We had the good fortune of connecting with Shani Avidar and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shani, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Initially, I was passionate about my career in the financial industry. However, when my first child arrived in 2019, everything changed. Balancing work and family became more challenging, especially with the added stress of sleep deprivation. Like many parents, my husband and I struggled with infant sleep and felt exhausted and overwhelmed. Determined to find answers, I did extensive research and gained valuable tools to support my children’s sleep. Our second child arrived in 2021 and by the time our third child arrived in 2022, I considered myself a sleep pro. This journey inspired me to dedicate my time to educating parents on teaching their children to become better sleepers. Sleep coaching is now my full-time calling.
My personal experience as a mom, along with specialized training in infant and toddler sleep, has given me deep insights into child development and the keys to their thriving. I found the Baby Led Sleep Approach and it was aligned with my parenting style. It has had a transformative impact on me, strengthening my connection with my children and boosting my confidence as a mom. I’ve also completed the Wholechild Company Breastfeeding Program to better support new and expecting moms.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At My Little Dreamer, I specialize in providing holistic sleep coaching solutions for infants and toddlers, empowering parents to navigate the often-challenging journey of establishing healthy sleep routines. As a certified Infant Sleep and Well-Being Specialist, lactation consultant, and a mom to three boys, I bring a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to the world of sleep coaching. My coaching style revolves around the principles of the Baby Led Sleep Approach, ensuring a gentle and personalized experience for each family. I understand that every child is unique, and my solutions are crafted to align with individual needs and parenting styles. From establishing healthy sleep routines and creating a conducive sleep environment to managing common sleep challenges, I offer comprehensive support. My expertise extends to working with busy parents, acknowledging the demands of full-time work, and ensuring realistic and effective solutions. Having completed the Wholechild Company Breastfeeding Program, I bring an added layer of support to new and expecting moms, fostering confidence and equipping them with the tools for successful breastfeeding.
My services encompass a holistic, evidence-based, attachment-focused approach. I work closely with parents, mainly moms, offering insights into their children’s state of mind while providing practical tools to nurture better sleep habits. From sleep evaluations and personalized sleep plans to ongoing email and text support, my tailor-made packages cater to the diverse needs of parents seeking a restful and rejuvenating sleep experience for their little ones. I believe that quality sleep is the foundation for happy and thriving families. My commitment goes beyond providing solutions; it’s about empowering parents to confidently navigate the beautiful yet challenging journey of parenthood, one peaceful night at a time.
My journey from a career in the financial industry to becoming a dedicated sleep coach is a testament to personal growth and resilience. The challenges overcome along the way have shaped my commitment to providing invaluable support to parents. As a business owner, the ability to work remotely and create a flexible schedule stands out as a unique feature. This not only enhances business operations but also allows for quality time spent with family.
Transitioning from a full-time career in finance to becoming an Infant and Toddler Sleep Coach has been a transformative journey, with its fair share of challenges. While it hasn’t been easy, these hurdles have shaped my role as a business owner.
Surprisingly, being a business owner was never something I considered before. It wasn’t a passion of mine initially. But as I dealt with my own kids’ sleep challenges and did research, I felt a deep desire to help others with infant and toddler sleep. One major challenge was realizing that building and growing a business required a completely different skill set from finance. I had to learn about marketing, understanding client needs, and creating a brand presence. It was and still is uncomfortable at times, but it helps me develop my entrepreneurial skills.
Balancing work and family life, especially with the added stress of sleep deprivation, is something many parents can relate to. Finding solutions for my own family motivated me to help others facing similar challenges.
The transition has brought rewarding aspects to my career. Working remotely and setting my own schedule has been a game-changer. This flexibility helps me build my business and spend time with my children. Balancing work and family life has become easier, and prioritizing family while helping others is the greatest reward of this entrepreneurial journey.
In summary, transitioning from finance to being an entrepreneur in infant and toddler sleep coaching has had its ups and downs. The unexpected twists and turns have deepened my understanding of the field and fueled my passion to improve the lives of parents and their children through better sleep.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Itinerary for a Family Visiting Miami with Kids: Stay at the One Hotel in South Beach
Day 1:
Morning: Spend the day at the beach, enjoy the hotel’s restaurants, and let the kids participate in the activities at the kids’ club.
Afternoon: Head to South Point Park for its family-friendly atmosphere.
Evening: Dinner at a Family-Friendly Spot – Visit “Big Pink” for its diverse menu and kid-friendly options.
Day 2:
Morning: Visit the Children’s Museum.
Afternoon: Discover Wynwood Walls and grab lunch at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar.
Evening: Outdoor Movie Night – Check out outdoor movies at SoundScape Park in Miami Beach.
Day 3:
Morning: Head to Zoo Miami for a diverse range of animals.
Afternoon: Picnic at the Zoo – Enjoy a picnic within Zoo Miami.
Evening: Head to Lincoln Road for a stroll and dinner at one of the many family-friendly restaurants.
Day 4:
Morning: Experience Jungle Island for a mix of adventure and wildlife.
Afternoon: Grab lunch at the park’s designated areas.
Evening: Head to Little Havana and experience Cuban culture. Visit Azucar Ice Cream Company for unique flavors.
Day 5:
Morning: Explore the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.
Afternoon: Head to Brickell, have lunch in Brickell City Centre, and enjoy one of the many restaurant options.
Evening: Check out Art Box in Coral Gables for family art workshops.
Day 6:
Morning: Explore the Miami Seaquarium.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at “The Rusty Pelican” with scenic views.
Evening: Explore the Venetian Causeway for a scenic bike ride and have dinner at Lucali Pizza in Sunset Harbour.
Day 7:
Morning: Head to Aventura Mall. Enjoy the shops and wrap up the week with lunch at “Motek Cafe”.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my husband for his support. When I told him I wanted to leave my corporate job, he didn’t hesitate. He shared a profound insight: “Life is too short to postpone happiness.” These words inspired me to start my own business, and his constant encouragement keeps me motivated. I love my husband for being my partner in brainstorming business ideas. His entrepreneurial spirit and shared dreams make this journey a lot more fun!
I also want to acknowledge my children, who are living proof of the impact of my work as a sleep coach. Their peaceful nights and the joy they bring validate my efforts. Each night they sleep well is a small victory, and their well-being is my greatest reward.
Website: www.mylittledreamer.coach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylittledreamer_coach?igsh=MXZobnFkanRucmpxdA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091457290681&mibextid=YMEMSu