In 2012, while living on the West Coast and frequently traveling with her toddlers, SkySquad founder and CEO Julie Melnick often found herself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of gear she had to manage. She wished for just one thing: an extra set of hands.
This challenge sparked her passion for improving the travel experience, leading to the initial idea, “Nanny in the Clouds.”
Today, that vision has evolved into SkySquad: a service that delivers essential support right at the airport. By offering an on-demand extra set of hands, SkySquad enables travelers of all ages to enjoy their journeys without going it alone.
In this founder spotlight, Julie shares the hurdles she’s faced, the importance of self-care, memorable customer stories, and the insights she’s gained along the way.
What unique challenges do you face as an entrepreneur and mother, and how do you overcome those challenges?
As a mother, my instinct is always to put everyone else’s needs first.
During SkySquad’s early days, when my children were younger, hiring an au pair was essential. Her help with daily tasks like meal preparation and childcare allowed me to meet the relentless demands of a startup. Now that my kids are older and the business is more established, I’ve found a better rhythm.
After experiencing burnout, I learned that self-care is non-negotiable. I now prioritize regular exercise, weekly get-togethers with friends, and quality time with my husband and children—including family dinners—to maintain my balance.
Though I still travel for work occasionally, I make it a point to reconnect with my family by cooking when I return. Preparing their favorite meals or treats is my therapeutic way of showing love.
You’ve helped thousands of travelers. What are a few customer stories that still stick with you and remind you why you built SkySquad?
There are so many stories I remember!
One grandmother was flying overseas to London to visit family and friends. Her daughter told us she wouldn’t have made the trip without our help. I personally assisted her, and she was thrilled about her journey, which was her last trip to Europe.
A man in his forties, terrified because he had never flown before, needed to get to a treatment center for his health. Our assistance gave him the confidence to make the journey.
I remember countless families with young children, especially moms flying solo, who simply couldn’t manage without our help. There just aren’t enough hands for all the gear that comes with kids: car seats, strollers, diaper bags, toys, and more.
Our work is incredibly rewarding, and I am so grateful that I get to do it.
➔ Follow Julie on LinkedIn, where she shares heartfelt video testimonials showing how SkySquad makes travel significantly easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
What are you most proud of as a mother and founder?
One thing I’m especially proud of is how my kids have grown up watching me build SkySquad. They’ve learned perseverance and how to push through when things don’t go their way. Most importantly, they celebrate with me as new partnerships come together.
They’ve also seen us in action at the airport and have met our team many times. I hope that one day they find something that brings them as much joy as SkySquad brings me.
What advice would you share with aspiring entrepreneurs to guide them on their journey?
Listen to your inner voice. If you have an idea you can’t stop thinking about, go for it! It won’t be easy, but the journey will teach you so much about yourself.
Trust your gut and start taking action; you’ll learn as you go. You don’t have to know everything about your industry. You just have to believe in your idea. Test it with a small group, gather feedback, and keep iterating. You’ve got this!
