because I didn't even have Instagram before the COVID lockdown. I had no. It just didn't. Whatever, you know? But what else?

What are you doing?

So that was 2020. So I wasn't in the doula frame mind yet, but I was on Instagram hanging out.

Yeah.

And that's what I always say. You just, like, floated across my stories and. Because at that point, I was starting to research the one thing I was using my investigative background to research how to be a doula. Ah, right. Like, what do I do? Who do I contact? How do I make this happen?

Yeah.

And so I was. So you're, you know, marketing work. Your marketing worked, and you just, like, floated across my stories and, you know, obviously you were there, like, talking to me. That's how I felt.

You were.

You were looking. You know how you do it. You look right in the camera and you were talking to me and just like, your approach and your vibe and your Just everything about you.

Yeah.

I was like, oh, this is a good.

So I have to pause right here and just, like, teachable moment, because I just showed up as me. I've always ever just shown up as me. And actually, my coach, Amber Lillistrom, teaches that we're all basically trying to help a former version of ourselves. So, I mean, I think all of us as doulas, there's a little part of us, if we're moms, like, we're helping that what we. We're get. We're giving what we needed to receive when we're moms, when now, like, this phase of Doula Darcy, I'm, like, giving the former new postpartum doula version of myself, like, what she needed to grow. And so that's how I wrote. That's how I showed up online. And you and I. And you found me. But how many times do you and I joke about, like, that we're twins and, like, we're so similar. And, like, it's when it blows my mind, like, we. We don't have to try so hard in our marketing. Just be yourself y. And then the right dream clients will find you. And it's amazing.

Yeah, it's true. And I think people have to just. Just get out of their heads.

Yes.

And I think social media has given people this idea that they have to portray this, like, perfect version of themselves.

Right.

And you know my tagline that I love of yours, you know, like, she always says, post it ugly.

Ye.

And it's true. Because I don't always like the pictures that I have of myself on social media. Like, they're not. I mean, I have a little lipstick on right now, but, like, I don't normally don't. You know, you said, I'm taking a picture, so I had to take a picture. But, I mean, I don't. You know, generally, if you look on my Instagram or my Facebook, even in my personal. I post pictures of myself in all ways.

Yeah. I mean, like, you're just authentic.

Because they're not hiring me because I have a perfect. Right, you know, that I look. Oh, she looks so put together. I don't.

And if anyone perfect is listening, just continue to be perfect. Yeah.

Yes, exactly. Yeah. No, no shame against people that need to feel like, yeah, right. Absolutely. But that's just not me.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Okay. So you found me. And what I remember. And this is another thing we joke about is perimenopause. Like, brain fog. Like, I'm not remembering a lot these days. I do remember our discovery call, or whatever you want to call it, because I knew just from talking to you, you weren't. I think maybe you completed your postpartum doula training, but you hadn't really taken. You were still working for the assembly woman. Assembly woman. And you hadn't really taken the steps yet to start your business, but I was like, this lady's gonna make it. I could just tell. I knew, because you take action, and we'll get into that more. But I so vividly remember. Remember that call. Also, this is another reason why I was. If it was 2020, I was really.

Just starting it was 20, 21 okay? Yeah.

So, yeah, I was kind of in it, but I remember a call, and I was like, this is it. This is the former version of myself that I want to help. So it's so cool. So that was three years ago. More than three years ago. Like, we've known each other now for three years, and it's just amazing. So. And I also remember I was like, well, I'm launching this postpartum doula academy in Fe, I think. And you were like, I'll wait. That's fine. I'll wait. I gotta get my stuff together.

Sign me up.

Sign me up. Yeah.

Because, you know, here is a person who is like, hey, you want to be a doula? I'm gonna show you how to do it.

Yeah.

What else do you want?

Right? But that. Yeah.

Do you know? I mean, like, you know, and also, I will say, the only difference become becoming a doula is that's very different from any other job. It's like any of my other prior jobs. Like, someone was there training me. Like, my first day to work, I came there, I shadowed somebody, or someone was training me how to do it. You know, this is. You take your training, but then you're on your own.

