Photos by Chuck Kirman / Star staff Jordana Kleinau, right, a tutor with College Nannies & Tutors, works with 13-year-old student Maddie Routon on a math assignment.

Photos by Chuck Kirman / Star staff Jordana Kleinau, right, a tutor with College Nannies & Tutors, works with 13-year-old student Maddie Routon on a math assignment.

Kleinau explains a math problem to Maddie as part of College Nannies & Tutors tutoring service, which is geared to east county residents.

College Nannies & Tutors

Owner: Estella Chavous, managing director, Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks, and franchisor area developer for Greater Los Angeles North, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and Hawaii.

Product or service: We help to build stronger families by providing role model nannies for children from birth to high school, and customized tutoring for children in kindergarten through high school.

Location: 3262 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 120, Westlake Village, which will open in July.

Month and year franchise opened locally: January 2008.

Hours open: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Additional times by appointment.

Telephone: 497-8777.

E-mail: westlakeca@collegenannies.com or echavous@collegenannies.com.

Web site: http://www.collegenannies.com.

Employees: About 30.

Franchise fee: $35,000.

Questions to Estella Chavous: What prompted you to start your own business? I found that College Nannies & Tutors gave me the opportunity to utilize the skills I've developed in the corporate world and place them in an environment by which I can contribute to the building of stronger families through safe and effective educational mentoring.

What is your educational and career background? I have a bachelor's degree in science from Bishop College and a master's of business administration from Pepperdine University.

How much research did you do before starting your business? I did my due diligence researching many businesses and business models. I wanted not only a profitable business but one that provided me an opportunity to give back to the community in which I live. I believe that education and child care go hand in hand. Our community welcomes safe educational services that complement family activities.

When were you the most discouraged? Selecting the proper location was a challenge because we wanted to be centralized, where all Simi Valley, Moorpark, Oak Park people could come.

What company or individual do you admire? It has been said by many, in different ways, that countries, families and individuals will fail without education. I admire everyone that places education and families first, leaving behind their political interest.

What will make your business stand out from competitors? College Nannies & Tutors legally employ our nannies and tutors, screen and match our staff to meet individual family needs. While we believe in structured methods and proven approaches to teaching, the most important thing on our minds is how your unique student will reach their full potential.

Who is your target client/customer base? Professional and busy parents who want an active role model and one-on-one educational support for their children.

On the nanny side, we have many corporate partners who we can provide with back-up care that can greatly reduce the number of employee absences because of child care glitches or mild illness.

— Businesses less than one year old can be profiled in Who's New in Business. Businesses older than one year can be profiled in Company Spotlight. Those owning franchises in the region can be profiled in Franchise Focus. Only businesses that have never been profiled in The Star may participate. For more details or the questionnaire, call 437-0239.