Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brittie Crawford. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Brittie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
Once upon a time, in a land filled with cubicles and corporate jargon, I embarked on a journey that would take me from the bustling world of marketing to a colorful realm of tiny tots and playful discovery. It all began with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a passion for shaking things up.
For the first decade of my post-graduate life, I was in a whirlwind of job titles and office politics. I made my way through the halls of Intel, Kingston Technology, and Scratch DJ Academy, where I honed my sales skills, mastered account management, and cultivated a keen business savvy. But perhaps most surprisingly, I picked up a thing or two about child engagement along the way. Yet, my time at Kingston struck a chord, or should I say a crayon. “Getting to Know You,” a program designed to strengthen company-client relationships, was a gem I unearthed during my stint there. Little did I know that it would play a significant role in my childcare business journey.
During my tenure at Kingston Technology, not only did the experience inspire the conception of our cherished “Getting to Know You” month, but it also served as a transformative period where I acquired the skills and insights that primed me to become a visionary and compassionate leader. Drawing inspiration from exemplary founders David Sun and John Tu, who embodied the ideals of stellar leadership, I learned invaluable lessons on how to guide and support a team. Their mentorship provided a blueprint for the leader I aspired to be—one who fosters a thriving work environment and treats their staff with respect and kindness. The lessons gleaned from my time at Kingston Technology have been instrumental in my journey, contributing to the ethos of leadership that guides me in nurturing a positive and dynamic workplace within World City Center preschools.
Fast forward to the not-so-distant past, and the corporate world was struck by economic downturns and layoffs. The security of my cubicle crumbled, and I was faced with a decision: wallow in the corporate chaos or chase a dream that had been percolating for years: entrepreneurship.
In 2008, armed with determination and a heart full of hope, I opened the doors of my home daycare, affectionately named “Tiny Sprouts.” My vision was simple yet profound: to provide a nurturing, play-based haven for the neighborhood’s tiniest members, including my young son. With each crayon stroke, each hug, and each shared story, Tiny Sprouts grew, flourishing like the seeds it was named after.
As the years danced by, so did the milestones of my childcare business. I decided to expand my horizons by pursuing a master’s in early childhood education, equipping myself with the knowledge needed to nurture the growing potential of the little sprouts who once toddled through my home. We, both me and my kiddos, were ready for a bigger adventure.
In 2014, the curtain rose on a grand new chapter in my journey – World City Center (WCC) preschool. WCC isn’t just a preschool; it’s an immersive wonderland of play-based learning, exploration, and diversity.
Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, California, WCC defies convention. We don’t merely teach; we stoke the fires of curiosity and wonder. Our approach is hands-on, addressing the whole child because, after all, every child is a unique tapestry of experiences and potential.
At WCC, the world is our playground. We staunchly believe in the power of play-based learning, where every paint brush stroke, block tower, and shared storybook page is a stepping stone toward growth. Our philosophy isn’t limited to ABCs and 123s; it’s about fostering cross-cultural exploration, embracing anti-bias education, and nurturing social-emotional development.
But what truly sets WCC apart is our dual-language magic. We proudly follow a 90/10 Spanish immersion model, where our dedicated teachers converse with the children 90% of the time in the target language. The remaining 10% serves as a safety net, where we swoop in with English support when needed. This immersive experience, grounded in research as the key to second language acquisition, sets the stage for lifelong bilingualism.
With WCC, my journey has come full circle. From the corporate chaos of Kingston to the cozy confines of Tiny Sprouts, and finally, to the vibrant halls of World City Center, my path is marked by colorful crayons, echoing laughter, and endless possibilities.
So, there it is—my quirky and unexpected journey from the corporate world to the land of childhood wonder. From marketing plans to finger paints, from spreadsheets to circle time, I’ve found my true calling. As I look around at the little faces filled with curiosity and wonder, I know I am exactly where I am meant to be – in the world of tiny sprouts and endless possibilities, and in the grand adventure of entrepreneurship that continues to unfold.
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?
I’m Brittie Crawford. I want to invite you into the colorful world of my journey, where business acumen met a passion for early childhood education and transformed into something truly magical.
Defining your educational philosophy is a crucial starting point in considering a career as an owner-operator of a childcare business. My journey to formulating this philosophy began during my master’s studies at Pacific Oaks College. An exceptional institution, Pacific Oaks equips students to be culturally intelligent agents of change, especially in diverse communities related to human development and education. In my first class at Pacific Oaks, we were tasked with articulating our educational philosophy. This initial blueprint laid the foundation for what would later become the World City Center.
My philosophy, deeply rooted in the belief that children learn best through play and developmentally appropriate activities, also emphasizes the importance of introducing a second language during preschool. This philosophy guides my practice as I constantly strive to implement best practices and leverage research to shape a curriculum and environment that nurtures each child’s unique capabilities. Pacific Oaks College has played a pivotal role in shaping this approach, and it continues to influence the ethos of World City Center preschools.
