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

Shannan, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

SWP—Step With Purpose—started with a simple belief: everything we do should be purposeful. From the beginning, our goal wasn’t just success but making a real impact by staying grounded in innovation, diversity, and love.

We’ve always believed that people and communities matter. Success, to us, is rooted in listening—really listening—to the voices around us. Whether it’s a teammate sharing a bold new idea or a local community expressing their needs, we act with intention. Every step we take is a deliberate effort to let people know they’re seen, heard, and valued.

Innovation drives us forward, fueled by the power of diversity. Our team, with its unique backgrounds and perspectives, is our greatest strength.

Shannan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a young Black woman who grew up loving my neighborhood and dreaming of positive change for our Black and Brown communities. My journey began with a simple but powerful vision: to create something that uplifts the people I care about while connecting everyone through shared purpose and love. That’s how SWP—Step With Purpose—came to life.

Our mission is rooted in providing high-quality childcare for children ages 2.5 to 13 years old. But it’s more than just childcare; it’s about building a foundation for the future. We aim to create a safe, nurturing space where children feel loved, valued, and encouraged to dream big. For working families, we offer peace of mind, knowing their children are not only cared for but are also learning and thriving.

What sets us apart is the intention behind everything we do. I’ve always believed that every step we take should be purposeful. Whether it’s developing educational programs that reflect the diversity of our communities, hiring staff who share our values, or providing resources to help families navigate challenges, everything is done with care and thoughtfulness.

I’m most proud of how we’ve created a space where children and families feel connected—not just to us, but to each other. It’s about letting people know they matter and fostering a sense of community that supports everyone.

For me, it’s about honoring where I come from while making room for everyone. While my work is deeply rooted in serving Black and Brown communities, SWP is for everyone because I believe that true change comes from connection, understanding, and love.

To anyone reading this: if you’re looking for a place where your child will be cared for with purpose and passion—or if you share a dream of creating meaningful change—I hope you’ll join us on this journey. Together, we can step with purpose and make a lasting impact.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding my business was a journey of determination and faith. I worked a full-time job to save while taking full advantage of grants, loans, and net-30 opportunities to build my foundation. Opening during COVID was incredibly challenging, but I stayed consistent, focused on building my credit and applying for every resource I could find.

What kept me going was my belief in my purpose—to create something meaningful for my community. It wasn’t easy, but my dedication to the families and children I serve made every step worth it. SWP was built with hard work, love, and an unwavering commitment to my dream.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

When things got tough in my first year, I asked my landlord to waive rent for a couple of months. We had a great space, but with only two children enrolled and one full-time employee, the expenses were overwhelming. It wasn’t easy to ask for help, but I learned an important lesson: don’t be afraid to ask. You never know how it will turn out, and that support can make all the difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stepwithpurposellc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepwithpurpose_llc/profilecard/?igsh=bnhpeDBqY3p0bHEw

Image Credits
N/a all my pictures and space