You got to completely.

You got to figure it out on your own. So here you are, like, guiding me, saying, I'm going to show you how to do it.

Right.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

That was it.

My pleasure.

Yeah. So that was. That was like, September.

Yeah.

And I remember, too, because we're Our birthdays.

Oh, yes.

One day. And I don't want to say it, but, like, we were one day, you know, difference. And that was September. So we both had just had. It was like, early September. We both had just had our birthdays. Yeah. Because I was like, I don't know how it even came up.

Right. I don't.

I think I might have said, like, oh, I just had a birthday. And you're like, oh, my birthday was like, so. So, yeah. So it was September again, why we say we're twins. Like, so. Yeah. So that was September. And you were like, the academy's in February.

Yeah.

And I was like, okay. Oh, wait.

All right.

Because I had my account. I had my assembly job. Literally December 31, 2021. It was all perfect timing, 100amen.

And another, like, cool. Side note, you reminded me of this at the birth worker retreat. You were like, hey, Darcy, three of the four doulas from that cohort of the academy were here at the birth worker retreat. So we took a great picture.

So amazing. Especially for me, because I, you know, we were in that little cohort plus Emily.

Yep.

And so to be in the same room, all of us together.

So special. I'm so glad you pointed that out because I. In my perimenopause brain, I can't remember who was with who.

I know.

So that was a really sweet moment. I just loved it. So. And then you launched your business.

Yep.

And then you. I started getting the messages from you, like, I'm so busy. I'm too busy. What do I do? I'm so busy. So you. We joke about this all the time. You know, you always say, you just do what I tell you to do. And I always say, well, I wish more people would just do what I tell them to do because it works. It works.

It does.

And I actually corrected you a few times over this retreat because you were like, I'm a newer doula. I've only been doing this two years. But you're also very busy and very. And you're busier than some of the other doulas in your area that have been doing it longer.

Kinda.

Kinda. I mean, no shame, but like. But. And it's. I'm just gonna say it's because you listened to what I told you to do. It's because you have good marketing.

Yeah.

Good. And a good, solid foundation for your doula business.

Yep. And I think also, again, I saw you as like, you know, she. She has the equation. Like, you had it all. Like you. You ha. You.

You. I gave you the roadmap.

Exactly. I was just gonna say, like, you know, you have it here in your hands and you're giving it to us, you know, as a course.

Right.

But I mean, you know what I mean? Like, you're just like, here. This is what you do.

Right.

I mean, why question it?

Yeah.

And not only that, but I will say, I think, though, there has to be, you know, some little part of, like, psychology that comes into that, because people. The imposter syndrome. Right. And. And I mean, believe me, I had it too.

Yeah.

Because my first client was like, whoa.

Because just a quick, scary.

Oh, my God. I mean, she had. It was my very first client ever. She just had a home birth. It was her third child. So she was like, chill, but still.

Yeah.

And. And, you know, so I was the first thing. I was like, I don't know, you know, can I do your dishes? Can I do your laundry? Whatever. She's like, here, go take my sheets off. And like, you know, there Was like blood all over. Okay. Yeah. Okay.

Trial by fire.

Oh, yeah. But anyway.

Yeah.

You know, I mean, you have to. I don't know, you have to.

You have to take action.

Yeah. You have to just, like, push yourself.

Yes.

Beyond your. You know, like, be scared, but still do it. You know, it's okay to feel nervous or unsure or insecure or they're going to know that I'm not experienced or whatever. But just push yourself anyway because why are you doing it in the first place?

Right. Exactly right. That's how I pushed through it. I knew deep down in my core it wasn't that I wanted to be a postpartum doul. I had to do it. And then I knew I would have these little pep talks with myself, like, all right, Darcy, if you want to do this as your job, like, you have to go to that networking night. You have to go meet this chiropractor. You have to show your face.

