In this episode, host Kris Murray welcomes Brenda and Geordie McClay, the dynamic husband-wife team behind Bright Ideas Child Care and Learning Center. Brenda and Geordie share their remarkable journey, from Brenda's initial desire to be an elementary school teacher to opening their first childcare center in 2009 and expanding to a second location in 2020. The McClays discuss the challenges they’ve faced, particularly with hiring quality staff during the pandemic, and the strategies they’ve employed to overcome these hurdles. This includes partnering with local high schools to develop an apprenticeship program, leveraging social media to showcase their positive culture, and implementing a robust referral bonus system. Geordie also shares his insights on the value of the Academy’s men's group, which has provided him with a supportive network of like-minded individuals as he transitions into a more active role in the business. Additionally, Brenda and Geordie emphasize the importance of building a strong, family-oriented culture and the power of community partnerships in enhancing their program.

Key Takeaways:

[8:40] Brenda and Geordie’s path from home daycare to multi-center childcare program.

[10:00] Geordie shares his background in the Coast Guard and his transition to supporting Brenda in the childcare business.

[12:36] Family fact: the McClays have six children!

[16:41] Brenda discusses the difficulties in hiring quality staff and the impact of COVID-19 on the hiring process, along with different recruitment strategies.

[19:00] Brenda mentions their partnership with local high schools to recruit Co-op students and provide apprentice programs.

[20:51] Their intentional use of social media to showcase the fun and positive aspects of their program.

[24:58] Their referral reward program.

[26:39] Showcasing the family aspect of it.

[28:30] The Academy’s men’s group and the support it provides for men in the childcare industry.

[31:26] Gaining confidence and focus from joining the Academy.

[37:30] Working together as a husband and wife duo.

[40:13] The partnership with the local public preschool and the benefits it brings to their teachers and students.

[43:13] Support can show up in a variety of ways.

[45:53] What does it mean to be an “energy bus school”?

Quotes:

• “I thought that having a center was the big dream, and I had achieved it. So, I guess when I joined the Academy, I realized that I could dream bigger than that.” — Brenda [8:52]

• “We have worked hard to pour into our staff and show them that we care about them and their contribution. Without them, we couldn’t do it.” — Brenda [17:17]

• “I found that the more we showcase the fun things that we’re doing, the more successful we are in finding a good match for us.” — Brenda [17:50]

• “I think it’s important for us to get our high school students and young adults excited about the field, yes, because it’s an amazing field.” — Brenda [20:23]

• “I think as a community, we need to be together, whether we’re in the same town or the same state, we should all be here for the children.” — Brenda [31:08]

• “The only way to scale the business and be able to impact more people and more children is to figure out where you’re the bottleneck and start replacing yourself in the areas that are not your unique brilliance.” — Kris [35:40]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Bright Ideas Childcare 

The Energy Bus 

This week, Kris welcomes Constance Sholar Cherry, the powerhouse owner of Creative Home Academy, to share her remarkable journey from home daycare to running multiple thriving centers. Constance discusses her growth through challenges, especially navigating the launch of her center during the pandemic, and emphasizes the “don’t just survive, thrive” mindset. Constance also highlights the value of creating a positive culture, personal development for staff, and the rewards of seeing children go from surviving to thriving.

Key Takeaways:

[9:15] Constance joins the show and shares the capacity and recent expansion of Creative Home Academy.

[10:48] Launching her commercial center during the challenges of April 2020.

[12:09] Why Constance stays passionate about early childhood education.

[14:14] Fun fact: Constance used to show and breed big, beautiful Cane Corso dogs!

[16:41] What sets Creative Home Academy apart, including its screen-free environment and commitment to high-quality nutrition.

[18:53] Constance discusses the importance of showing up as a leader and gaining her team’s trust.

[20:53] Onboarding new team members with a thriving mindset and fun team culture.

[24:02] Teacher appreciation week is a whole vibe… massages with training as well? Yes, please!

[26:56] Constance’s mindset during the pandemic and how she overcame obstacles.

[32:52] The value of failing your way to success.

[35:26] Constance shares how her grandmother and mother inspired her journey.

[36:18] The story of how Constance joined the Academy and how it changed her life for the better.

[39:26] Exciting plans for 2025, including new pre-K programs.

