Jane Havens, Founder of Snooze Fest by Jayne Havens and Center for Pediatric Sleep Management
Name: Jane Havens
Founder: Snooze Fest and Center for Pediatric Sleep Management
In one sentence, what problem do you solve and for who?
I support parents as they teach their children to sleep confidently, independently and through the night.
I also train women to become certified pediatric sleep consultants so they can earn money while working from home and doing really meaningful and rewarding work!
What's your story?
13 years ago I sleep trained my son and it was a completely transformative experience for me as well as my entire family. I became obsessed with infant sleep and found myself helping friends and even friends of friends improve sleep in their homes. When my daughter was born four years later I worked on her sleep from the beginning and ultimately decided to turn my hobby into a business. I went online, took a sleep consultant certification course and started my own small business. What was intended to be a side hustle turned into a very successful business quickly and I loved every minute of it. Not too long after starting my consulting business, Snooze Fest by Jayne Havens, I decided to create my own sleep consultant certification course. I knew I could do it better. Center for Pediatric Sleep Management was launched in 2019 and we have almost 1000 students enrolled! CPSM is a comprehensive and evidence based program that places a heavy emphasis on business building and entrepreneurship. We are not just teaching sleep training, we are teaching our students how to launch, grow and even scale their sleep consulting businesses.
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
I have found so much joy and pride in being a business founder. It's challenged me in ways I never thought possible and it has really made me feel more fulfilled. I love that my kids seeing me work hard, and have success. I feel like I have made so much progress and yet this is only the beginning.
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
I truly believe that we rise by lifting others. We are stronger together. One of my favorite things to do is to share the stories and businesses of my colleagues. I have a podcast called Becoming a Sleep Consultant where I interview those who have been through my program to give them a platform to share their story and what sets them apart from others in the field.
What are three podcasts you listen to that have helped you with your business?
Amy Porterfield, the Side Hustle Show, The Get Paid Podcast
Who is a female entrepreneur you look up to and why?
I really enjoy all things Amy Porterfield. I have never taken her course but I love her podcast and find her to be so relatable. She has built a true empire by being helpful and kind.
What are the first five things that you did when you were starting your business?
Tell all my friends and family, post on social media, connect with other business owners in adjacent fields, ask to collaborate with those who I was networking with, TAKE ACTION!
Who is someone who has helped change or shape your business for the better and what did they do to help you?
My colleague and friend Kerri Nachlas. She first enrolled in my sleep consultant certification course and now I am enrolled in her parent coach certification course. She has taught me to be more patient, always consider things from multiple perspectives and show up with more patience and empathy.
At what point did you make your company a full time gig? How did you know the time was right?
Honestly, I just enjoy my work so I am always fitting it into every free moment I have. That being said, I don't know that it's full time as I still work a very flexible schedule. I play tennis 3x a week, I have a mahjong game, I take my kids to school and pick them up, shuttle them to activities etc.
What lesson or skill did you take with you from a prior job to help you succeed in your role today?
I used to work in catering sales and my former boss always said that SOME commission is better than ZERO commission. He said to always get the sale, even if you have to sell it in a way that you didn't originally want to sell it. This has made me always willing to work with people. I will offer a custom payment plan, or just make my offer as accessible to them as possible so they can say YES. I also always show up at 100% for my clients and students because word of mouth is gold. Almost all of my business comes from word of mouth or referrals from past clients and students.
Let’s talk social media—who handles it for your company (you, an internal team member, an outsourced solution?) and what is the secret to making it successful? What is the biggest challenge?
I barely use social media. I have an IG account I rarely post to. I do have an active facebook group that I manage myself. I rely more heavily on my email list and podcast than socials.
How did you land your first client?
In a facebook group.
What is something you do differently from the industry standard?
Honestly, I just provide better service and get people better results. It's sort of that simple.
What are three strategies you use to market your business, grow brand awareness and generate bottom line growth?
Podcast, email list, affiliate program. I also try to maximize SEO and dabble in Google ads.
What was an obstacle you overcame to get your business where it is today?
For me my biggest obstacle has been accepting that this is what I want for myself. Before I started my business I was a SAHM and I knew what a privilege it was to be able to stay home with my kids but I wanted more. I wanted to use my brain and I wanted to make money. Admitting that to myself and to my own mom who raised us by staying home felt really hard. I am glad I got over it!
What actionable tips you would give with other women who want to start a business or are just getting started?
Stop stewing and start doing!! The more time you spend thinking about it the longer it takes to achieve success. Just get started, do it messy, grow everyday.
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