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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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