Quotes:

• “I love to see children go from surviving to thriving.” — Constance [12:09]

• “If I want people to perform in their best version, I have to show up first in my best version.” — Constance [19:10]

• “I had to come as the expert, meaning, I know what kids need. I know what my staff needs.” — Constance [19:50]

• “ECE is not just something that I just do. It’s who I am, and trust me, because I’m going to lead us in the right direction.” — Constance [20:07]

• “I want team members to understand we want to work in a thriving school. … Come on this side. It’s good over here!” — Constance [21:02]

• “Some of my darkest moments, the one thing that kept me going was knowing that I deserve to have everything that I want in life, and just being grateful for what I did have.” — Constance [32:18]

• “You literally have to fail your way to success. ... You have to move through the hard times because it’s always greater on the other side.” — Constance [32:52]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Creative Home Academy

Constance LinkedIn

It’s all about the story this week as Kris welcomes Jon Sieber, Co-Founder of Story Time Learning, and Story Time Chess, an innovative early learning and education-based product for kids and adults of all ages. Jon shares how he went from theater to chess to Story Time, the power of storytelling to help children learn complicated concepts such as chess or coding, and the importance of storytelling in creating meaningful connections and learning experiences. He and Kris also talk about the importance of consistency in personal and professional goals, and the future exciting plans for Story Time Learning.

Key Takeaways:

[4:10] Congrats to Sister Mercedes for being named the new Rock Star!

[8:33] Jon joins the show from Brooklyn, New York.

[9:30] How a chess tutoring company evolved into Story Time Learning.

[13:26] Jon is a direct descendant of which royal figure from history?

[20:01] How can you use the power of storytelling?

[25:42] Jon highlights the success of their program in Singapore and the interest from parents and educators.

[28:16] Shaping 450‒500 preschools.

[30:27] Kris shares a great story on how she and Jon met.

[35:24] The key lessons Jon has learned as an entrepreneur.

[37:02] The importance of positivity, consistency, and showing up every day.

[41:47] What’s next for Story Time?

Quotes:

• “Children are capable of learning big, complex things like chess or coding if you throw out the rule book and you tell them fun, engaging, silly stories and let them discover the rules, rather than use rote memorization or rules that they have to stick to.” — Jon [10:26]

• “The same way that I train my teachers or tutors in New York City, we can train teachers, educators, librarians, anywhere in the world, to deliver our fun, engaging curriculum.” — Jon [12:10]

• “The power of story is one of the most powerful things you can do as a business owner, as a marketer, as anybody who’s trying to make a difference.” — Jon [19:27]

• “Storytelling is what we think is the best vehicle to deliver something.” — Jon [20:48]

• “We feel very strongly about the powerful tool and the vehicle that is storytelling.” — Jon [21:32]

• “You have to be positive and optimistic and believe in what you do. And if you approach things with eternal optimism and the ability to show up day after day, you will expose yourself to enough surface area that you will start getting ‘lucky.’” — Jon [37:21]

• “Consistency over time equals success.” — Jon [37:53]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

StoryTime Learning

Jon Sieber LinkedIn

What would you love in your life? This week, Kris goes solo to explore the power of possibility and heeding the universe’s call—wet pants and all. She recaps highlights from the Child Care Success Summit and reflects on her own journey from CEO to strategic founder. This shift, she shares, has opened doors to new passions and personal growth. Through her transformation, Kris inspires listeners to step outside their comfort zones and fully embrace life’s possibilities. At the end of the episode, she talks about her new coaching, combining conscious leadership with business badassery.

Key Takeaways:

[7:13] Kris shares some insider baseball on the Child Care Success Summit, the most energetic and transformative event yet.

[10:44] Learning to trust the process.

[12:35] Hiring a new event management team, a beautiful fit with Anna and her husband.

[17:15] Where are things not a fit right now, and you have not had the time or the courage to step up and make the change?

[19:05] The power of possibility and answering the call, even through fear and imposter syndrome.

[25:56] Kris talks about becoming the next version of herself, which is being the Founder but not having to do with the day-to-day operations or schedule of the Summit.

[30:14] Moving towards your highest calling.

[31:45] Ben Nemtin’s beautiful story and encouragement, using a Bucket List journal.

[36:40] The universe will show you that “how” after you take the leap first.

[39:27] Kris shares a few of her own bucket list items, including an amazing love relationship.

