Meet Madeleine Grimm of Norwood, Cincinnati

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeleine Grimm.

Hi Madeleine, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our journey started with a big dream—to move to the United States and build something of our own through an E-2 investor visa. Just as everything was falling into place, life surprised us in the best way: I became pregnant. We decided to pause our plans for a year to fully embrace that special time in Germany and enjoy the support that comes with starting a family there.
When we finally made the move to Cincinnati, things didn’t go quite as planned. The home we had intended to move into—and where our daycare was supposed to begin—was not ready and, to this day, still isn’t. What felt like a setback at the time turned into an unexpected opportunity.

Through a connection with our Airbnb host, we found a home in Norwood, and that’s where Kindernest Cincinnati was born.

With over ten years of experience in early childhood education in Germany, including a leadership role as an assistant director, I always knew I wanted to create a place where children feel safe, seen, and supported. A unique part of my background is working with our trained daycare dog, Holly, who helps create a calm and nurturing environment for the children.

What started as a leap of faith is now growing into something truly special. We are currently in the process of becoming licensed and are already receiving a lot of interest from families. Our goal is to continue growing—from a small in-home daycare to a larger program, and eventually, possibly even a center.

Cincinnati, and Ohio in general, felt like the right place for us because of a personal connection. My husband once participated in a student exchange program here, and the relationships he built back then are still part of our lives today. Having that sense of community made starting over in a new country feel a little less overwhelming.

Looking back, this journey has been anything but straightforward—but that’s exactly what makes it so meaningful. Every challenge helped shape what Kindernest Cincinnati is becoming today.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Starting a business in a new country always comes with challenges, and we experienced quite a few unexpected turns along the way.
One of the biggest challenges was that the home we had originally planned for our daycare wasn’t ready in time—and still isn’t. Since so much of our plan depended on that space, we had to quickly rethink everything and adjust on the go. That uncertainty in the beginning was definitely stressful.
On top of that, navigating a completely new system—from licensing requirements to understanding regulations and building a business from scratch in a different country—was a learning curve. Even with my background in early childhood education, many processes here work very differently than in Germany.
Another challenge was building trust within a new community. When you’re new to an area and starting a business, it takes time for families to get to know you and feel confident placing their children in your care.
At the same time, balancing all of this with family life and a young child of our own added another layer of responsibility.
But every challenge also pushed us to grow, adapt, and become more flexible. Looking back, those moments helped shape not only our business but also us as a family. And in many ways, the unexpected changes led us exactly where we are supposed to be today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At Kindernest Cincinnati, I provide a warm, nurturing in-home daycare environment for young children, with a strong focus on early childhood development, emotional well-being, and creating a true sense of belonging.
With over ten years of experience in early childhood education in Germany, including time in a leadership role, I bring a unique blend of structure and play-based learning into my work. I believe that children thrive in an environment where they feel safe, seen, and supported—while also having the freedom to explore, create, and learn through everyday experiences.
One of the things that truly sets my daycare apart is the personal, home-like atmosphere combined with a thoughtful and intentional approach to learning. I also incorporate elements from my German background, such as an emphasis on independence, routines, and outdoor time.
A very special part of what I do is working with our trained daycare dog, Holly. She plays a gentle and supportive role in the children’s daily lives, helping create a calm environment and teaching empathy, respect, and confidence in a very natural way.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve already built with families in such a short amount of time. Seeing children feel comfortable, happy, and excited to come here every day means everything to me. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I can provide a place where both children and parents feel supported.
At the end of the day, I’m not just running a daycare—I’m building a small community where families feel at home.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating a safe, loving, and stable environment where children feel truly seen and valued. In the early years, children build the foundation for their confidence, emotional well-being, and how they experience the world—and being part of that is something I take very seriously.
I also deeply value trust and connection with families. As a parent myself, I understand how important it is to know your child is not only safe, but genuinely cared for. Building that level of trust and creating strong relationships with families means everything to me.
Another important value for me is creating a sense of belonging—not just for the children, but for the whole family. I want Kindernest Cincinnati to feel like a second home, where everyone feels welcome, supported, and understood.
Ultimately, what drives me is the idea that even the smallest moments—comforting a child, encouraging independence, or simply being present—can have a lasting impact. That’s why this work means so much to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kindernestcincinnati.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindernestcincinnati/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565708864680