We were lucky to catch up with Alexandra Atlanova recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alexandra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The seed of Fluffy Llama Daycare was planted in my mind not in a moment, but over a span of years observing gaps in the early education system. I spent countless hours observing the struggles that parents face while trying to balance work, family, and providing quality care and education for their little ones. I dreamed of a spacious, modern-designed daycare with toys from around the globe, a place that offered new teaching methods, and a park nearby for the children to walk in. And as a mother, I knew that other parents would want the best for their children (my daughter was 2 years of age at that moment). The idea of helping families and their children by giving them a place filled with happiness to grow and learn greatly inspired me!

At the end of 2019 I decided to take a loan from my friends to repair our home to sell it, move to a new rental, and begin opening my daycare. I spent a lot of time researching and learning everything I’d need to run this business; from banking affairs to fixing faucets.
Once I sold the house and received my share, I decided to spend the entire $100,000 on opening my business. And in 2020, I registered Fluffy Llama LLC! That was the beginning of my journey! By March, I found the perfect place for the daycare and signed a 5-year lease.
One week after signing my lease, Covid-19 hit full force. Businesses were closing left and right, people were stuck at home, and fear was growing for the future. All my friends advised me to wait on my dream. But I decided to preserve and keep pushing for my dream to become a reality! It was scary, but focused on positivity, creativity, and making my daycare come to life. I just trusted my feelings.
During Covid-19 pandemic period every task seemed to me impossible. Shipping times were nearly at a halt and the licensing offices were closed. But I was not deterred! After a flurry of calls and requests, I was able to complete my main inspection over a Zoom and fire inspection in-person. And after only four months my daycare was finally brought to life and was more beautiful than I could have imagined. I found amazing teachers, and it was quickly filled with children. I was really happy and proud of my initial decision to think more about my dream and less about the pandemic’s problems. “If your dreams are filled with love and benefits for others, they come true much easier.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Fluffy Lama was born out of commitment and dedication to quality and premium childhood care. The main goal of my company is improving the quality of the preschool education system as a whole— I wanted to show by example that you never have to settle when it comes to your children. You can do better and demand better. You have to study the market as well as consumer demand and close the existing gaps.
I created my Fluffy Lama Daycare by addressing the unmet needs I saw in the daycares in my area. I took everything I observed was lacking as well as read the thoughts of fellow parents online and poured it into the business. Coming from Uzbekistan with Russian roots, I chose to let my identity fuel my work and brought forth a daycare other immigrants in the Bay area can be proud of.
Beyond the feel of the modern and beautiful Daycare space, I wanted to improve upon education itself and apply modern methods that help kids not only learn but also thrive, mentally, physically and emotionally. The development of the interhemispheric brain (left to right), neural gymnastics and the education of emotional intelligence is crucial to our learning system at Fluffy Llama. From our first graduation of children who went to school this year, we can say that it really works. Children from our daycare have proven to easily perceive new information, easily remember it and have logical thinking. To this end, parents find that kids cared by our program have three main areas of development in focus: Memory, Logic and Thinking.
The foundation of our approach to education is the integration of time-tested methods with new ideas and research in the field of pedagogy and psychology. We have developed our own methodology, which combines the best elements of different educational systems and scientific approaches.
In addition to these established methodologies, “Fluffy Llama Daycare” is committed to incorporating cutting-edge research on early brain development, learning styles, and the use of technology in education. We are dedicated to providing an environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and a love of learning in young children. More information about us you can find on our website fluffy-llama.com

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

No matter what business you have, whether you want to open the 20th grocery store or the 100th meat plant in your state, you must strive to be the best in your business! You have to study the market as well as consumer demand and close the existing gaps. Your initial goal has to be: Be The Best on the market, Provide a Best service and your dream should be filled with love and benefit others! When you do something special for others and solve some of their problems or you’re helping to save our Planet – your business is doomed to success!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Initially I was inspired with an idea and motivated to do something special that might help other parents like me. I didn’t think about “making money” as a primary goal. My goal was to create a Daycare with the best quality (as much as I can afford based on my budget). Your customers will feel it – where it is your passion and where it is your ‘just a job’. Also, you will attract people (and situations) based on your inner feelings and mood. So never forget: improving yourself – you are changing surroundings and the whole world around you!

Contact Info:

• Website: fluffy-llama.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fluffy.llama.daycare
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraatlanova

Image Credits
Katerina Erofeeva