Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Trish Dykes-Sullivan.
Hi Dr. Trish , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was a catholic school teacher prior to becoming a mother. My career spanned 13 years, primarily in grades kindergarten through fifth. I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I taught for four years before transferring to Georgia in 2016. I have a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, as well as a principal certification. In 2023, I became a stay at home mom, which allowed me the opportunity to add on certifications and research starting small businesses. I am a person who struggles with sitting still, so I was determined to continue my passions while raising my children. I am now a mobile GA Notary Public, registered Mortgage Loan Originator, a published author, and the owner of an early childcare learning center.
After having my children, I immersed myself in motherhood while still focusing on my true calling, education. I educate people on the attainability of owning a home, offer financial literacy guidance, and share educational resources and developmentally appropriate practices for young children. Starting my learning center allowed me to teach my own children while also offering my services to the community. I teach a full day curriculum to children ages six months to five years old in a small group setting. The curriculum includes project based learning, social emotional learning, and second language acquisition.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey was far from smooth, but it has been completely worth it. God carried me through every hardship that came my way. I welcomed my first child in 2021 and I am now a mother of three boys, ages three, two, and one years old. My first pregnancy was no walk in the park. My child was diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). He stopped growing at 32 weeks gestation. My second pregnancy ended at 25 weeks gestation, due to a spontaneous uterine rupture. He spent 4 months in the NICU and had undergone two brain surgeries. My third child was completely healthy, and by the grace of God, managed to be my only full term baby. I had preeclampsia twice and battled Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety. Despite pregnancy complications, I continued to persevere. Prayer and postpartum therapy has been my saving grace. I know that God blessed me with these precious babies because He knew that I would use my struggle to help other families in need. My experience as a mother pushed me into my destiny of becoming a serial entrepreneur.
Having children three and under is a hard job in itself but adding multiple businesses to the mix made it that much harder. I didn’t know anything about the business industry when I started my journey but I knew that with God guiding my steps, I would not fail (Psalm 46:5). My story is a testimony for other mothers to know that you can follow your dreams while still being the mother you were called to be. My next book, Through My Eyes, will be published in the Spring of 2026. It tells my story from childhood to motherhood. I pray that my story will be an inspiration to people who have experienced hardship throughout their lives while trying to find their strength and striving for success.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart from other providers is having the experience as a school teacher and educational researcher. I have experience working with children with disabilities as well as caring for my own. At my learning center, I offer special education services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. The therapy room is my favorite part of the center. My child was diagnosed with hydrocephalus and spastic cerebral by the time he was six months old. I used those diagnoses to research the importance of early intervention to improve his outcome and ensure life long success in both an educational setting and at home. I am most proud of my constant desire to help others. I use a combination of my own life experiences and researching skills to connect families with programs such as Babies Can’t Wait and Children’s Medical Services. In the mortgage industry, I hold free consultations for people who would like to learn more about the home buying process, requirements for obtaining a mortgage, and understanding credit repair. As a notary public, I notarize real estate documents, wills, trusts, general affidavits, finger printing services, and more. I am a one-stop shop, a Jill of all Trades.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I haven’t had a mentor throughout my journey as an entrepreneur. However, I have met people over the years whose goals were in alignment with mine. I’ve joined Meetup.com as well as local facebook groups in the industries. These meetups and groups allowed me the space to introduce my family and make new friends, while also sharing resources for others who want to begin their entrepreneurial journey, but may not know where to start.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thelolcenter.com https://trishdyrealestate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelolcenter https://www.instagram.com/the_real_trishdy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tri.yv/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FromTeachingToTummyTime