And, you know, if I may say, like, those little things went beyond the academy. You know what I mean? Like, you told us how to set up our business, how to do. You know, you gave us so much of a roadmap. But then when I continued to stay in touch with you and join the village and, you know, do all those other things, you just gave me so many ideas of how to market myself that I would have never thought of on my own.

Right.

So, like, networking. Yeah, I know. Like, people in business network. But I never would have thought to network with people that were not other doulas, like all the other people in the birth practitioner world.

Right.

And that's been huge for me.

Yeah. Yeah.

To know all these other people in my area that are chiropractors, acupuncturists, psychiatrists.

All the other people in your town that are also dealing with pregnant and postpartum families. Gold mine. Way more effective than, like, obs. They're just too busy to.

Yeah. And honestly. And I have a great relationship with my ob. As a matter of fact, the last two annual exams.

Yeah. Oh.

I'm always. I've been talking to her about this, and, you know, she's older than me, and you know what she said to me? What? She's like, you know, I keep telling her every year, I'm like, please don't retire. Please don't retire. And. But she's like, you know, maybe in another couple years I'm thinking about it, and she's like, I might want to become a doula.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah. So. And I was like, do it who's better than you? You know? I mean, like, she's an amazing person. And I'm like, when you're ready, I'm like, you call me.

Yeah.

Or call Darcy.

Yeah.

But anyway. But, yeah, they're just too busy. And. And also, can you imagine if.

So Jen keeps saying, like, I don't want an agency. I don't want an agency. And, like, I'm like, well, maybe you just start a little. Can you imagine if your OB would eventually, like, what is working for your agency?

Oh, my God. Like, what a. Oh, my wild thing. That would be. That would be amazing. I should do that. I'll put you to work.

Yeah.

Call me.

I'll give you a job.

Yeah. I'll give you a job. Can you imagine? Oh, my God.

That'd be so fun.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Anyway.

Yeah.

Oh, boy. All right. So you got busy. You are running this successful doula business. Like, have you been a doula for two years? Is this gonna be three?

I guess if you want to consider when I did my certification, August will be three years. Yeah.

Wow. So, I mean, that's, like, a fast track, too, I think, you know, most doulas take a little bit longer than that, which is awesome for you.

Well, I think also, as we've said, being of an age where I don't really worry about, like, if people like me or not.

I mean, did you ever, though.

No, No. I will say that's definitely not. My. My personality is more, like, open and out there. But. But I'm just saying, like, I. I think a little bit on the older side, like. But it has pushed me more.

Yeah.

Like, I have to make this happen. I have to make this work. You know, I've had two kids in college.

Yeah.

Right. It's like, so it wasn't like, oh, this is my little new thing I'm doing. Like, no, like, I. I have, you know, expenses coming up.

Yeah.

So that really motivated me and pushed me to, like, keep doing all the things you said to do.

Yeah. That's amazing.

Yeah.

And so you have been in my doula village, and that. Which is my monthly membership program, that has been a huge help to you. Right.

Oh, my goodness.

Can you tell us why you love my doula village?

Well, well, first of all, you know, just the fact that you have these office hours for whenever we can log on and just, you know, but just, you know, throw out whatever's going on, either, like, venting, like, you know, about a client or question about, like, what do I do about this contract issue. Whatever. And to have you mentor us and then have the other doulas, like, mentor each other. I mean, I'm. I'm very much into feeling like a sisterhood.

Yes.

You know, and that, to me, feels like a sisterhood in there. It really. It really does.

Have you heard me say that you come for the marketing tips, you stay for the sisterhood.

Oh, yes. Yes. Okay. And I didn't remember that. Oh, I just. Yeah, I just said that. But to me, that's everything, especially being an only child. Yeah. But it is. It's. And I feel also comfortable. You know, Covid also taught this, and you can. You can develop relationships online.

Yes.

And so I feel like even when the office hours aren't necessarily going on, I can message you or I can message one of the other women and say, hey, like, what do I do with this? Have you ever experienced this? There's nothing like that. Again, because most of us are solo entrepreneurs.

