Today we’d like to introduce you to Lakesha Terry.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started at a young age babysitting and having a love for babies and kids. When I was younger I loved to play school and I always had to be the Teacher. It felt exciting to teach someone something I thought they didn’t know. Being in charge kind of became second nature to me I use to help look after my baby brother, also I helped out around the house. I never aspired to be a teacher I just enjoyed guiding and teaching others. I thought I wanted to be a nurse like my aunt she’s deceased now she always told me about the importance of being educated and reading her along with my parents was great at keeping me focused and inspiring me to work hard. My love for kids kind of grew when I became old enough to babysit and then it happened. I became the family and the family’s babysitter. I thought what better way at a young age to earn money and also do something I love, also showing off to their parents’ something that I may have taught them gave me the feeling like I was actually a teacher and in charge.
Starting a childcare was no easy job for the first year of the idea. I thought about it and then it made sense to me I had been a caregiver for children and adults since 1990 so I knew I wanted to work in Human Services so I obtained that degree. I almost talk myself out of achieving what I was already good at that’s caring for children. I was working full-time at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Oncology as a Medical Secretary and now thanks to the flexibility of their work program I was able to stay on and work Sat-Sun. I love my job. It’s like a family and I know I have bills to pay so I was afraid to completely let go and believe in myself that I could build my own business. Over the course of 2yrs, I bought everything I felt I needed and completed my Early Childhood Development. I remodeled the Daycare space then I thought now here comes the hard part getting people to believe what you believe in yourself and getting individuals to trust you with their loved ones.
Great, 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?
It was not a smooth road. It felt like Open House after Open House I was not going to achieve this goal. I had a feeling of was it ever going to happen. At times I would just look at my Daycare room and get sad. I had to believe that what is for me will be for me. I received encouragement from others along the way and then my daughter said to me you need to advertise on social media because everyone is looking on social sites daily. I was never a fan of Facebook and that’s when it happened. Starting that Facebook helped me start my business and the everyday post and exposure helps a lot. I receive inquiries daily and enrollments found me by way of social media. I’m glad I got out my comfort zone and found my way.
Open Arms Learning Academy – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a 24hr In-Home Child Care. I provide a home away from home environment that provides hot and home cooked meals, fresh fruit and vegetables and kid-friendly snacks. Here at Open Arms Learning Academy, I aim to offer a safe and secure childcare environment at all times.
My goal is to provide a quality learning experience that is educational as well as fun. Close personal attention to each child and their family is the priority for quality care here. We learn through Art, Music, also Science. We also have culinary experiences. I feel that we in the In-home care environment all want to provide quality care. What sets me apart from some are my strong beliefs in children learning as well as playing and learning with toddlers and babies has to be hands-on on everyday experiences, the things they can hear, touch or smell. I feel as if we are the first to teach kids so the kids should be able to leave from Daycare and be right at learning levels with their age group or beyond. Art should be every day. Children should be introduced to different types of music and should be introduced to start learning another language. Also, to be familiar with computer technology. These are all things I’m introducing my kids too. What I’m most proud of is I’m seeing results and the parents are as well and the overall appreciation from them for trusting and believing in me.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I started my business on my own with no loans and no partners. It’s just me. The proudest moment was when I introduce new things to the children and they get excited and eager to learn. The smiles I get every day from these kids made me feel like nothing else matters and that I’m doing a great job. I get to help shape and mold young minds that will grow up and hopefully remember the things I taught them later in life.
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so –who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
Mrs. Akira Eiland- Sharp is a Atlanta business owner that has a childcare facility as well as other businesses. She has been someone that I can call on when I needed mentoring and guiding in this childcare business. She knows this business well and has been very helpful and I really appreciated her taking time out to speak with me. My family has been very supportive and uplifting as well. I said to someone it’s almost like I’m a teacher and they said to me, but you are one and it reminded me that everything I’m doing is worthwhile. My parents play a major role in my success for them trusting and believing in my vision. I have great parents that support my Daycare.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1357 Windage Ct SW, Marietta, GA. 30008
- Website: www.openarmslearningacademy.com
- Phone: 678)834-2399
- Email: openarmslearningacademy@yahoo.com
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
