Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorie Worden.
Hi Lorie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve spent many years working in banking, but I’ve always had a heart for small business and serving others in a more personal way. Over the years, I’ve owned a few small businesses, and in this season of life, I felt a strong pull to build something meaningful again.
About 15 months ago, I had the opportunity to purchase the Memphis location of Twinkle Toes from a close friend who originally started it in 2020. With more than 20 Twinkle Toes locations across the country, I feel incredibly grateful to now be part of something that’s making such a difference for families.
What we do goes far beyond childcare. I truly view this as a ministry. We’re honored to come alongside busy parents and provide loving, dependable care for their children. With over 70 active nannies and more than 500 families served in the greater Memphis area, we get to be an extension of the home—offering extra hands and feet to support, nurture, and love on these children.
As a single working mom myself, I deeply understand the “village” it takes to raise a family. My heart is to help alleviate some of the pressure and guilt parents can feel, and instead remind them that it’s okay to accept help. It’s a blessing to be part of that support system every single day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not every road is completely smooth, and I think that’s true for any business owner. There’s always a level of growth, learning, and adjusting along the way—and that’s been part of our journey as well.
One of the more unique challenges in this space is helping families feel comfortable asking for support. So many parents are used to doing everything themselves, and during our consultative calls, we really focus on reminding them they don’t have to carry it all alone. We’re here to be an extension of their home—to support, not replace—and to make life feel a little more manageable.
Watching families lean into that support and truly feel the difference it makes has been one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency, we connect families with experienced, reliable, and compassionate nannies who truly become an extension of the family. We serve over 500 families across the Mid-South and specialize in flexible, high-quality childcare—from part-time and full-time placements to backup care and date nights.
What makes us different is our no upfront cost model for families—there are no registration or placement fees. We focus on making quality childcare accessible while maintaining high standards. Every nanny in our network has a minimum of two years of childcare experience, is CPR certified, thoroughly background checked (including driving records), and comes with verified references.
We’re known for being responsive, trustworthy, and relationship-driven. Families have the convenience of requesting care through our system, while we handle the vetting, scheduling support, billing, and payroll—so they can focus on what matters most.
What truly sets us apart is the consistency and peace of mind we provide. Whether it’s a last-minute need or a long-term placement, families know they can count on us. Our backup care option is especially valued by busy parents who need dependable solutions when life happens.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the community and trust we’ve built. The majority of our new families come from referrals, which speaks volumes about the relationships we’ve created. We’ve also loved partnering with local organizations and businesses to stay connected and visible in the Memphis community.
At the heart of it all, we’re more than a service—we’re a support system for families navigating the demands of everyday life.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that relationships really are everything. So much of our growth has come organically through the families we serve—referrals from happy families have been one of our most valuable resources.
We’ve also been intentional about showing up in the community and building genuine connections. Partnering with organizations like Memphis Moms, hosting small events at local coffee shops, and participating in community events has allowed us to meet people in a real, personal way. It’s less about formal networking and more about creating meaningful relationships and being present where your audience already is.
My advice would be to focus on connection over transaction. When you lead with authenticity and a genuine desire to serve others, the right relationships—and even mentors—tend to come naturally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://twinkletoesnanny.com/memphis
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twinkletoesnannyagencymemphis/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/twinkletoesmemphis