Right.

And we're all alone.

Yeah.

And so, like, you need somebody to, like, bounce, you know, ideas off. And then the second part is that you bring on all these guest speakers and teach us how to. Whatever. Like, I didn't know who Jane was until you brought her.

Oh, yeah. Jane Haven's setter for pediatric sleep management.

Yep. And. And I'm not. I haven't even taken her course or anything like that. But just the way she described how she built her business also gave me ideas of, like, what to do and how to get myself out there. And, you know, it's just. It's. I'm just gonna say it. I always say it like, everything you do is invaluable.

Oh, man. Thank you.

No, everything.

I love it. So thank you.

I'm biased, but I don't care.

You're a smart lady, though, joking aside, what you were saying about making friends and connections online, I was thinking this morning. So we're here on the tail end of the birth worker retreat in Clearwater, Florida. We just had three absolutely magical days of connecting with doulas, sleep consultants, IBCLCs from all over the country. I was. I got a little teary this morning, and I was like, these are every single one of them I met on the Internet. And they're like. They're my clients. You know, Jody and Caitlin, that I put the retreat on with Jane. Like, they're my colleagues, but you're all, like, my best friends. Like, I'd rather hang out with you all than anyone else. And I met you on them on the Internet. Like, it's kind of Funny.

I said you just scroll through. Well, you know, it is true. Like, you definitely can develop relationships online, but there's nothing. Like, you know, I watch you every day because you're my, like, favorite.

Yeah.

Like, I, you know, put you as my favorite. So. So I. You come up first.

Oh, nice.

Like, on everything. So I see you every day. But to just be able to, like, you're here with me.

Yeah.

Like, I'm looking at you. Right. Like, you know, I've hugged you. Yeah. We went out to dinner. Like, you know, there's. There's nothing left to be able to be in person.

Absolutely.

Yeah. Yeah.

Which was my next question. Like that, you know, and through all this, you joined my doula village and you came on the birth worker retreat. You. And this is cool because you came last year and then you've come again this year. Talk about, like, what it was like last year.

Oh, my God. Well, actually, I have to. Christine said it. She said, last year we thought about what was available, what was possible, what was possible, and this year we see what is doable. Wow.

Yeah.

That was like. So, like last year. You want to say something?

I was just going to say, like, I think, you know, we. You were mentioning, like, my doula village and our Facebook group and our office hours were virtually connecting. And it's incredibly valuable to do that and just see what other doulas are doing and how they're running their businesses, how they're marketing and how they're dealing with clients. There's so much to that. And then. But to put yourself in a room like this and do the same thing is just like, next level.

And the whole reason why I came last year is because you said months before, you know, because you. I don't even think you were referring to the retreat. Oh. You were talking about, like, maybe connecting with people. I don't even remember what you're talking about, but you said, put yourself in the room with people that can help you grow your business. So I don't know if you remember, but that's what I posted last year about being here is like, I put myself in that room.

Yeah.

Like, and I, you know, to be in that room with you and Jody and Caitlin and all the other people, I felt so, like, lucky.

Yeah.

Like, honestly lucky to. To have been here. And. Yeah.

Key differentiating point, because I see so many doulas. You know, we post all the pictures and people are like, oh, that must be nice. That'd be. I want, you know, someday, like, yes, you're lucky. That you were in that room, but you put yourself in that room.

Yes, I did.

And so did everyone. And I even said that on the first day. I was like, welcome. Like, pat yourself on the back. It takes a lot to leave your kids and whatever, your pets and your business, your clients. You know, we. You make, you make a conscious choice to do the, you know, what needs to happen for you to get on a plane, pack the bags and do it. But then the payoff is.

It's immeasurable. And so I was gonna say, like, I left here last year feeling like, yeah, like anything is possible. I just left here like, oh, my God. Like, this is my, this is my life. Like, I am now, if I haven't said it already, you know, so last year I was 53. I'm now 54.

