We were lucky to catch up with Brittany Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brittany, appreciate you joining 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?

As a woman business owner with three kids, my life is a testament to the delicate balance between managing a business and a fulfilling family life. My business partner and I have worked really hard; witnessing the growth of what we have built is exciting and surreal at times. However, the reality of managing being a business owner and a mom is undeniably challenging. The juggling act is relentless, with early mornings and late nights often dedicated to work, while carving out moments to attend my children’s events and simply spend uninterrupted time with them. Amidst the chaos, there’s a profound sense of fulfillment that stems from the independence and flexibility that entrepreneurship affords. It’s an intricate dance, but one that I wouldn’t trade for anything, as it embodies the essence of empowerment and determination.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Throughout my entire life, my passion has revolved around working with children. It was clear to me that my calling lay in a medical field dedicated to assisting children. The moment I chose to pursue a career in occupational therapy, I knew it was the perfect fit for me.

During my college years, fate introduced me to Janki, and our connection was instantaneous. We not only shared the same aspirations but also possessed a shared, unwavering determination. Even after graduating, we remained close friends and eventually found ourselves working side by side.

As my family grew, I found myself at a crossroad, prompting me to take a leap of faith with Janki and launch Jump Ahead! Drawing from the positive and negative aspects we’d encountered in our previous occupational therapy positions, we laid the groundwork for this venture. Our diligent efforts were complemented by invaluable assistance from fellow therapists and professionals we have encountered along the way.

While work has always been a significant commitment, my three beautiful children take precedence as they are the greatest gifts in my life. My supportive husband has witnessed the finest and the most challenging moments through this journey. My family serves as my unwavering support system in every aspect of Jump Ahead’s voyage.

Fast forward seven grueling, yet incredibly rewarding years, and I am elated to report that Jump Ahead has exceeded our wildest expectations. I take immense pride in Janki and myself for not only providing support to our employees but also for the invaluable work we do in aiding children. I truly believe in giving back and living by our dual mission to brighten the futures of children and enrich the lives of our team members. I believe the energy we put into the world often finds its way back to us. Namaste!

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

My business partner and I established Jump Ahead Pediatrics based on the positive aspects we experienced in our previous jobs. We apply this principle every day in our interactions with employees. When requesting an employee to do a task, I keep in mind that I wouldn’t expect anyone to do something I wouldn’t do myself. We make an effort to address employees’ concerns and take action whenever possible to keep everyone satisfied. While I can’t always fulfill every wish, I consistently provide support. Creating a fair and supportive environment where employees feel appreciated and content is important to me, and I’m committed to maintaining that atmosphere.

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

I’ve recently come to the realization that I’ve been a bit of a people pleaser for a while now. I used to worry more about keeping others happy than about my own needs or desires. But as our business started growing, I’ve learned some tough lessons. It’s okay to say no to things that aren’t right for me or for the business, even if it upsets someone else. I’ve had to speak up for myself and for the business with other professionals, and surprisingly, it’s been empowering and beneficial. I’ve realized I don’t need to compromise my standards just to make someone else happy. I know my own worth and the worth of my business, and if someone wants to be a part of that, they’ll have to step up.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jumpaheadpediatrics.com
• Instagram: jumpaheadpediatrics
• Facebook: Jump Ahead Pediatric Therapy
• Linkedin: Jump Ahead Pediatrics
• Yelp: Jump Ahead Pedaitrics