We recently connected with Quanella Jordan and have shared our conversation below.
Quanella , thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
It’s a combination of life experience, my role as a mother and wife, and the demands of running a doula business. At 44, I’ve learned that risks are often disguised as opportunities waiting to be embraced. As a Black woman, I’ve faced unique challenges that required me to trust my instincts and make bold decisions, whether it was advocating for a mother during labor or deciding to build my own business from the ground up. Being a wife and mother has also taught me resilience and adaptability, which naturally translated into my professional life. Every risk I’ve taken has been a lesson in courage and faith, and those lessons fuel my commitment to supporting families in some of the most vulnerable yet rewarding moments of their lives.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m deeply passionate about supporting parents during one of the most transformative times in their lives; parenthood. My mission began after my own difficult experience during labor, which showed me how much change is needed in the way families, especially Black families, access support and resources during this journey.
Four years ago, I created AskNannyQ.com, an online community where parents can ask questions and share their concerns without judgment. We’ve answered over 8,000 questions so far, and it’s been incredible to watch this platform grow into a space where families feel heard and supported. Seeing parents walk away feeling empowered is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
Alongside running AskNannyQ, I work as a Birth and Postpartum Doula. My focus is on making sure new mothers, especially Black women, feel confident advocating for themselves in medical spaces. I also believe in giving back, so each year I provide five free doula services to mothers who might not otherwise have access to this kind of support. Recently, partnering with Medicare’s Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Doula program in Georgia has allowed me to reach even more families, which has been such a blessing.
Looking ahead, I’m pursuing a degree in Public Administration because I have a dream to open a postpartum birth center specifically for Black women. I want this space to be more than just a place to receive care—it will be a haven where women feel supported, valued, and advocated for at every step. My goal is to provide equitable care and free advocacy services to make sure Black women have what they need during such a critical time.
For me, this work is about more than just a career—it’s about building something that lasts and creates real change for families. I’m excited about what’s next and always looking for ways to collaborate with people who share the same vision. Thank you for giving me the chance to share my story!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
In retrospect, adaptability, empathy, and effective communication have had the most significant influence on my journey with AskNannyQ.
The ability to adapt to changing circumstances has been paramount. The childcare industry is dynamic, influenced by societal shifts, technological advancements, and evolving family dynamics. Early on, I recognized the importance of embracing new ideas and being responsive to feedback to continuously refine our offerings. Embracing change and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth is detrimental. Maintaining a curious and open-minded mindset and being willing to experiment with innovative approaches is always beneficial.
Understanding parents’ and caregivers’ needs and concerns has been foundational to our success. Building a brand that resonates with our audience hinges on genuine connections and trust. I prioritized active listening to our community’s feedback and incorporated those insights into our services. Engaging with them directly through surveys, social media, and face-to-face interactions to comprehend their challenges and aspirations.
Clear and impactful communication has been instrumental in conveying our brand’s mission, sharing valuable resources, and guiding parents through their childcare journey. I learned that how information is presented can significantly influence its reception. Providing clear and concise communication allows the parents to understand that we have the same goal: the family’s welfare.
For those embarking on their journey, I strongly encourage you to seek opportunities to develop these skills actively. Surround yourself with mentors, engage in continuous learning, and welcome constructive feedback. Remember that the journey is equally valuable as the destination—every step you take contributes to your growth and the impact you can make.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past year, I have dedicated significant effort to cultivating self-belief, self-trust, and self-reliance. I recognize that increased self-trust leads to more reliable decision-making. Consequently, I have made it a priority to acknowledge and celebrate both my significant accomplishments and my incremental progress. Most importantly, I have reinforced my self-belief and provided myself with positive reinforcement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.asknannyq.com
- Instagram: Asknannyq
- Linkedin: Asknannyq
- Twitter: Asknannyq
Image Credits
All image all by Shutterchic
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