June’s Featured Baby Planner: Amanda Ogle of Cherished Expectations

This month’s IBPA Featured Baby Planner is Amanda Ogle of Cherished Expectations.

What uniquely qualifies you to be a baby planning expert?
As a mother of two, I have personally experienced the joys of my first pregnancy, the heartbreak of miscarriage, and the joys and stress of a “high risk” second pregnancy.  Each have taught me about life, love, and the ups and downs that go into pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. With experience as “The Corporate Mom” as well as the “Work at Home Mom”, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that both roles offer a family.

What qualities should an ideal baby planner have?
It’s important to have the ability to truly listen and absorb what your client is saying or asking for.  For many people the birth of a child is as exciting and eventful as planning a wedding. Another vital quality is being intuitive of each client’s family dynamic.
Understanding the roles that each family member plays, can make or break a baby planner.  Stepping on a spouse / Partner / Grandmother’s toes can bring things to a halt quickly.  It is easy to offer opinion and advice, the secret is to tailor it to custom-fit your audience.

What are your specialties as a baby planner?
My specialty is finding the highest quality, top rated products and services at the best price possible.  I love searching for the best deals without compromising on quality or safety.  It’s what I do for my family, and I wouldn’t offer anything less for my clients.

What is the nicest thing a client has ever said about your business?
Las Vegas is one of those ever growing cities.  Most of the time I hear clients say that they have no family or close friends here, and it’s nice to have someone they can call.  I’ve been in their shoes, and  I know exactly how it feels to be pregnant in a new city…away from the comfort of family and friends.  Being trusted by them is the greatest compliment.

How do you stay current on trends in the baby and child industry?
Being a member of the International Baby Planner Association is a great way to stay on top of new issues and new trends in the industry. We have a diverse membership, and each person brings wonderful perspective and insight to the table.

I do tons and tons of research online, from recalls to new products on the horizon.  When something hits the store shelves, I get my hands on it to see what it’s all about.

Every parenting magazine that exists lands in my mailbox, and is scoured with a fine-tooth comb so that I can get a pulse check on trends.  I receive information on boutique items and specialty products regularly as they come out and have tested some prototypes before they have hit the retail market. I also stay current with the American Academy of Pediatrics, keeping my eyes and ears open for any new topics that can benefit my clients today and in the future.