Today we’d like to introduce you to Chameka Batiste.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chameka. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
All of my life, I have worked with children. In an effort to enter into the school system, I applied for a job at an after school program. I was hired and worked there for ten years, earning the title of director my second year. While there, I met Lara Cornett whom was branching off to start her own after school and Summer Camp program. During the summer, I would direct her Summer Camps. I had the opportunity to start a Summer Camp at an awesome school by the name of Burgess Peterson for Lara which is where this all began,
At that time I did not know that the Principal of that school was looking for a new after school program. I came to camp every day and ran camp like it was my own personal business with my own children attending. My hard work was not done in vain and caught the eye of the best Principal I have ever met, Mr. David White. He was pleased with how camp was run and wanted me as his new After School Provider!
It was then that I began my life as an entrepreneur. I started filling out paperwork for licensing and completed all the steps needed to be a business owner in the state of Georgia.
Here we are two years later. We have become a quality rated program and care for over 150 children daily during the school year.. We also run summer camps that promote individual growth in reading, build confidence and have tons of fun while doing it.
While doing business, we realized that there is a lot more that we can be doing with our children, family and community but there were not enough funds to support these projects. It was then that I created IKids Community Outreach, a non-profit organization that provides financial support to families in an effort to enroll their children into after school, summer camps and extracurricular activities.
I am lucky to be working with an INCREDIBLE team of people. One of which is my childhood best friend and husband Bradly Batiste. I am so grateful for my whole team. I look forward to creating memories with our families and doing INCREDIBLE things in my community.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The hardest part is staying strong physically and mentally. Stay grounded and take care of yourself first! Without you, there is no more of what you have to offer.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Incredible Kids – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I provide after school and summer camp programs in the city of Atlanta. I am known for having a lot of patience, multitasking and being surrounded by children. I am most proud of the relationships that I am building with my community. What sets me apart from others is that I am compassionate and willing to go above and beyond to perfect my craft.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
When finding a mentor look for someone who is well rounded. You have to be more than a businesswoman/man to run a successful business. What has worked for me is to treat people the way that I like to be treated.
Pricing:
- After School cost: $270 per month
- Summer Camp cost: $200 per week
- Extracurricular cost: $140-$225
Contact Info:
- Address: 480 Clifton Street SE
Atlanta GA 30316 - Website: www.ikidspca.com
- Phone: 7708750001
- Email: director@ikidspca.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/incrediblekidsatlanta/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ikidspca/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Image Credit:
Alyssa Barber
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