The Story Behind SOL

A Personal Story Turned into a Passion Project

Hi, I’m Manon, founder of Sol Au Pairs, former au pair, and someone who knows firsthand how
life-changing this experience can be.

Originally from The Netherlands, in 2015, I arrived in Australia as a young Au Pair after travelling through New Zealand. I was a little broke (as you do when you're early 20s), unsure of what came next. Through an agency, I was matched with the most incredible host family & what was meant to be a short-term placement turned into something much bigger.

Two Polaroid-style photographs showing an Au Pair with two young children, smiling and playing outside.

I stayed with the family for a full 12 months, but our connection didn’t end there. Over the next four years, I lived with them, visited often, and their home remained my base, a place that always felt like family, eventually becoming the big sister of the household. I’ve recently moved back around the corner, and those once-little boys I cared for are now heading into their teenage years. We still see each other weekly, they’re my Australian family in every sense.

I never expected to stay in Australia long-term, but falling in love with the people, the culture, and the way of life here made it inevitable. Now, nearly 11 years later, after building a career in film, working with teams, budgets, and deadlines, I felt the pull to return to something more personal. One morning, it just clicked: I wanted to give other young people and families the same kind of experience I was so lucky to have.

And so, Sol Au Pairs was born.

Sol is here to make the Au Pair experience more human, more accessible & more joyful, for both families and Au Pairs. We believe that with the right match, an Au Pair becomes more than just help around the house; they become part of the family.

I’m not building this alone. Behind the scenes, my partner Jodie is also part of Sol Au Pairs. We've been together for years, and she brings her own warmth, creativity, and experience to the table. Jodie has always had a strong bond with children, has run her own businesses, and worked in the film industry too, so she understands both the logistics and the heart behind what we do. Together, with a small team, we make a strong, passionate unit, committed to making every placement thoughtful and meaningful.

This business isn’t about volume or flash, it’s about genuine care, great communication, and helping people find a match that truly fits.

Whether you're a family in need of a little support, or a young person looking for an unforgettable adventure, I’m so glad you’re here.

Let’s make it something special.

— Manon
Founder, Sol Au Pairs

Collage of four outdoor photos featuring Au Pair and host kids, enjoying sunny weather and nature.
Child with their Au Pair and another child outdoors on a sunny day, and a woman with two children riding in a miniature electric car in a wooded area.
Collage of five photos showing an Au Pair with different children, smiling and playing together in various settings including outdoors and indoors.
Two Polaroid-style photos taped to a surface. The first photo shows an Au Pair and a young child smiling and hugging. The second photo shows an Nanny with two children smiling, with one child wearing a T-shirt featuring a bear illustration.