[40:15] Kris listened to the universe, joined Bumble, and met Chris!

[43:29] What would you love to do?

[45:30] Kris’s new coaching group for awakened and enlightened leaders.

Quotes:

• “When you start really focusing on what you love and what you would love to have in your life, your life transforms into something new and fresh and different. It’s almost like a rebirth of sorts. It’s a new version of you that’s showing up.” — Kris [3:40]

• “Trust the process.” — Kris [10:44]

• “If I had not believed in the power of possibility that I actually could do that, even though I was scared beyond belief and had imposter syndrome beyond belief because I’d never owned a daycare, I decided to dive in anyway with wet pants.” — Kris [21:04]

• “I created a multi-million dollar business out of a $15,000 investment of seed capital. And that was it.” — Kris [21:44]

• “I’m a much lighter, neutral, glowing, loving, present version.” — Kris [27:14]

• “The real you is the essence of the Divine. It’s you as the big you. It’s you as the ocean, not the drop.” — Kris [28:38]

• “What are you waiting for? This is the youngest that you will ever be. … So this is again a wake-up call to listen to your wake-up call.” — Kris [34:55]

• “We’re not getting any younger, and this is not a dress rehearsal, so focus on what you would love.” — Kris [44:37]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Eckhart Tolle

Ben Nemtin

Kris welcomes the awesome Kim Lannin, member of the Child Care Success Academy and owner of Inch by Inch Childcare, Inc. for the past 18 years. Kim shares her inspiring journey of building a successful child care business, overcoming early challenges through the support of the Academy, and developing a unique “Inch Way” philosophy centered on exceptional customer service and a collaborative, hands-on leadership approach.

Key Takeaways:

[2:47] Kim provides an overview of her business, Inch by Inch Childcare, Inc., which she has owned for 18 years. The school has a current license capacity of 102 and is 90% full, with a revenue of over $2 million for the year.

[6:25] Kim loves a good Peloton session, with over 2,600 rides completed.

[7:30] Fun fact, Kim is Canadian!

[8:41] Kim recounts the early challenges she faced, including having no vision and lacking business skills. She credits the Child Care Success Academy for providing the tools she needed to succeed.

[14:00] Kim suggests that the lack of leadership in childcare may be due to a lack of leadership skills and a reliance on conventional, top-down management styles rather than a more collaborative, hands-on approach.

[14:42] Kim advocates for a more unconventional, collaborative leadership style where the leader is “hands-on” and focused on supporting the team, rather than just giving orders.

[17:30] How Kim’s mindset has changed over the years and what she attributes that to the most.

[20:07] Forming a Massachusetts cohort during the pandemic and how that helped everyone get through a difficult time.

[23:58] Dealing with staffing challenges by constantly hiring and bringing in candidates.

[28:01] What sets Inch By Inch apart from competition in the community?

[30:27] How “The Inch Way” helps retain employees and family.

[31:29] Future goals, including rebranding and expansion.

Quotes:

• “What is now your ceiling will become your floor.” — Kim [6:59]

• “Within the first five years, I was on the brink of complete and utter failure. And this is a true story. This is not a paid infomercial, but what saved me was finding the Academy, because I had no plan. I had no idea what I was doing, and it gave me the tools that I needed to get on the right path.” — Kim [9:32]

• “The two main pillars I think of what you should be doing with your business are articulating your vision or core values and deciding what they are. They have to be inherent to you, that you believe in, and that’s what we have now.” — Kim [11:56]

• “Putting together that team who’s working with you and you’re all working together is really, really important.” — Kim [12:50]

• “To be successful, at least for us, we’ve had to be unconventional. We are unconventional, and it’s hard to be that way sometimes.” — Kim [14:07]

• “I have much more confidence in our brand than I did even five years ago, but we’ve really managed to articulate and put into place something that parents appreciate. Kids are thriving, so I have much more confidence.” — Kim [17:46]

• “ABC. Always Be Hiring.” — Kim [23:06]

• “If someone wants to be a part of your team, then hire them. If they want to be with you, then why would you say no? Likewise, if somebody wants to come to your school and then find a way to get them in.” — Kim [26:33]

• “The way we decided to set ourselves apart was through customer service, and that is what the ‘Inch Way’ is. It’s being helpful, being kind, and not hesitating to go the extra mile for people. That will set you apart. People will appreciate that, and it will benefit your business in ways that you never anticipated.” — Kim [29:22]