Yeah.

But I was like, okay, like, I can make this my life for the next 20 years.

Yeah.

Like, I have a road. Yeah. I have a roadmap. I can do this. I can build this business. I can create an income that will pay my bills and get me to do all the other pleasurable, pleasurable things in my life and make my husband proud of me, because he really is.

Yeah. And we talked about this morning. And take good care of yourself. Have the time to take good care of yourself. And then this is a big one for me. You know, as doulas are getting older, like, why just retire and take all your knowledge with you? Like, this is going to give you a way to make. And you know what you were saying, like, you don't really, in the future want to be doing seven, you know, five days a week, overnights or whatever. Days, whatever.

Yeah.

But like, doing one, having one client, like, so it's not the physical toll on your body.

Right.

You're still doing the work you love, but still, you know, with your passive income, your digital course, which is going to be my next question, you know, you're making the money you need to make.

Right. And Right. And still doing something we love to do.

Right.

But not having that pressure and stress of, like, I have to have five days a week. I have to work overnights. I have to do the have to is God's.

Yeah.

And that, that you can't put a price. You cannot put a price on that. And, you know, I, I, I. People say, like, oh, you know, you're in midlife. I mean, I am so, like. But like, I. And that's another thing I have to say, like, you know, I have a personal intention now of, like, I want to make the most of it. I want to make the best life possible for me, my husband, my kids, but mostly me, because I will say I've, you know, including being a doula. But even before, like, I've worked really hard. I always have been a good. I've always had a good work ethic. And, and I've worked really hard these last two and a half years to feel, like, good about what I've been doing.

Yeah.

And. And I still want to, like, always have. Feel like I'm providing and, and being productive.

Yeah.

Productive.

Contributing.

Contributing.

Yeah.

Like, but that doesn't mean that I have to, like, work where you're as hard. Right. When I. I still would love to be serving clients, but maybe not as much for as many hours as when I'm 50.

Right.

That's all.

Yeah.

Yeah. Which.

What a gift that this is going to be. So since the birth worker retreat last year, you've done a lot and you. And actually it was. Let's tell this moment. We had a moment on the beach. We were doing a strategy session at the, at the beach. And you told me your idea for a course and you've been working on it, building it. And so tell us about the private ideal and what we. And another way you and I are similar. You pointed out to me I'm using my marketing background and my past doula background to help doulas. You tell us how you're combining your past lives.

My past life. Well, well, I believe in it.

Okay.

Anyway. I do. Anyway. Yeah. So again, you know, I would have never thought about, like, passive income. I've never heard of those term, that terminology. So you opened my mind to, you know, what's possible. And so I just started thinking about, you know, what, how, how can I offer something that is of, you know, a passive income? What am I good at? What am I expert in? And, you know, you're my, my model. So I was like, you used your background to create this whole structure in life. I was like, well, how can I use my background? And what started developing was a lot of times, if I was with a client for like a full three months and they were going back to work, their next step was their baby was going to either be cared for by a nanny or daycare. And one of my clients, she was really nervous about the. She was definitely going the daycare route and she was really nervous about it. And I was helping her even, like, find the local daycares. But, you know, she had like four or five that she had contracted or contacted. Excuse Me. And I said, well, we got a look them up and see if there's anything, like, negative about them on the New York State Office of Child and Family Services. And she's like, what? And I was like, yeah, you gotta check these places out, you know, Like, I mean, everyone goes for a tour every daycare.

Yeah. But.

But you gotta see, like, you know, complaints.

Yeah.

What's happened to them?

People don't know that they can do that.

Right. And they don't have, you know, they don't have the wherewithal. They don't even think that way. And then the other thing was, I was seeing in all these Facebook mom groups and parent groups, everyone and their mother is looking for a nanny.

Right.