My commitment to education and community extends beyond the walls of WCC. I am a founding board member of the Southern California Dual-Immersion Organization (SCDIO) and a member of the Child Care Planning Committee (CCPC) for the County of Los Angeles’ Office for the Advancement of Early Care and Education. I am also involved with organizations such as Californians for Quality Early Learning (CQEL) and the Association of Early Learning Leaders (AELL). These roles allow me to advocate for quality early education and collaborate with like-minded individuals dedicated to shaping a brighter future.
Under my leadership, WCC has become a premier bilingual preschool in Los Angeles, offering a hands-on approach to learning that ignites curiosity and wonder, leading to a lifelong love of learning. We create a play-based environment that fosters cross-cultural exploration, embraces anti-bias education, and nurtures social-emotional development.
What am I most proud of in this incredible journey? It’s not just about the schools or the organizations I’m a part of. It’s about the children whose lives are touched by the magic of early education. It’s about planting the seeds of curiosity, nurturing the flames of wonder, and shaping the minds of future leaders, thinkers, and dreamers.
As you step into my world of early education, I want you to know that my mission is not just about teaching; it’s about igniting a lifelong passion for learning. It’s about fostering an environment where every child can thrive, regardless of background or circumstances.
So, whether you’re a potential client, a follower, or a fan, I want you to know that my journey is about unlocking the potential in every child, one adventure, discovery, and one smile at a time. Together, we’re building a brighter future, and I’m excited to have you join me on this incredible journey.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
One of the most transformative moments in my journey as the CEO/Founder of World City Center Preschools was expanding from a home daycare to a dual-language preschool center in 2014. This endeavor was made possible partly through the support of Pacific Coast Regional Business Finance, a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the U.S. Treasury.
Pacific Coast Regional Business Finance was more than a financial partner; they became a crucial ally in our growth, and I have advocated for Pacific Coast Regional Business Finance ever since. This CDFI goes beyond conventional lending institutions by providing small business lending, educational services, and access to valuable grants. The multifaceted support they offer is a game-changer for entrepreneurs at any stage.
I make it a point to encourage every business owner I know to consult with Pacific Coast Regional or similar SBA organizations. The comprehensive approach they take is unparalleled, ensuring businesses have access to the financial resources they need and receive the guidance necessary for sustainable growth.
A testament to the strength of our relationship with Pacific Coast Regional was evident during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020. With their expertise and commitment to their clients, we expedited our PPP loan processing, providing critical support during a time of uncertainty.
Moreover, the benefits extend beyond financial assistance. Pacific Coast Regional is a resource I can turn to for accounting, legal, or general business advice. These relationships are invaluable and go beyond transactions; they are true partnerships built on trust and shared success.
Having such valuable connections is a game-changer for any business, whether in the idea phase, just starting, or seeking expansion. The support and expertise provided by organizations like Pacific Coast Regional are essential elements in the success story of World City Center Preschools and countless other businesses they’ve empowered.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
My journey into entrepreneurship is a tapestry woven with diverse experiences, and World City Center Preschools emerged as the culmination of my passion and resilience.
A serial entrepreneur, I explored various ventures before finding the right fit. However, it was the birth of my son in 2007 that sparked a significant turning point. Not necessarily a side hustle, what started as providing a home daycare with my 2-year-old in mind became the catalyst for what would later evolve into World City Center in 2014.
At the time, having been laid off from my corporate job, I found myself at a crossroads. Instead of returning to the traditional workforce, I reflected on what I enjoyed and could turn into a business to create a job for myself. My entrepreneurial journey took me through different realms, from dog jewelry to real estate marketing and even trying my hand at being a realtor. It was in the field of childcare, with the opening of my home daycare, that I discovered a profound love for providing nurturing environments that inspire children aged 2 to 5. This marked the inception of World City Center Preschools.
Over the past decade, at the helm of our inaugural center, I’ve carefully developed a visionary “Scale Up” strategy with the help of an incredibly passionate team of early educators. The passion and commitment of my team have been a driving force behind our accomplishments. Together, we’ve achieved key milestones, forging the path toward success by establishing robust systems and processes. We’ve tirelessly worked on developing replicable curriculums and implementing practices that seamlessly align with our overarching vision. It’s essential to acknowledge that none of our organization’s excellent work would be possible without the invaluable contributions of this fantastic team. This foundational collaboration laid the groundwork for our expansion and continues to be the heartbeat of our success.
After a decade of fine-tuning our approach, we felt primed for growth. In 2024, we are set to open our second preschool center location in Inglewood. This marks not just a physical expansion but the beginning of a new phase in our organizational development. We are delving into building acquisition, build-out processes, construction, and project management – all essential components and learning milestones as we set our sights on becoming a multi-location preschool center.
The journey has been marked by resilience, a love for what we do, and an unwavering commitment to creating enriching environments for young minds. Every milestone, from the inception of the home daycare to the upcoming expansion, has been a testament to the dedication of our team and the families we serve. As we step into the future, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and remain committed to our vision of providing exceptional early childhood education on a broader scale.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wcc-la.com
- Instagram: @worldcitycenter
- Facebook: htttps://www.facebook.com/worldcitycenter
- Twitter: @worldcitycenter
Image Credits
Look Over Here, LLC
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