• “People often confuse kindness for weakness, but they are different things. Meet people where they are — some people need help and support. Be that for them, and it will pay off. That’s really the foundation of the ‘Inch Way’ — it’s how we treat our families and staff, and it governs how we go about our day.” — Kim [29:41]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Inch By Inch

This episode features Ashley Varouhas, a young powerhouse, dynamic child care leader, owner, and coach at the Child Care Success Academy. Ashley shares her journey from teacher to owner and administrator, and how she integrates her passion for early childhood education into her two successful centers. They discuss the importance of strong leadership, staff retention, and cultivating a unique school environment that meets the needs of both children and teachers. Ashley also shares some great strategies for business growth, managing multiple centers, and how fostering relationships is key to long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

[2:28] Congrats to former guest Beth Davis and her Kindness Initiative! If you want to learn more about Beth, check out her past episode here.

[12:46] Ashley’s early career in early childhood education started at KinderCare, sparking her passion for leadership and innovation in the industry.

[15:15] After several false starts, Ashley opened her first center in Minnesota in 2022 and is about to open her second location.

[17:29] The importance of serving her teachers and maintaining strong leadership to retain staff — only two teachers have left in two years.

[20:49] Ashley emphasizes that ensuring a supportive, well-staffed environment reduces stress and turnover, leading to high teacher satisfaction and 100% tour conversion.

[27:26] Gardening plays a big role in her program, offering children hands-on learning experiences. Next year, Ashley plans to expand the gardening curriculum.

[37:45] Ashley highlights the importance of being present at her centers, whether through daily visits or other ways, to maintain a sense of stability and connection with staff.

[40:45] Ashley is currently opening a second center focused on infant care, to address a growing need for more infant and toddler spots in her community.

[46:39] She maps out child transitions up to nine months in advance, ensuring smooth transitions and full capacity throughout the year.

[51:07] Ashley defines a Childcare Rockstar as someone who puts their all into it every day, and that can look different for everyone!

Quotes:

• “I still get into the classroom because that part of me that loves working with kids will never die.” — Ashley Varuhas [14:16]

• “I really feel in my life, like, when things are right and meant to be, it just all clicks, and it all flows really fast.” — Ashley [16:27] 

• “I’m proud to say, in almost two years of being open now, we’ve only had two teachers turnover in almost two years.” — Ashley [17:26]

• “When people have it, you can’t train the it factor in somebody. I believe you can train skills, but she just has everything else.” — Ashley [20:18]

• “It’s about supporting the teachers, creating a great place for them, and that energy trickles down to the kids.” — Ashley [21:40]

• “I feel like my program is a menagerie of my experiences, and then my passion all kind of in one melting pot.” — Ashley [23:06]

• “We have to deepen our roots before we grow our branches.” — Ashley [36:36]

• “I think you can define a Childcare Rockstar as someone that puts their all into it every day.” — Ashley [50:51]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Nest Learning Academy

Ashley Varouhas

Kris welcomes Silvia Sarhadian, an Empire member of the Childcare Success Academy and owner of two franchise locations of The Learning Experience. Silvia shares her journey from a career in chemistry and banking to early childhood education, where she discovered her true passion. She highlights the importance of resilient leadership, communication, and fostering a collaborative environment in her centers. Silvia also talks about her personal growth, some great tips for empowering your staff, and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families.

Key Takeaways:

[5:56] Silvia discusses her transition from a career in banking and chemistry to owning early childhood education centers and finding her passion.

[10:21] Silvia’s journey started in 2016 with the support of her husband, helping her gain the confidence to start her first center.

[13:19] The importance of having clear goals for business success and expansion. Silvia’s vision includes opening three to four more schools and reaching a business valuation of $10 million.

[14:12] Fun fact! Silvia is a ballroom dancer!

[15:11] Silvia’s schools and community involvement, including the Make-A-Wish partnership.

[17:29] She reflects on how her communication style and leadership have evolved over the years, emphasizing the need for clear communication with her team and the importance of involving teachers in decision-making.

[27:46] Silvia shares her strategies for developing a growth mindset and the role resilience plays in fostering confidence and effective leadership.

