Family childcare is one of the most in-demand and constantly evolving businesses. The growing trend of dual-income families, the steadily expanding number of parents with full time employment, and the growing recognition of early education for a child’s development are some of the elements driving the evolution of the business.
Starting a childcare business not only offers financial gains but also allows people to give back to the community. A handful of family childcare business owners have emerged as role models for the next generation of family childcare professionals. DeShonda Jennings is one of these role models; she has worked in childcare for over 2 decades. She was born and raised in a small rural town in Kenbridge, VA.
In addition to being a highly accomplished family childcare business owner, DeShonda is also an author and speaker and is committed to empowering families and revolutionizing early childhood education. She has a strong understanding of the demands and difficulties experienced by both children and their caregivers because she has a background in early childhood education and has run a successful family childcare company, DJ Shining Stars.
DeShonda is a well-known author. She has authored many books, including “How To Start A Quality Home Daycare,” “Learning Through Play,” “Life of An Entrepreneur,” “Creating Outcomes & Action by Changing Habits,” and “Journey of an Early Childhood Educator.” These books provide step-by-step guidance, useful strategies, and insights for parents, educators, and entrepreneurs seeking guidance in the childcare industry.
Among the many benefits of starting their own business for women are the opportunity to become their own boss, make a lot of money, be in charge of their own destiny, acquire new skills, and serve as an example to other women who are still underrepresented. According to studies, same-gender or same-race role models may motivate and inspire followers more effectively. Therefore, the advice comes from highly experienced female entrepreneurs, and business mentors such as DeShonda may help the next generation of female entrepreneurs succeed in their ventures.
“When you start your entrepreneurial journey, remember to separate personal and business finances. The following are tips to help you:
Open a separate bank account specifically for your business.
Deposit all your business earnings into this account and pay your expenses from it.
Avoid mixing personal and business finances to maintain clear financial records and make it easier to track your business’s profitability.
Paying yourself from the business account ensures that you are keeping personal and business finances separate and allows you to monitor your salary and overall financial health more effectively.
Starting on the entrepreneurial journey as a woman is a unique and rewarding path, filled with its own set of challenges and triumphs. To all the aspiring female entrepreneurs out there, the first and most crucial piece of advice is to believe in yourself unconditionally. Confidence is your compass in the entrepreneurial world, guiding you through uncertainty and leading you toward success. Trust in your abilities, vision, and the unique perspective you bring to your industry.
Challenges should not be viewed as obstacles but as opportunities for growth and learning. Each difficulty encountered is a lesson in disguise, offering insights that contribute to your personal and professional development. Embrace these moments, for they are the stepping stones on your path to success.
Building a strong support network is invaluable. Seek out mentors that may offer wisdom from their experiences. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and encourage you, whether they are fellow entrepreneurs, friends, or family members. This community will be your foundation, offering support through the highs and lows of your journey.
For those who are mothers like me, never view this aspect of your life as a limitation. Instead, let it be a source of strength and motivation. The skills and resilience developed through motherhood are a unique advantage in the entrepreneurial world. Your role as a mother can inspire your business approach, infusing it with empathy, multitasking abilities, and a deep understanding of nurturing growth.
Consider your entrepreneurial journey as part of your legacy. The path you carve out not only shapes your future but also serves as an inspiration to your children and to other women who dream of following in your footsteps. You have the power to demonstrate that with determination and hard work, barriers can be overcome and dreams can be realized.
Resilience is key. The entrepreneurial road is marked by its ups and downs, successes, and setbacks. The ability to persevere, to stand up after each fall, and to continue pushing forward is what distinguishes successful entrepreneurs.
In pursuit of your entrepreneurial dreams, never hold back. Give it your all, embracing the journey with passion, dedication, and courage. Remember, the path to success is not linear. It requires patience, continuous learning, and a firm belief in your vision,” advises DeShonda.
DeShonda’s accomplishments are just too numerous to list here. Her work has been featured on several podcasts, including Anthology with Les Brown and Dr. Cheryl Wood, CBS, NBC, ABC, Richmond Times Dispatch, U.S. News & World Report, The Washington Post, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and The Wealthy Woman Podcast.
DeShonda’s distinguished career has become a great source of inspiration for the next generation of family childcare professionals and entrepreneurs.
Naeem Ul Hassan is an award-winning author who has written extensively on Female Empowerment and Global Politics. He contributes regularly to the Voice of Canada and is a guest contributor to the International Policy Digest. He is the author of the well-known novel BLACK HEROINES. The Gentlemen of Heart Awards London (GOHA) honored him for his outstanding literary achievements.