We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Garri Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Garri below.

Hi Garri, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

During the exhilarating journey of planning my very first childcare early learning program, I was determined to find a name that would captivate hearts and roll off tongues effortlessly. As I brainstormed for weeks, jotting down countless possibilities, I couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. The spark of inspiration eluded me until one fateful day when an enchanting image caught my eye on Google pictures—a resplendent purple flower.

Mesmerized by its sheer beauty, I dove headfirst into an enthralling research expedition, uncovering the incredible tale behind this particular blossom. Astonishingly, it thrived in the depths of muddy, murky swamp water, defying the odds imposed by its surroundings. Even in the dimmest of conditions, this flower blossomed into a radiant purple marvel.

In that moment, a profound connection resonated within me, linking this extraordinary flower to the children I aimed to serve in my program. My deepest desire was to provide a safe haven for kids from lower-income, impoverished areas, where they often face more obstacles than their counterparts in more affluent communities. Similar to the resilient water lily, I knew that by showering these children with love and nurturing in our program, they too would overcome any barriers and flourish into exceptional individuals—brilliantly intelligent, highly motivated, and fully engaged students, ready to conquer the challenges of “big kid school.”

And thus, the Water Lily Learning Center was conceived—a name that encapsulates the unwavering hope, the transformative power, and the extraordinary potential that lies within each child we have the privilege to guide on their educational journey.

Garri, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Garri Davis, an unstoppable entrepreneur and a captivating speaker who proudly calls Cincinnati, Ohio, my home sweet home. I’ve got some serious educational firepower under my belt, including a degree in Financial Management from Cincinnati State, I received my bachelors degree from Wilberforce University and My Masters in Management from Indian Wesleyan University, Graduating Cum Laude was a proud moment that fueled my unstoppable drive for success.

Fast forward to 2012, and I was ready to take on the world with my very own child care center, the one and only Water Lily Learning Center. From humble beginnings, my center blossomed into an incredible hub of education and growth, thanks to my unwavering dedication and visionary leadership. Today, I’m thrilled to stand tall as the CEO of Water Lily Learning Center and the CEO of the Garri Davis Agency, where I get to sprinkle my expertise in business development and leadership consulting to help others chase their dreams.

But wait, there’s more! I’m not just a business aficionado—I’ve become quite the rockstar in the child care industry. People recognize me as a strategic business coach, helping child care owners and providers unlock their full potential and achieve mind-blowing results. And guess what? I’ve poured my heart and soul into a fantastic international best-seller called “CEO In Stilettos,” where I spill the beans on my own journey and share invaluable lessons in leadership for female entrepreneurs with readers worldwide. I’ve even had the honor of contributing to another international best-seller, “Becoming Dynamic.” Talk about leaving a lasting impact!

When I’m not conquering the business world, I make it my mission to give back to the community. As the Board Chair for Dress for Success and Portulaca, two incredible organizations empowering women, I’m all about making a difference. And as a Board Member for the African American Chamber of Commerce, I proudly advocate for the growth and prosperity of our thriving business community. Oh, and let’s not forget my involvement with the Cost of Quality Committee for Preschool Promise, where I champion education and children’s well-being as well as being a board member for Ohio AEYC.

So get ready to be inspired, my friend! With an unstoppable drive, a magnetic personality, and an unyielding commitment to making a difference, I’m here to ignite your own journey towards success and significance. Trust me, you won’t want to miss a moment of this incredible ride. Garri Davis, at your service—a force to be reckoned with, and your friendly guide to conquering the world!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As a single parent, I defied the odds by graduating with a master’s degree and a stellar GPA, all while working a demanding full-time job. Graduation was a moment of triumph, but deep down, I doubted my ability to be the CEO of my own organization. Determined to prove myself, I worked tirelessly, impressing everyone I crossed paths with. But no matter how hard I tried, I kept encountering the same roadblocks like being told that I lack of communication skills and a need for professional development. It felt like an endless cycle of frustration.

