Name: Windy Gossett
Age: 35
Location: Seattle
Education: B.A. in Sociology, University of Washington; Master’s degree in Women’s Studies from Trinity College, Ireland
Job Title: Baby planner for Itsabelly a green-minded baby-planning company headquartered in Portland, Oregon
What She Does: Windy helps expectant or new parents navigate through all things maternity, newborn, and toddler; her tasks range from helping expecting couples set up a baby registry and nursery to helping them find child care once their baby has arrived.
How She Got Her Gig: After returning to the United States from studying in Ireland, Windy worked as an elementary school teacher for three years. Then, when she had her first child in 2005, she learned about baby planning via a PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) group in Seattle. “I soon became a volunteer and facilitator [with PEPS] helping parents and their newborns adjust to their new lives together. This eventually led me to become a baby planner for Itsabelly,” says Windy, who was introduced to her future boss through one of her PEPS group moms.
Never a Dull Day: Client needs determine Windy’s daily schedule. She might spend her day teaching parents to make homemade baby food or hosting a new parent education course. Or she might spend an afternoon exploring and evaluating her city’s baby boutiques and doctor’s offices so she can confidently recommend them to her clients. “Then, there are days when I spend most of my time answering e-mails, making phone calls, lining up appointments, and doing research, all while taking care of my two children,” she says.
A Balance Between Work and Family: Windy doesn’t keep a set schedule for her 25- to 35-hour workweek. Rather, she organizes it around her children’s schedules and her client’s needs and available time. The balance can be challenging, but she’s learned how to make her family come first by working when her kids are napping or late at night when they are asleep. And when work and home obligations collide, she asks for help. “Having a super-supportive husband with a fairly flexible schedule and an extended family willing to help out when need be has really helped,” she says.
Crucial Connections: Windy spends a good chunk of her time connecting with baby-focused businesses in the area, as well as with other people in the field, such as lactation consultants and doulas. “Connecting with these places and people is crucial for our business,” she says. She also networks with members of the National Baby Planner Association, local mom groups, fellow Itsabelly planners, and individuals at expo events, seminars, and talks that fit her career focus and goals.
This Job’s for You if: You’re an outgoing, personable, highly motivated individual. “Don’t underestimate the amount of marketing and sales work you will have to do. It’s a ton of work to market a new niche,” she says. “And be passionate, motivated, and enjoy the work you do in baby planning because if you’re not, you'll get disheartened by the amount of work it takes to grow an industry.”
