Life & Work with Thema “TT” Houston of Covington

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thema “TT” Houston.

Thema, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Honestly, my love and passion for working with children was a hidden gift I didn’t even realize I had at first. In high school, I participated in an internship program, and going into the education field was actually my teacher’s suggestion since I wasn’t sure what path to take. Once I stepped into that space, I naturally flourished and learned so much from other educators along the way.

One day, a coworker and I were talking about our dreams, and I shared that I would love to run a home preschool but on my own terms. At the time, I had no idea how that would happen, but everything began to align. I eventually left the center I was working at to nanny for a family while finishing my degree. I worked with them for years, up until COVID, when I unexpectedly lost my job.

What felt like a setback was really a turning point. I truly believe God placed it on my heart to finally pursue opening my home preschool. Around that same time, I had gotten married, purchased a home, and had my first child—so I was raising my daughter while caring for children as well. With the support of my husband, who even built out a dedicated space attached to our garage, I slowly began bringing my vision to life.

Through the support of friends, local families, and mom groups, I gained my first clients and started building strong relationships within my community. Whether we were at the park or even the grocery store, I was always connecting, sharing, and growing my program ,with my daughter right alongside me.

Now, five years later, I’m incredibly proud of the reputation I’ve built. I’ve been able to create a high-quality, inclusive preschool experience in a nurturing, personal setting with small group ratios. I truly feel blessed to do what I love every day.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Starting my business was definitely not a smooth process. Along the way, I faced many obstacles, but I’ve always had the tenacity to push through and keep going.

In the beginning, one of my biggest challenges was gaining visibility in a small town. It wasn’t easy to get clients, figure out effective marketing, or secure funding. There were times when business was very slow, but I made the decision to stay consistent and focus on building something rooted in quality rather than quantity.

A big part of my growth came from stepping outside of my comfort zone. I had to truly get out into my community—going to local parks, attending events, and connecting with families wherever I could, even in everyday places like grocery stores, often with my daughter right by my side. She’s actually become my biggest supporter and little “marketing partner,” always excited to share what I do with others.

Through that consistency and personal connection, I was able to build strong relationships with families in my community. Those relationships led to positive word of mouth, great reviews, and a reputation I’m incredibly proud of today.

Another challenge was learning to understand the specific needs of my community and shaping my program around that. It took time, patience, and trial and error, but those experiences ultimately helped me grow into a stronger business owner and create a program that truly serves the families around me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I like to describe myself as an early childhood enthusiast—a big kid at heart who is truly passionate about what I do. I wear that passion on my sleeve, and many of my families say that’s what drew them to my program. They connect with my energy, creativity, and the joy they see in the experiences I create for their children.

I am the owner, director, and teacher behind **@homebusybodies**, a home-based preschool in Covington, where I specialize in preschool readiness, independence, and real-life skills for children ages 2 to 5. While academics are important, I believe what’s often missing in early education today is teaching children the real-life skills that set them up for success beyond the classroom. I intentionally create a balance of play-based learning, social-emotional development, and hands-on, real-world experiences that build confidence and independence.

Much of my teaching is student-led, allowing me to build on what children are naturally interested in. This makes learning feel exciting, meaningful, and never forced. I’m very intentional about creating an environment where children feel capable—encouraging them to do things for themselves, solve problems, and take pride in their growth.

I’m especially known for my small ratios, with a 1:6 teacher-to-student structure. This allows me to truly connect with each child on a deeper level—understanding their personality, strengths, and areas for growth—and tailor my approach to meet their individual needs. Many of my families specifically seek out this type of environment because they know their children will thrive with that level of attention and care.

What I’m most proud of is the long-term impact of my work. Many of my students go on to excel in school, often entering advanced or gifted programs, which reassures me that I’m preparing them not just for kindergarten, but for continued success. I’m also proud of the environment I’ve created—one that is clean, organized, nurturing, and built to promote independence.

Beyond the classroom, I’ve built a strong sense of community. I often tell my families that once they join **@homebusybodies**, they become part of a tribe. It’s a supportive network of like-minded parents who uplift one another, because I truly believe it takes a village to raise a child. The relationships I’ve built mean everything to me, and I’m proud that even after children leave my program, they continue to stay connected and come back to visit.

Building this business from the ground up has given me a deep sense of pride and confidence. I’m excited to continue growing, expanding my impact, and inspiring the next generation—especially young women in my family and community—who may want to pursue a path in early childhood education.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on this journey is the importance of trusting the process and staying consistent, even when things feel uncertain. There were times in the beginning when things were slow, and I questioned whether I was on the right path—but I’ve learned that growth takes time, patience, and faith.

I’ve also learned that stepping outside of your comfort zone is necessary for success. Building my business required me to show up in my community, connect with people, and put myself out there in ways I wasn’t always used to. Those moments of discomfort helped me grow not only as a business owner, but as a person.

Another lesson that stands out is that quality will always speak for itself. By focusing on building genuine relationships, creating a nurturing environment, and truly pouring into the children and families I serve, everything else:trust, reputation, and growth that followed naturally.

Most importantly, I’ve learned the value of community. It truly takes a village, and the support I’ve received from families, friends, and my local community has been a huge part of my success. That’s something I now strive to give back every day through my work.

Pricing:

• Full time care $160 per week
• Part time $145 per week
• Both include all meals and snacks
• Monday-Friday we operate year round
• 9am to 3pm

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.homebusybodies.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/homebusybodies
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/athomebusybodies

Image Credits
Ladell photography
@shotbyladell

Or
@rawedition