Then, something alarming happened. During a training class, I experienced shortness of breath and an irregular heartbeat. Terrified, I realized that stress and anxiety were taking a toll on my health. Forced to take a week off work, I reflected on my situation. I wasn’t happy, appreciated, or fulfilled in my job. I craved recognition, fair compensation, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. It was clear that things had to change.

During that transformative week of rest, I made a decision. I refused to trade my precious time and well-being for a job that failed to recognize my potential. I needed to make a choice: find another employer or become my own boss. I chose the latter, taking a leap of faith. If I was going to work tirelessly to the point of exhaustion, I wanted it to be for my own business and a cause that truly mattered. That’s when the idea of starting my own childcare center took hold.

With determination as my guide, I immersed myself in research, studying childcare regulations and seeking out the perfect location. Even while continuing to work my day job, I dedicated every spare moment to building my dream. Then, fate intervened in the spring of 2011 when I was unexpectedly fired. It was a blessing in disguise, as it cleared the path for me to become an entrepreneur. I gathered my courage, emptied my 401k plan of $10,000, and embarked on this incredible journey.

Since then, I’ve transformed my childcare business from a single student to a multi location center that serves over 150 children every day. Along the way, I’ve also been helping women entrepreneurs start and grow their own businesses. But this journey hasn’t been easy. It’s been an uphill climb, filled with challenges and sacrifices. However, each step has been worth it, as I’ve witnessed the profound impact I can make on children’s lives and the empowerment I can offer to fellow entrepreneurs.

Let this story be a testament to the power of resilience. No matter how steep the climb, with unwavering determination and the courage to take risks, we can overcome any obstacle and create a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

At Water Lily Learning Center, the staff understands that their success relies heavily on building strong connections with both children and parents. They go above and beyond to create an environment that not only provides exceptional care but also fosters a sense of trust and loyalty.

One of the parents, Hailee, enrolls her three-year-old daughter, Bria, at Water Lily Learning Center. From the very first day, Hailee is impressed by the warm welcome she and Bria receive. The staff takes the time to understand Bria’s unique needs and interests, making her feel comfortable and valued.

But what truly sets Water Lily Learning Center apart is their commitment to ongoing communication. They understand that parents want to stay informed about their child’s progress and daily activities. To achieve this, they implement various strategies to keep parents engaged and connected.

Every day, the center sends personalized messages to parents using our parent communication app, highlighting the key moments and milestones of their children’s day. They include photos and detailed descriptions of the activities Bria participates in, the skills she is developing, and the friendships she is forming. This not only keeps Hailee informed but also makes her feel like an active part of her daughter’s journey at the center.

Additionally, Water Lily Learning Center organizes regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss each child’s development, strengths, and areas for improvement. These conferences provide an opportunity for open and honest communication, allowing parents to ask questions, share concerns, and collaborate with the teachers to support their child’s growth.

The center also organizes special events and workshops where parents can actively participate. They hold parent-child art classes, family picnics, and even educational seminars on child development and parenting. These events not only bring the community together but also strengthen the bond between the parents and the daycare center.

As Bria continues to thrive at Water Lily Learning Center, Hailee can’t help but notice the exceptional level of care and attention her daughter receives. She feels confident in the staff’s expertise and genuinely appreciates their dedication to providing a nurturing environment.

The result? Hailee becomes a loyal advocate for Water Lily Learning Center. She enthusiastically recommends the center to friends and family, citing the outstanding communication, personalized care, and commitment to parental involvement.

Water Lily Learning Center’s proactive approach to keeping in touch with parents and fostering a sense of loyalty pays off tremendously. They not only retain loyal families but also attract new ones through word-of-mouth referrals.

The story of Water Lily Learning Center serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying connected with clients in the daycare industry. By going the extra mile, providing regular updates, organizing meaningful events, and creating a sense of community, daycare centers can foster strong relationships with parents and build brand loyalty that sets them apart from the rest.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.waterlilylearningcenter.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterlilylearningcenter/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaterLilyLearningCenterLLC
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garridavis/
• Other: https://www.garridavis.com/ – Garri Davis Agency