Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shantal Long. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Shantal N. Long is the Executive Director and founder of Elite Children Learning Center, a successful childcare business with three established locations. With a passion for advocacy, education, and mentoring, Shantal has dedicated the past 17 years to making a positive impact. She believes that hard work is not just a necessity but also a source of joy.

Shantal’s journey began right out of high school when she started as a Doctor’s Assistant with no prior experience. This role served as a stepping stone, teaching her valuable skills and paving the way for her future success. Even at a young age, Shantal possessed a wealth mindset and innate financial savvy. She mastered the principles of saving and budgeting, which became foundational to her accomplishments.

While pursuing her education at Georgia State University, Shantal faced a significant challenge when she became pregnant. Determined not to become a statistic, she used this obstacle as motivation to strive for greatness. With her son Bryan as her driving force, she earned her business degree and climbed the ladder in the healthcare industry. Little did she know that this journey was preparing her for something even greater.

In 2007, despite skepticism from others, Shantal took a leap of faith and resigned to start her own home childcare facility. She knew that although she had achieved financial stability, she desired more for herself and her son. With her unwavering faith and over $20,000 in savings, she founded her first in-home childcare facility. From there, Shantal’s business grew, and in May 2008, she opened her Childcare Learning Facility, investing over $30,000 of her own savings, without loans or investors.

Not content with stopping there, Shantal partnered with an established investor in 2009 to open her second facility. Alongside managing and mastering these two locations, she embraced a new opportunity when God opened the door to her third facility. Today, Shantal successfully operates three childcare locations, showcasing her resilience, determination, and business acumen.

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Shantal has also launched a non-profit organization called LFC, dedicated to empowering young women and instilling strength, success, and confidence within them. Her current writing project aims to provide step-by-step tools for achieving success, reflecting her commitment to uplifting others.

Residing in Mableton, Georgia, Shantal Long continues to make a positive impact in her community, proving that anyone, including “little Shannie,” can surpass expectations and achieve greatness.

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

Resilience is a daily journey for entrepreneurs, and it has become an integral part of my career. I face challenges every day, whether I’m overcoming obstacles, navigating through difficult situations, or embracing new opportunities. This constant testing has taught me to increase my pain tolerance and to recognize that I have the strength to endure any hardship. I often reflect on the phrase “the testing of my faith,” knowing that with each test, I emerge stronger and more resilient.

In the childcare industry, resilience is particularly crucial. Dealing with various stakeholders, including children, parents, and staff, presents a unique set of challenges. My approach is to prioritize the well-being and safety of the children above all else, creating a nurturing environment for them. Simultaneously, I focus on ensuring a harmonious and contented team, understanding that their happiness will positively impact both the children and the parents.

I believe that the childcare industry, along with the restaurant business, is one of the most demanding sectors to operate in. People are fiercely protective when it comes to their children and their food. There are no second chances when it comes to the care and well-being of children. That’s why I commit myself fully every single day to provide a safe and secure environment, leaving no room for compromise.

Resilience has become my foundation in this challenging industry. It drives me to constantly improve and excel, ensuring that I give my best to the children, their families, and my team.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

Funding my business was a result of my financial discipline and saving abilities, which I consider a gift from God. From a young age, I developed a knack for budgeting and saving money. It started when I was 16 and managed to save my first $1,000, despite earning just $6 per hour. This initial achievement instilled in me the belief that I had the potential to achieve more.

Throughout my journey, I continued to prioritize saving, even as I worked my way up the career ladder and earned higher wages. Gradually, I saved $5,000, then $10,000, and by the time I reached 23, my savings had accumulated to over $30,000. Although I didn’t know the exact purpose for these savings at the time, I trusted that God had a plan.

One day, the realization came that it was time to start my own home childcare facility. With the funds I had diligently saved, I took the leap and established my business. This initial investment served as a foundation, allowing my business to grow and expand from a home facility to its first official location. Each step of the way, I leveraged the success and profits of my previous endeavors to further develop and expand my business.

Ultimately, the funding for my business came from my personal savings, nurtured by my commitment to budgeting and saving diligently. I am grateful for the financial wisdom bestowed upon me, as it allowed me to embark on this entrepreneurial journey and build a successful childcare enterprise.

In addition to my entrepreneurial pursuits, I am currently advancing my ministry powered by prayer. Recognizing the incredible power and guidance that prayer provides, I am on a journey to deepen my understanding and harness the transformative strength of prayer in my life and business.

Through prayer, I have discovered a profound source of inspiration, guidance, and comfort. It has taught me to trust in God’s plan and seek His wisdom in every decision I make. Prayer has been instrumental in shaping my mindset, fostering resilience, and keeping my faith unwavering, especially during challenging times.

As I continue to learn and grow in my understanding of prayer, I am eager to share this knowledge and experience with others. Through my ministry, I aim to inspire and encourage individuals to tap into the power of prayer, helping them realize the incredible impact it can have on their lives and businesses.

Prayer has become an integral part of my daily routine, grounding me, and providing clarity and purpose. It has strengthened my relationship with God, allowing me to align my business endeavors with His divine will. With prayer as my foundation, I approach each day with renewed hope and an unwavering belief in the possibilities that lie ahead.

Through my ministry, I am committed to guiding others in discovering the power of prayer, empowering them to unlock their potential, overcome obstacles, and embrace a fulfilling journey in both their personal and professional lives. By embracing prayer as a transformative force, we can navigate challenges with grace, make wise decisions, and find solace in the midst of uncertainty.

I am excited to continue advancing my ministry powered by prayer, as it serves as a guiding light and a source of strength on my entrepreneurial path. With each step forward, I am reminded of the incredible blessings that come from seeking God’s presence and wisdom through prayer.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.eliteschildren.com