Rachel Carrell, the founder of Koru Kids, has transformed her personal experience as a new mother into a powerful mission to make childcare more accessible, reliable, and supportive for families. Her journey is a reminder that some of the biggest challenges in life can spark the most meaningful innovations. Featured in Humans of Fuzia, Rachel shares her inspiring story of resilience, leadership, and the determination to make life easier for parents everywhere—a story that resonates with our 5M+ community striving to empower women and champion change.
Q: What inspired you to begin your journey?
Rachel: I founded Koru Kids in 2016, but the seeds of the idea came earlier. When I had my first child in 2014, I realized how difficult childcare was to arrange. Friends who had worked so hard to build their careers were struggling with the same challenge. Some were stepping back from their jobs, moving away, or even deciding against having another child because childcare was so hard to find. I felt strongly that this was a problem worth solving—and that’s how Koru Kids was born.
Q: What challenges did you face in building your business, and how did you overcome them?
Rachel: Childcare is a people-focused sector, and one of the biggest challenges was figuring out how to identify truly excellent nannies. It wasn’t just about qualifications—it was about understanding the qualities that parents valued most. We had to learn very quickly how to recognize those traits. Another challenge was building software that could make the process seamless. That took years of experimentation, trial, and learning. Alongside this, I also had to focus on hiring the right people for my team, which became one of our biggest strengths.
Q: What are some milestones or achievements that you’re most proud of?
Rachel: Last year, we received over 100,000 applications from people who wanted to become Koru Kids nannies. I’m proud that we’ve built a reputation as a fair and supportive employer, where nannies feel respected and valued. I’m also proud of the feedback we get from parents who tell us that we’ve made their lives easier—that’s the heart of our mission. Parenting is so hard, and if we can ease that burden even a little, it’s deeply rewarding.
Q: What are your thoughts on women in leadership today?
Rachel: I believe qualities like empathy and communication, often associated with women leaders, are now being embraced and valued more broadly. I see male leaders using these strengths as well, which I think is very positive. It shows a shift toward a more balanced and inclusive leadership style.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Rachel: Start small, and be ready to test and learn constantly. You don’t need a lot of money to begin, but you do need an open mind. Hold your ideas loosely—be willing to change when the world shows you that you’re wrong. The people who thrive are the ones who adapt, experiment, and keep learning.
“Parenting is hard enough. If we can make life just a little easier for families, then we’re doing something truly worthwhile.” – Rachel Carrell
