We had the good fortune of connecting with Nwamaka Unaka and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nwamaka, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
“The idea for Nannyland stemmed from a desire to provide families with the opportunity to attend events together without the worry of having to find childcare. Parents shouldn’t face obstacles or miss out on personal or professional opportunities because they have children. Additionally, there is peace of mind that comes from having your children in the next room enjoying a safe and fun time while you attend your adult-only event, compared to leaving them at home with a sitter and worrying about their well-being. Nannyland’s mission is to ensure families can enjoy events together, regardless of the occasion.”

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Just as Chick-fil-A isn’t the sole provider of chicken sandwiches, I’m not the only business offering on-site childcare for events. However, what distinguishes me and Nannyland is my deep affection for children, meticulous attention to detail, and fervor for crafting experiences that create lasting memories.

That’s my journey so far—prioritizing the unique needs of each client to ensure children have a memorable time while adults immerse themselves in their events.

The path hasn’t been without its challenges, yet it hasn’t been overwhelmingly difficult. It’s been a consistent test of time management, a commitment to giving my all to achieve my aspirations, and a perpetual juggling act between what I should handle personally and what I can delegate.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting Houston for a week, I’d ensure they experience the best the city has to offer:

Day 1:
– Brunch at Grace’s
– Explore the Museum District, visiting attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Houston Zoo.
– Dinner at Underbelly for a taste of Houston’s diverse culinary scene, focusing on locally sourced ingredients.

Day 2:
– Start with breakfast tacos at Tacos Tierra Caliente, a beloved food truck in Montrose.
– Spend the morning wandering through the vibrant Montrose neighborhood, checking out eclectic shops and street art.
– Head to Buffalo Bayou Park for a scenic walk or bike ride along the bayou.
– Enjoy dinner at Xochi for elevated Oaxacan cuisine, known for its intricate flavors and beautiful presentation.

Day 3:
– Have breakfast at The Breakfast Klub for soulful Southern comfort food, including their famous wings and waffles.
– Visit the NASA Johnson Space Center for an out-of-this-world experience, exploring exhibits on space exploration and even touching a moon rock.
– Dinner at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen for fresh Gulf Coast seafood in a lively atmosphere.

Day 4:
– Start the day with brunch at The Dunlavy, a picturesque spot overlooking Buffalo Bayou Park.
– Spend the afternoon shopping at The Galleria, one of the largest malls in Texas, featuring high-end retailers and department stores.
– Relax with dinner and drinks at Axelrad Beer Garden, enjoying their expansive outdoor space and live music.

Day 5:
– Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Common Bond Café & Bakery, known for its artisanal pastries and coffee.
– Explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science, focusing on exhibits like the Butterfly Center and the Burke Baker Planetarium.
– Indulge in a dinner feast at Killen’s BBQ for some of the best brisket and ribs in Texas.

Day 6:
– Start the day with breakfast at Empire Café, a cozy spot with a diverse menu ranging from pancakes to Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
– Take a stroll through Hermann Park, visiting attractions like the Japanese Garden and the Hermann Park Golf Course.
– Enjoy dinner at Brennan’s of Houston for a taste of Creole cuisine with a Texas twist.

Day 7:
– Brunch at Hugo’s for authentic Mexican fare, including mouthwatering chilaquiles and mole dishes.
– Spend the afternoon exploring the Houston Museum District further, visiting the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and the Menil Collection.
– Wrap up the week with dinner at Ninfa’s on Navigation for classic Tex-Mex dishes and their famous fajitas.

Throughout the week, I’d also make sure to introduce my friend to some of Houston’s vibrant neighborhoods, such as Montrose, Third Ward, and The Heights, where they can experience the city’s diverse culture, art scene, and culinary delights.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to Jamelle Bass, Evelyn Garcia, and my sweet daughters Ure Genesis and Muna Grace. Their support and contributions have been instrumental in scaling Nannyland, designing activities for our age groups, and enhancing brand awareness.

Website: www.nannylands.com

Instagram: @nannylands

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/nannylands

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.