[30:00] She talks about her focus on professional development, offering workshops, retreats, and resources for teachers to improve classroom management and early intervention techniques.

[35:22] Silvia’s vision for the future includes integrating early intervention programs and differentiated instruction into her centers to meet the unique needs of every child.

[39:51] Silvia reflects on the importance of never leading from fear and prioritizing hiring staff aligned with the company’s vision.

Quotes:

• “It’s not just all about money. It’s all about putting our experience into action, helping families, and helping our communities. That’s our mission.” [12:03]

• “Our mission is to make a positive impact on the lives of the families and communities we serve. That’s what we live every single day.” — Silvia Sarhadian [16:40]

• “It’s not like we have to, we get to do this, and we do it with love.” — Silvia Sarhadian [20:00]

• “You are the CEO of your own classroom. What are the needs and challenges of your classroom, and how can you make it a better place?” — Silvia Sarhadian [30:19]

• “Never lead from fear.” — Silvia Sarhadian [39:51]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Silvia on LinkedIn

The Learning Experience

Make A Wish Foundation

New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)

The Happiness Guide for Early Childhood Educators

Kris welcomes the dynamic mother-daughter duo of Patricia and Megan Williams. As members of the Child Care Success Academy's Empire track, Patricia and Megan share their inspiring journey of joyful entrepreneurship and the profound impact they are making — not just in the United States, but globally. Patricia and Megan talk about the challenges they overcame to grow their successful child care business, American Care Academy, including strategies for boosting enrollment, improving cash flow, and cultivating a positive, community-driven culture. They also shine a light on Patricia's doctoral work and the launch of her nonprofit, She Empowerment Global, which is empowering women entrepreneurs in Ghana.

Key Takeaways:

[4:39] Kris heads back to Cleveland, excited to visit family and friends, including a fellow yogi and Child Care Success Academy member!

[10:06] More about American Care Academy and Patricia’s journey into child care after being laid off from a corporate job.

[11:22] Megan’s involvement from a young age.

[15:12] Challenges the business faced with enrollment and cash flow, and how they implemented systems and processes to turn it around, including phone skills training, a new website, and CRM systems.

[19:35] Implementing the discipline and accountability that you’re expecting from your team, while also maintaining a culture of joy and fun.

[26:31] The high school component of their second location.

[30:01] Patricia’s pursuit of a PhD and the launch of her nonprofit, She Empowerment Global, to empower women entrepreneurs in Ghana.

[34:01] Strategies for balancing their work and personal relationship as a mother-daughter team, including setting boundaries and finding joy outside of the business.

[41:44] Bringing the historical component into their story.

[43:05] What’s next for Patricia and Megan?

[46:02] Precious Jewels Mentorship Program.

Quotes:

• “There is a transaction taking place, but it’s not a transactional relationship. The whole purpose is for us to empower children through our learning programs, and that starts with us all being on board and having our own light to give out.” — Megan [26:31]

• “We mean it does take a village. We are there to be that village, quite literally.” — Patricia [28:45]

• “A ChildCare Rockstar is someone dedicated to enhancing the quality of early childhood education with all of their might and joy.” — Megan [47:30]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

American Care Academy

American Care Academy on FB

Kris welcomes Tasha Santistevan, the Executive Director at Child Time Inc. and a coach for the Child Care Success Academy. Tasha shares her journey from a high school summer job in childcare to her current leadership roles. She discusses her passion for empowering directors and leaders in the childcare industry, offering insights on conflict resolution, collaborative leadership, and the importance of work-life balance. Tasha provides a unique perspective both as an active executive director and coach on the challenges and rewards of leadership in early childhood education, emphasizing the value of continuous learning, servant leadership, and creating a positive workplace culture.

Key Takeaways:

[5:57] Tasha introduces herself and her background in early childhood education.

[10:29] The transition from being a manager to becoming a leader and director, and what she loves about the role.

[12:28] The distinction between manager and leader.

[13:58] Tasha’s personal life and balancing multiple roles.

[14:25] More about Tasha’s very busy family life!

[18:07] Strategies for staying organized and maintaining work-life balance.

[21:51] The importance of not taking on others’ problems as your own.

[23:37] Approaches to resolving conflicts between team members.

[25:59] Conflict can just be a better opportunity for us to be better and learn from one another.

[29:56] The evolution of leadership styles and the importance of empathy.

