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Meet a Mom: Sarah with Olive Us

South Austin Moms

The well known mantra of motherhood, “it takes a village” could not be more true! But finding your village isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Sarah, mother of three, created Olive Us – a simple babysitting app to find the perfect match for your family. Let’s get to know Sarah and all about Olive Us!

Let’s dive right in! Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi! I’m Sarah, and live in Austin with my 3 kids Davis 16; Maeve, 15; and Remy, 12; and 2 pups, Lenny and Lucy. We moved to Austin 10 years ago from Chicago. I’m originally from Wisconsin but have lived in many places! I moved to Minnesota after I graduated, then California, Colorado, Illinois, and now Texas! I love to travel, explore new places, check out Austin’s breweries, and start new companies!

I have grown to love Austin! I especially love being in the city (I live near Lakeway). My partner and I often head downtown to try a new restaurant or take our pup to Zilker. My boys often skateboard and explore the city. My daughter and I take advantage of the hip shops downtown…I’m all for the “Austin Vibe.”

How did Olive Us come about?
I started my nanny agency, Olive You Nanny in 2004 in Chicago. I still run the company and now have locations across the US. In 2019 I started working on a sitter app called Olive Us! It’s been a labor of love…I started the development five years ago! With Covid and getting divorced, the timing didn’t feel right to launch. But here we are…in 2023, and FINALLY, Olive Us has launched. I’m excited and a bit nervous, as time and money have been no joke in getting this company off the ground.

Olive Us uses a matching algorithm to match you with the best fit. Having been in the industry for over 25 years, I have created a platform that takes the guesswork out of finding a sitter who is in line with your family’s philosophies and needs. I’m passionate about connection…and pinpointing what makes a great relationship in the childcare space.
 

What are some of your biggest challenges you are currently facing within your business?
Social media, for sure!!! I’m in my early 40s and trying to figure out all the platforms is exhausting. I have hired a few college interns to help, so I have some hope!

Our mission is to Give Moms the Gift of Time — What are your best time-saving tips/resources as a mom?
Wow, this is a tough one, as I always feel like there is never enough time. I try hard to delegate the day into sections. I take the kids to school, work out, and work on one business in the am and the other business in the afternoon. I’m a vast whiteboard user, so I try to keep track of my to-do’s that way. Evenings I typically cook with my kids and make that our bonding time.

Favorite place to grab drinks in Austin?
I love a great brewery. Recently have been loving Meanwhile Brewery and Hi Sign Brewery. Have you tried their Violet brew? It’s amazing.

Something interesting about yourself/something that others may not know about you?
I’m a master go-cart racer.

Originally featured on South Austin Moms (link)