We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cyasia Zackery a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cyasia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

My journey of becoming an entrepreneur and black business owner started with significant risk. In the fall of 2014, I was sitting at home, in the small town I was born and raised in, York, Pennsylvania. I remember feeling bored, stagnant, and somewhat useless. It could have been because I spent most of my life in a town with nothing to do and no real opportunities, or because the seasonal depression of Winter was quickly approaching. Either way, I knew I had enough.

A few Google searches of “the best places to live” turned into me booking a birthday trip to a city full of history, art, diversity, and fun: Savannah, Georgia. In March 2015 my fiance at the time, my puppy, and I took a 10-hour road trip to the beautiful coastal city. Four days in Savannah was all it took for me to say, ” I want to live here.” The trees had the voices of my Ancestors, covered in Spanish Moss. The cobblestone roads and historic homes along River Street and Midtown reminded me of scenes I only saw in movies. The Aura of Savannah was alive and well. Strangers and locals all spoke in a cheerful, wholesome way.

Two months after our first visit to Savannah, my fiance and I sold everything we owned and packed two midsize vehicles with toiletry necessities, clothes, and a 7-month-old blue-nose puppy. Our friends and family all watched in amazement. “They’ll be back,” most of them thought. People rarely leave their hometown on a whim, let alone without returning. It’s been 7 years since I’ve had the pleasure of calling Savannah, “home.” I’ve tied the knot here, birthed two beautiful baby girls, and two black-owned businesses.

“Kidz Academy Preschool LLC”., formerly known as “Home Away from Home Early Learning Center LLC.” was established in the Spring of 2019. The following year, I co-founded JZackreations LLC., alongside my Husband, Justin Zackery. Today, both businesses are thriving and have been recognized in Savannah for their uniqueness, dedication, and authenticity. Together, we have created a foundation that neither one of us had the access to as young black children. With business plans set for an additional two businesses, our descendants are bound to have a legacy of their own.

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

My name is Cyasia Zackery and I am 30 years old. I am a Wife, Mother, Sister, Student, Friend, and Teacher. I am unapologetically black and I not only understand it, but I am living out my life’s purpose.

I am most proud of the fact that I am chosen countless times to be someone else’s Teacher. Do you know what that means? I am specifically selected to lead others in knowledge, competence, and virtue. It is my goal that every child I have the opportunity to teach remembers me, my teachings, and all of my love for a lifetime. I pour into my students in a way that doesn’t necessarily fit the job description and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met my business and life partner in an Early Childhood class at Penn State, York. Once we got through classes during the day and partying at night, we would spend hours talking about our past, present, and future. We come from two very different backgrounds but shared a commonality in our natural leadership skills, determination, and creativity.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Life happens, and when you’re already faced with the challenge of being a black woman in business, and whatever else is thrown your way, sometimes you simply just want to quit. I’ve had some major blessings in life, such as having my two daughters. In addition, I’ve lost a lot of people along the way. Some who’ve transcended from this physical realm, and others who won’t make it to the peak of my success. I’ve learned the more authentic and healed you become, the scarier you may look to those who are not. Every day that I choose to keep going, unapologetically, is a day of resilience.

Contact Info:

• Website: kidzacademy-preschool.com
• Instagram: @kidzacademy912
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KAP912

Image Credits
Justin A. Zackery, JZackreations LLC.