From 2010 to 2020, I spent much of my life as a nanny in New York City. Sometimes, it was a full-time role; other times, it was a job I juggled alongside working retail. To many, the choice to become a nanny might seem like a stepping stone or a survival job. For me, it was a way to fund my dreams, immerse myself in the Mecca of opportunity that is New York City, and take the first steps toward building my business.
Being a caretaker wasn’t a foreign concept to me—it was woven into the fabric of my upbringing. My grandmother, like many Caribbean women, spent her life as a caretaker. In our culture, caretaking isn’t just a job; it’s an act of love, resilience, and sacrifice. However in New York, it also became a window into the racial and social dynamics that have long
shaped the city.
Caribbean women have played an enormous role in the nanny industry in New York. For decades, they’ve been the quiet backbone of many families, raising children with unwavering dedication while often going unnoticed. These women, myself included, have worked long hours, often without benefits like health insurance, paid leave, or retirement plans. The work is emotionally taxing—forming deep bonds with the children you care for while knowing your role is ultimately temporary.
The experience is racially and socially layered. Many nannies are women of color caring for children in affluent, predominantly white families. There’s an unspoken tension in that dynamic—a reminder of the racial and economic disparities that persist. And yet, there’s also pride in knowing that Caribbean women, with our strong cultural values, bring a nurturing warmth and strength to this role. We are more than caretakers; we are builders of futures, shaping young minds even as we dream of building our own
legacies.
For me, being a nanny taught invaluable lessons. It sharpened my sense of responsibility, strengthened my patience, and taught me to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. But it also fueled a desire for independence. There’s a psychological aspect to caretaking that can push someone toward entrepreneurship.
When you spend your days caring for others—managing their needs, emotions, and expectations—it can ignite a deep craving to pour that same energy into yourself. By the time I stepped away from being a nanny, I was ready to channel my experiences into something new. I turned to the tech market, using my design skills to carve out opportunities in cannabis technology and private label design. But even as I explored new ventures, I never lost sight of my ultimate goal: building Kass Swimwear and Resort Goods by Keiann Corlise.
My brand is a reflection of everything I’ve learned along the way. It’s not just about designing beautiful pieces—it’s about creating a lifestyle, a sense of empowerment, and a celebration of Caribbean culture. Over the last decade, Kass Swimwear has achieved significant milestones: features in major publications, appearances on runways, and the unwavering support of a loyal customer base. Each accomplishment is a testament to the resilience and ambition that was nurtured during my years as a nanny and beyond.
Being a nanny prepared me for entrepreneurship in ways I didn’t expect. It taught me how to manage time, anticipate needs, and adapt to unexpected challenges—all essential skills for running a business. It also gave me a unique perspective on resilience. As nannies, we learn to prioritize others, often at the expense of our own needs. As entrepreneurs, we have to reverse that mindset, learning to prioritize ourselves and our goals without guilt.
This essay isn’t just about my journey—it’s an invitation for you to reflect on your own. What roles have you played in your life, and how have they shaped who you are today? How have the lessons you’ve learned in one chapter prepared you for the next?
For Caribbean women, resilience is often seen as an expectation—a badge of honor. But resilience isn’t just about enduring; it’s about transforming. My years as a nanny weren’t just a means to an end; they were a foundation. They gave me the tools to build a life on my own terms, to create something lasting, and to remain independent in a world that often pushes us to conform.
So to anyone reading this, especially my fellow Caribbean women: take a moment to look inward. Acknowledge the roles you’ve played and the lessons they’ve taught you. And remember, every experience—no matter how humble or challenging—has the power to shape your future in extraordinary ways.
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