We recently connected with Alexis Deloney and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Alexis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

To be candid, I have generally found satisfaction as a business owner. However, I occasionally contemplate returning to traditional employment due to the inherent challenges of running a daycare single-handedly. Since February 2020, just before the onset of the pandemic, I have made various adjustments to my daycare operations, including hours and time off. Yet, even with these changes, it remains difficult to strike a balance between personal, business, and family life. I’ve even considered hiring an assistant but with enrollment so uncertain at times, I just wouldn’t be able to afford it. The primary issue is that my daycare operates within my home, necessitating the coexistence of personal space, work space, and multiple families and children. Consequently, finding dedicated time for myself and maintaining separate household boundaries becomes a considerable challenge. Sometimes the job can be overwhelming and some parents can also be very unappreciative for the work a daycare provider has done, so the business can be very trying. The motivation behind starting my own daycare was the birth of my daughter in April 2019. As first-time parents, we were hesitant to trust other daycare options and were concerned about the financial aspect as well. Consequently, I conducted thorough research, rearranged our basement, and embarked on the journey of owning a daycare. Though I often feel overwhelmed and emotionally drained, I must maintain a 100% commitment to the children in my care, my own child, and my husband. Opportunities for personal time are scarce, and the additional administrative tasks, such as paperwork, accounting, licensing, and training, only reinforce my occasional yearning for the peace of mind that comes with conventional employment. Clocking out at the end of the day and returning home to relax, as opposed to cleaning multiple times a day, attending to other children, meeting various roles, and still finding time for myself, is something I occasionally reflect upon. All in all, I’ve still remained open and now I’m pregnant with my second child going on maternity leave and have some decisions to make upon returning, or if I will be.

Alexis, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I entered the daycare industry with the primary goal of offering high-quality childcare and education to parents in need. In my community, there is a scarcity of black-owned daycares that provide affordable services. To establish my daycare, I conducted extensive research and made sacrifices like selling furniture to acquire the necessary equipment. I sought guidance from organizations like Think Small, who assisted me throughout the process.

I address my clients’ concerns by ensuring their children feel comfortable and providing parents with peace of mind, knowing their child is well-cared for, nourished, and receiving both practical and educational instruction. I focus on fostering the development of young children’s personalities, preparing them for kindergarten and the challenges of the real world.

What distinguishes me from others is my commitment to embracing each child’s unique learning style and individual needs. I tailor my approach accordingly, rather than imposing a specific way of thinking, behaving, or learning.

I take pride in my resilience and determination. Despite the moments of contemplation and the desire to return to previous work, I continually find innovative ways to improve and maintain the daycare’s operation, even in the face of challenges. I understand the reliance of both parents and children on me, as well as the satisfaction the children experience when attending my daycare, which ultimately makes it all worthwhile.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One important lesson I had to learn was to maintain a professional boundary with the parents of the children in my care. Although it may seem contradictory, establishing this boundary was necessary for the successful operation of my business and to avoid any emotional or personal entanglements. When personal friendships develop with parents, there is a risk that they may begin to take advantage and treat the daycare as a casual babysitting service, disregarding the set hours and policies in place.

To address this, I require all daycare parents to sign a contract before I accept their child into my care. This contract outlines the terms and conditions they must adhere to, ensuring clarity and protecting both myself and my business from potential issues that may arise in the future.

By maintaining a professional relationship with parents and clearly communicating expectations through the contract, I can ensure a smooth and mutually respectful experience for all parties involved.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Over the course of nearly four years of operating my daycare, I have undergone several strategic pivots. Through a process of trial and error, I recognized the need to address issues such as excessive workload and inadequate appreciation. This realization motivated me to reevaluate my priorities, prioritizing my well-being and family dynamics over constantly being available to parents and children. As the sole proprietor, I recognized the risk of burnout and swiftly made adjustments to my working hours and days, ensuring that I can consistently provide optimal care for the children without compromising my own mental health. Moreover, I acknowledged the importance of self-care beyond business operations. Consequently, I revised my contract multiple times to enhance clarity and comprehension for both current and prospective clients. Additionally, in response to inflation and increased food prices, I contemplated the necessity of raising my childcare fees.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bellasbusybeesmn.com/