[30:42] Tapping into confident empathy.

[31:45] The need for servant leadership in the current workforce.

[32:20] Tasha’s definition of a childcare rockstar.

[34:13] The importance of bringing fun back into childcare after the pandemic.

[35:00] Tasha’s goals and aspirations for the future.

[38:11] Life is short — buy the Cadillac!

[42:01] The value of continuous learning and personal development in leadership.

Quotes:

• “Once you find that sweet spot of being a leader, that job becomes exponentially more rewarding and less challenging.” — Tasha [11:04]

• “Conflict is really if we stop looking at it as like this bad thing, that it’s an argument, but looking at it we just have different desires and drives and this.” — Tasha [24:37]

• “I believe we just don’t fully understand in the industry, the stress that directors feel and what they go through. So I love being a coach because I love to provide that safe space where they can come to us.” — Tasha [27:54]

• “That tribe aspect is everything in this business, and it's not something that is easy to find.” — Tasha [28:15]

• “I can be a great support to somebody, but I cannot let their problems be my problems.” — Tasha [29:45]

• “It’s perfect that we’re evolving within the leadership industry into this mode because this is what’s going to save this industry.” — Tasha [32:17]

• “As a rock star, you are somebody that empowers your team to reach their full potential.” — Tasha [32:53]

• “We have to have fun because fun is what’s going to get us through the hard times.” — Tasha [32:58]

• “This is childcare guys! If it’s not fun, what are we doing?” — Kris [35:08]

• “Just commit to learning how to be a good leader. Because if you do that, everything else falls into place.” — Tasha [39:10]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Child Time Inc.

Jon Gordon

Maxwell Leadership

Hal Elrod

Seth Godin

Kris welcomes the awesome Ashley Blackmon, owner and founder of A Perfect Start Learning Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Ashley shares her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to running a thriving, nationally accredited childcare center with plans for expansion. She discusses how she’s built a program focused on empowerment, growth, and helping families rise. Ashley opens up about overcoming significant challenges including a major health scare, and how she’s transformed herself from a childcare provider to a true CEO through mindset shifts and finding her tribe. Her story is one of resilience, passion for serving children and families, and the power of continual personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways:

[4:55] Make sure you are following Kris on IG!

[5:57] Ashley joins from Huntsville, Alabama and gives an overview of A Perfect Start Learning Center and its current stats and accreditation.

[9:27] Ashley’s approach to empowering parents through a Parent Academy program.

[12:16] Don’t forget to celebrate your wins before moving on to the next goal!

[12:44] How Ashley has built strong relationships and retention with families and staff.

[13:17] Parent prep at their Academy.

[17:52] The culture at the Academy and how Ashley has grown as a leader.

[19:02] Losing her corporate job and being encouraged by her aunt to open a childcare center.

[29:03] More about Ashley’s home and personal life.

[30:26] Ashley has fostered 14 children, including twins.

[33:48] Upcoming second location and expansion plans.

[40:27] Realizing that you can’t please everyone and letting go of negative team members.

[48:03] The health crisis that led to a major mindset shift for Ashley.

[51:44] How joining the Childcare Success Academy transformed Ashley’s perspective and business.

Quotes:

• “I think just overall, naturally, I have an urge to really be my best self. So I try to hire others who don’t mind putting their best foot forward to always achieve all the crazy things that I come up with in my head.” — Ashley [8:50]

• “I think one of the biggest things is empowerment and growth… We not only empower the children with our high-quality educational care, but we do the same thing with the parents.” — Ashley [12:44]

• “It’s an us thing. It’s like, we’re raising this kid together.” — Ashley [14:40]

• “I’m going to be providing high-quality education, right, I need you to know what this education can get you. I don’t want to be a bit basic in every sense of the word.” — Ashley [29:00]

• “I want for the women and children that have access to me that look like me, I want them to be able to look at me and see other things as possible.” — Ashley [29:14]

• “No matter how much you pour positivity, growth, and support, you’re not going to satisfy everybody.” — Ashley [40:27]

• “Now I’m a CEO. That’s the mindset. And I think the tools that you’ve given me to be able to see my program as a business have been critical to my development.” — Ashley [52:44]

• “I’m creating generational wealth for my families, and hopefully for their children. I am a bridge to all kinds of different people.” — Ashley [53:56]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

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