“What I value most is the freedom. Not just the practical kind but the freedom to lead with intention.”
Lisa Taylor of Cherished Cherubs came into her business almost by chance — though in hindsight, she says, it felt more like fate. At the time, Lisa had reached a glass ceiling in the corporate world. She was ticking all the boxes, but something didn’t sit right. The values Lisa held close—fairness, integrity, compassion—no longer aligned with what was being asked of her.
Lisa has always had a strong sense of justice. Even as a child, she was the one speaking up for those who couldn’t—especially children and animals. So when this business opportunity came along, it just made sense. Lisa could take everything she’d learned from years in leadership and corporate strategy and pour it into something that truly mattered.
Cherished Cherubs has been Perth’s most trusted babysitting and childcare service since 2002.
Lisa provides safe, reliable, and flexible care for families, businesses, and events, ensuring every child receives the highest standard of attention and support.
Lisa is the driving force behind Cherished Cherubs. With over 20 years of industry expertise and a reputation for operational excellence, Lisa has transformed a legacy business into a scalable, modern service model.
Lisa shares about her business “What I value most is the freedom. Not just the practical kind—like managing my own time or working from wherever I need to—but the freedom to lead with intention. I get to shape a culture where every person, whether it’s a child in our care, a client, or a team member, feels seen and respected. There’s a real creative joy in building something that reflects your values. I love that I can make decisions quickly, think strategically, and trust my instincts. It’s not always easy—but it’s deeply fulfilling.”
Being part of the HerBusiness Network gives Lisa the space to step back and think strategically. It helps her see the bigger picture. Whether tackling an operational bottleneck or planning for growth, the environment the Network creates allows her to be proactive, not just reactive. And that’s a game-changer.
Lisa says “There’s also something incredibly powerful about being surrounded by like-minded women who understand the highs and lows of business. The peer support is genuine. You’re not alone in the challenges, and you’re not alone in the wins either. It’s a space where I feel supported, stretched, and inspired—all at once.”
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
Richard Branson has always stood out to me. He leads with heart, isn’t afraid to make mistakes, and shows up as his authentic self—qualities I deeply admire and strive to embody in my own leadership. He strikes me as the kind of leader who would sit with the boardroom and the shop floor team and be exactly the same person in both settings—genuine, present, and respectful. Someone who’s generous with his wisdom and deeply invested in helping others grow, succeed, and lead in their own way.
Why did you start your business and what gave you the idea?
I came into Cherished Cherubs almost by chance—though in hindsight, it felt more like fate. At the time, I’d reached a glass ceiling in the corporate world. I was ticking all the boxes, but something didn’t sit right. The values I held close—fairness, integrity, compassion—no longer aligned with what was being asked of me.
I’ve always had a strong sense of justice. Even as a child, I was the one speaking up for those who couldn’t—especially children and animals. So when this business landed in front of me, it just made sense. I could take everything I’d learned from years in leadership and corporate strategy and pour it into something that truly mattered.
From day one, I set out to build more than just a business. I wanted a culture where respect was non-negotiable, where professionalism met empathy, and where diversity was seen as a strength, not a slogan. It’s been a challenging journey—but also the most rewarding. I get to lead with purpose, solve problems creatively, and build something that reflects who I am and what I stand for.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
What I value most is the freedom. Not just the practical kind—like managing my own time or working from wherever I need to—but the freedom to lead with intention. I get to shape a culture where every person, whether it’s a child in our care, a client, or a team member, feels seen and respected.
There’s a real creative joy in building something that reflects your values. I love that I can make decisions quickly, think strategically, and trust my instincts. It’s not always easy—but it’s deeply fulfilling.
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- Stop trying to please everyone. It’s not only impossible, it’s also counterproductive. If someone’s not the right fit, they’re simply not your client.
- Understand your own rhythm. I’m at my best in the morning, so that’s when I handle the big decisions. I’ve learned not to force clarity late in the day—it rarely ends well.
- Boundaries. Set them early and stick to them. Whether with clients or your team, it’s much harder to pull things back once you’ve overextended. Respect starts with how you hold space for yourself.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
Find someone you admire and ask them questions. Don’t be afraid to learn from people who’ve done it before you—those conversations are often worth more than any course or seminar.
And join a community like HerBusiness from the start. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to do everything yourself—but that’s the fast track to burnout. You can’t be the expert in every area of your business. The smartest thing you can do is surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and genuinely want to see you succeed.
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
One of the first things you need to get clear on is your offer—what exactly are you selling, and what problem does it solve? It sounds simple, but so many businesses skip this step and end up with a vague message that doesn’t connect.
Equally important is knowing who your ideal client is. Not just age or location, but what they care about, what keeps them up at night, and how you can help. Once you know that, your messaging becomes sharper and far more effective.
Your value proposition—your “why”—is also critical. What sets you apart? Why should someone choose you over anyone else? Being able to answer that with confidence is powerful.
And finally, understand pricing. It’s not just about covering your costs; it’s about knowing your worth and positioning your business strategically in the market. Pricing is both a financial decision and a brand statement, so it deserves serious thought.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
In my ideal vision, I’ve fully stepped out of the day-to-day operations and into a strategic leadership role—where my focus is on growth, vision, and long-term direction.
It’s a business that runs with confidence and clarity, even when I’m not in the room. That kind of freedom doesn’t come from letting go—it comes from building the right systems, empowering the right people, and leading with purpose. It allows me to truly function as a CEO, steering the business rather than being pulled into every detail.
That’s the goal: sustained growth, greater impact, and the freedom to lead with intention.
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
Running a business can often feel like you’re stuck in the day-to-day—solving problems as they come and barely lifting your head to look beyond the immediate. Being part of the HerBusiness Network gives me the space to step back and think strategically.
It helps me see the bigger picture. Whether I’m tackling an operational bottleneck or planning for growth, the environment this network creates allows me to be proactive, not just reactive. And that’s a game-changer.
There’s also something incredibly powerful about being surrounded by like-minded women who understand the highs and lows of business. The peer support is genuine. You’re not alone in the challenges, and you’re not alone in the wins either. It’s a space where I feel supported, stretched, and inspired—all at once.
Lisa Taylor – Cherished Cherubs
