We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Charessia Ross a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Charessia, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I will, with God’s instruction and guidance; start a chain of Christian Childcare centers across the world! Spreading love, hope, Christian education, and a safe, quality learning environment for families everywhere to trust. Giving them a childcare center they can ensure will have high standards, customer service, and above all; peace of mind.

Charessia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Charessia but I preferred to be called, Ressia. I am a devoted Christian, wife, mother, and military veteran. I got into the Childcare industry after becoming a mother and getting a rude awakening that what I seek in a childcare environment was nonexistent. That’s when God gave me, my Kingdom assignment “It Takes a Village Childcare,” and told me exactly what and how to provide those services to the world. It Takes a Village Childcare provides a safe, quality Christian learning environment to working couples so that they can have peace of mind knowing their child(ren) is in great care. We believe it Takes a Village and that is to include parents and the community. We offer special services to our parents including; date nights, “Special day” services; such as birthdays, Valentine’s day, mothers day brunch, and Father’s day. And to bring love and support to the community, we host an annual “Trunk or Treat” event for Halloween. I am proudest of listening to the call God has given me and obeying. It Takes a Village Childcare was receiving calls and had a list longer than capacity for prospective parents BEFORE opening. From the idea/planning stages to the grand opening; we’ve had parents stay the course and patiently wait during our journey. And God not only provided the list of parents, He gave me two highly qualified potential staff members to help amplify and add to the vision of the business. I’m also thankful for my village of supporters that God aligned helping me along the way with getting donations, items/supplies, and encouragement to get us off the ground and being able to open our doors.

Any advice for managing a team?

I believe in the biblical principle of treating others how you want to be treated. This allows me to foster an environment that’s inclusive as well as inviting. The same things you didn’t like when you were an employee, you shouldn’t pass to your employees. Allowing them a door to speak and communicate freely without being persecuted or feeling unheard. Treating them with value and respect because honestly; without them, you wouldn’t have a business. Pouring into their life with appreciation, advancements, and encouragement builds them from the inside out. This allows you to create a strong environment built to last. You create a professional bond that shows security and self-worth. I give benefits such as PTO to all employees of my company regardless of hours worked because they are all equally important. I give employee appreciation gifts and paid birthday leave. This all provides high morale and shows that I am truly grateful for them helping build the foundation of my Childcare business.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

My business was funded mostly by blessings such as discounted items that were brought into my realm of affordability. As mentioned before, my Village of Supporters carried a lot of weight to include supporting my “Virtual Business Shower” and purchasing gifts on my registry, cash donations as well as item donations. I had a timeline for my inspection from licensing rep and I had supporters give their time to help put everything together and in place. This allowed me the opportunity to move along the process and become licensed.

Contact Info:

• Website: villagechildcarellc.com
• Instagram: @ITAVCare
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ITAVChildcare