We were lucky to catch up with Erica Quarles recently and have shared our conversation below.

Erica , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar your firm earns is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.

Originally, my husband and I decided to open a childcare out of love for children and because we wanted a child to call our own. We dreamed of taking care of our child in daycare and able to educate him or her as well other children. Nevertheless, wanting to provide a safe haven for children. I was fired from my employer after 10 years and it was the very push that was needed. Gradually, I made steps toward taking various trainings to open a childcare within our home. After managing to take all of the trainings, we then had to get our home inspected. We were finally approved by the State after one year of trying to open for operation. Once, we were approved then it was okay to start doing business. Except, we had no clientele and we were trying to figure out how to gain our very first client. After creating flyers, promoting them on social media platforms and going into grocery stores speaking with people no one called for service. After gaining some knowledgeable advice, we decided to have an open house. Boy the open house had signs on the corner, as well as a lot of finger foods for people to enjoy. No one came except for two of my neighbors and they were only here for support. Most importantly, to help eat all the food that had been made and would have gone to waste. Subsequently, my hard work, turned into tears of hurt. For sure, my thoughts were of hopelessness. After, the devastation, it was time to make some more moves. There were questions ?? Where did you go wrong Erica ? How could you have planned this better. With that being said, there was some realization of things. Erica, you cannot wait until the day of to start promoting your business and things do take time. Finally, I started receiving calls from people after about two months. One day, I was in the grocery market and generously spoke to the lady in front of me. She helped me with some coupons in being polite. So, she asked me what I did for a living. My response was a ” Childcare Provider” and she said really! Then she explained that this was area of profession as well. Moreover, that she would be closing her childcare down. This women was truly informational, and very wise. We exchanged numbers, and then I continued to stay in communication. This nice sole, encouraged me to stay on course. Shortly thereafter, I received my first call from a parent who wanted to interview. Once she attended the interview, both the parent and I agreed to terms that this would be a great fit for us both. Excitedly speaking, she knew others who needed care. So, therefore more children came after her son started in 2018. There it was E’s to Bee’s landed its very first client. But even better, more children came from this experience. Since then. I have moved my way up in childcare, giving up was not an option for me. Currently, I am a Director, Maryland Excels Level 3, Credentialed at a Level 3, and my program is now a Public Pre-K. Which is listed as a school for the State of Maryland . If given up, I would have never reaped any of these benefits. Most importantly, I guess your wondering about the little bundle of joy. Well sadly, my husband and I were pregnant in March of 2021 and loss our baby do to some complications. This did not prohibit us from wanting to provide care for other children, but we could only hope that a Blessing would occur again. But if not, we will never forget even if it was just a moment something small to share. Returning back to work, the love from the children made it all worth the wild and has inspired me to continue to give them the very best experience a daycare could ever provide.

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

My family has a strategic background in childcare. My grandmother had ten children and my mother owned a childcare as well. I decided to began childcare out of love for children. Desiring to give them a safe place to come to each day to learn and grow. The children have motivated me to go back to College to get my Early Child Hood Degree. I’ve been in school for three consecutive years and loving the education that I’m able to bring to the children. This has enabled me to teach them skills that will help them once they reach Kindergarten. Not to mention, early childhood intervention. My infant children have been able to recognize there names before turning one years of age. Not to mention providing them with resources to assist in the appropriate areas.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients has been through some very old fashion ways. Often times, people refer families to E’s to Bee’s Daycare. As well as social media platforms, for example Facebook, Next Door, Instagram and our Website. We are on Winnie and the office of childcare has referred some children as well.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A time when I had to pivot is when sales were running slow. The daycare only had one child, and having a second income was not an option at this point. So, I applied to work at the Arc in Harford, County because the position met my needs for part-time employment. My job title was a supporter, in which I was responsible for providing support to a person who required special needs. My position at the Arc, was a very humbling experience. Most importantly, providing encouragement to someone who needs support was a very rewarding experience. Making new relationships with others as well as learning more about myself. This continued for approximately Six Months. Shortly Thereafter, the pandemic began and our hours were cut. Moreover, mu childcare began to fill out with children and it seemed that I no longer needed my part-time job. Finally, success !

Contact Info:

• Website: wonderschool.com/md/parkville/erica-s-wonderschool-6985
• Instagram: estobees
• Facebook: Erica Quarles @esto.bees