You know, or recommendations for daycare, too. And so I got that. Aha, you know, the light bulb moment. And I was like, this is what I need to create, because these people have no clue what's going on. And, you know, every once in a while, you'll hear a story on the news about, unfortunately, a nanny mistreating a child. A daycare, you know, a child. Same thing, you know, or the daycare was shut down because they weren't maintaining sanitate, you know, sanitation or sanitary, you know, protocol, whatever. And so these are important things. And the whole part about people getting background checks on, you know, when they hire people. Well, when you're, you know, when you leave your kid with a nanny, like, oh, you're hiring that person, and you're. You're putting your most precious commodity right in your life in the hands of a singular or multiple people. And you have to know what that looks like and what that, you know.

Yeah. What their background is. Yeah. So you're combining your background as a private investigator and a doula to help parents learn how to do these background checks.

Right. And how to. How to collect the information that will put them in a better frame of mind to make the right decisions. Because if you don't have the information, then how will you. Okay. If you don't have that information, you cannot make an informed decision.

Right.

Beyond just going for a tour or.

What your friends tell you about.

Yeah, exactly. Exactly.

I love that so much. So everybody needs to go find Jen on Instagram. Is it the private Idula.

The private idealist. Yeah, the doula. Darcy. The private idealist. Love it. Yeah.

So. And then your course will be coming out, you know, in the next few weeks or months or whatever, and it's gonna help. I just. I'm so excited. It's gonna help. So many parents it's gonna help keep so many kids safe and it's going to change your life in so many ways. And I can't wait to be back here in CLEARWATER Next year, 2026, for the birth worker retreat and hear all about it. I'll hear all about it. I mean, we're like dming each other every day. I'll hear about a long way, but it's gonna be. It's neat to have this birth worker retreat as kind of like a point to measure growth 100 and see, it.

Kind of reminds me of, you know, so. Because being a doula is my third career, you know, I was calling it. This is gen 3.0.

Yes. Right, yes.

So I feel like this next business venture is my gen 3.5. And so, you know, next year I'll figure out what Gen 4.0 is and on and on.

You never know.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

So I just love it so much. I've had. It's been such a joy to watch your growth from just a little baby postpartum doula. Pre baby, like pre me, you know? Yeah.

Yeah.

And so here we are. I mean, two years later, two and a half, three years later. It's just amazing and super special. So thank you for coming on my podcast.

My pleasure.

Thank you for being in my doula village. Like, you're such a joy and light in there and, and everybody loves you. And so it's. Stick around, Stick with me, kid.

Amen. And I, you know, I, I've. I say this to you every time I see you, either in person or online or whatever. Like, literally what you're giving us is just. There's no words. Yeah, there isn't. I'm gonna get clipped.

Well, thank you so much. I love it. It means so much to me. It is my utmost joy and pleasure. So it's some. And it's so much fun. So we're gonna go see if the dolphins are still out on the deck.

Yeah, the sun is out a little bit.

Yeah, the sun is out. So we're gonna cut this short and go follow the private I Doula on Instagram. Check out the birth worker retreat, my doula village. I'll put all the links in the notes.

But may I say one last thing?

Absolutely.

If you're thinking about either being a doula, joining Darcy's courses, you know, coming on the retreat, I'm just telling you there should be no second guessing. And honestly, like, what? I have, let's say, decided to participate. I've gotten back tenfold, so like you have to put in, you get, you get out what you put into it.

Absolutely.

And so like, you know, you just have to Nike. Just do it. Yeah, just do it.

Just do it.

Just do it. That's it.

On that note.

Yeah.

Thank you.

[Darcy]

Thank you for tuning in to the Doula Darcy podcast. I hope you found this episode valuable and I'd love for you to join me on the next one. Let's keep the conversation going. Shoot me a DM on Instagram thedula Darcy or join my free Facebook community, the Doula Marketing Group, where we dive deeper into growing your doula business.

[Jen Taweel]

If you enjoyed the episode, please take.

[Darcy]

A moment to rate and review the podcast on your favorite platform. Your feedback will help more doulas discover the show, which in turn helps more families find the doula support that they need. And I believe that that is how we save the.