Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in child care, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rebecca DesJardins, owner and director of Super Stars Learning Center, Marlborough, MA, USA.
Tell us all about your business...
We serve families in Marlborough and the surrounding communities by offering high-quality, nurturing early childhood education to children from 1 month through Pre-Kindergarten. Our teachers take their careers seriously...they are professional and educated in the field. What sets Super Stars apart is our focus on supporting children individually using a methodology based on ongoing observation, the planning of authentic learning opportunities, and formative assessment.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
Super Stars was founded when I realized I couldn't find a child care center for my own two children without giving up my entire paycheck. We started as a two-classroom school with three teachers, but eight years (and three more children later), we have expanded into a school with 12 classrooms and remain dedicated to maintaining competitive rates. It wasn't easy...a lot of blood, sweat, and tears - especially tears - went into building this business, but I think what motivates me to keep it going is that we've built more than that. We've built a family, and I would never want to let down the families we serve.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
There are many facets to being a business owner, particularly when the business owner is involved in the daily operations of their business. I wear many hats... bookkeeper, HR, accounts payable & receivable, mentor, friend, and I'll always be a teacher. I think my biggest accomplishment has been learning to balance all the hats, and instead of letting their weight bear down me, I enjoy that they let me walk a little taller.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
One of the hardest things is finding teachers who share the same passion and dedication to my students. I've been very fortunate to have had many high-quality teachers stumble across Super Stars and find a home here. Expanding into the larger space indeed came with some growing pains, but we continue to have great teachers join our team, and although it's tough sometimes to hold out for the "right fit," we are stronger for it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be prepared, but don't hesitate. There's no perfect time to jump in.
- Surround yourself with talent. Exude and foster positivity to keep them hooked.
- Make sure you love what you do.
Where can people find you?
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share then email community@subkit.com, we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
