We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Faulk-Ghidinelli a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Amanda, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
My journey into the childcare industry began simply because the area needed more options and expansion in this field. Originally from Tampa, Florida, I brought 16 years of experience from recreation centers, preschools, daycares, and play spaces. My goal was always to provide each child with a dedicated environment that meets their unique needs. I established Bizzy Bees to offer high-quality childcare services to families in Delhi and the surrounding communities, all within a nurturing, educational, and loving atmosphere.
Throughout my work with many families and children in both urban and rural settings, I often felt my desire to create and inspire exceeded the limits of my traditional roles. This realization led me to explore various ways to launch my own business while keeping my passion for teaching alive. In February 2020, I received the keys to the unfinished building I planned to rent and renovate for my business. Witnessing my vision materialize was an incredible experience, but then the world was struck by COVID-19. Instead of progressing at my own pace, I was compelled—yet excited—to fast-track my business launch. Fortunately, I succeeded! Despite the challenges, I was among the few businesses that remained open and thrived during the pandemic, marking a pivotal moment in my life and career. While also being the first minority and female-owned business in my area.
Bizzy Bees stands out; it’s enjoyable and blends traditional learning with methodologies from Montessori and Waldorf educational approaches. In a relatively short time, our school has earned recognition for its positive impact on the local community, including the Rising New Business Award from the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the Community Business Star Award from the Greater Delhi Chamber of Commerce for being a force for good.
Launching Bizzy Bees has instilled in me the values of RESILIENCE—being prepared for life’s challenges and surprises. It has taught me to ALCHEMIZE—transforming missed opportunities into remarkable successes. I have learned to be FEARLESS—daring to dream big and serve as a positive role model for young children. I will always be grateful I was able to seize the opportunity to follow my heart and my dreams.
I challenge anyone to “Always keep fighting for your purpose and to be confident in who you are.”
-Amanda
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My very first job at the age of 15 was as a summer camp counselor. I fondly recall the long, sunny days in Florida, running around endlessly with the young children. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for working with kids. As someone who has always been active, sitting still in a classroom has never come easily to me—and it still doesn’t. Thus, one of my most innovative approaches to learning involves blending dance and sports into the classroom curriculum.
I possess a strong work ethic and a flair for visual creativity, which is reflected in my cohesive and stylish work environment.
With my experience as a former
model, along with a background in sales and retail merchandising, I have honed my skills in selling products effectively. When you combine all these elements, you create an extraordinary school setting that attracts people in.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Being a reliable source for offering high quality childcare continues to be an essential part to keeping clientele and building great relationships with families.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I’ve discovered that branding your business is essential! It ensures a cohesive appearance across all social media platforms while attracting new customers. Your audience is vital to your success; they gain insights into your business’s daily activities through stories, posts, and reels. This fosters an authentic presence and connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bizzybeesacademy.com
- Instagram: @littlebizzybees
- Facebook: @littlebizzybees
Image Credits
Personal Cover photo: Casey Steffens
Business professional photo: Jill C. Smith Photography
Candid photos: Amanda Faulk-Ghidinelli