We recently connected with Stephanie Belsher and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

With a lifelong dedication to children and youth, including a lengthy stint in Japan, I returned to Early Childhood Education in Canada, only to find myself stifled financially, time-wise, and in terms of curriculum control. With just $500, I began exploring avenues to transition out of my job while remaining in the field of education. Inspired by the independence I witnessed in Japanese children, I sought opportunities to instill similar skills and confidence in Canadian children.

Eager to expand my offerings, I added the Red Cross Babysitting Course, confident that it would complement the Home Alone Safety for Kids program and attract repeat clients. Despite doubts from family and friends about leaving my secure full-time job, I found encouragement and support from those who believed in my vision.

After much deliberation, I requested a six-month leave of absence from my job to fully commit to my entrepreneurial venture. Unfortunately, my request was denied, prompting me to resign and embark on this new journey with a mix of nervousness and excitement.

Leaving my previous job to start my own company has proven to be the best decision I could have made. As the company celebrates its ninth anniversary this year, I’ve achieved the financial freedom I desired and gained more quality time with my family. Being able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families has been incredibly rewarding.
I’m immensely grateful for my dedicated staff, many of whom have been with me since the company’s inception, contributing to our shared success.

Stephanie, 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?

Recalling the excitement of earning my Red Cross Babysitting Course Certificate as a tween, I delved deeper into finding ways to educate children even younger. This led me to discover the Home Alone Safety for Kids program, designed for 9-12-year-olds. Despite its exclusive distribution to organizations, I successfully persuaded the founders to approve our partnership, leveraging my experience and passion for children’s education.

Through diligent research and networking, I obtained my business license, insurance, and necessary materials within a few months. Armed with innovative teaching strategies, I began offering classes, initially drawing small groups of 5-8 students. Word quickly spread, and my classes gained momentum.

Assisting families in educating their children to stay home alone, acquiring valuable skills, and saving parents money on after-school programs has been mutually beneficial. The Red Cross Babysitting course has empowered numerous teens to secure their inaugural jobs and provide assistance to other families in their local communities.

I’ve dedicated significant effort to building our brand, and one aspect that fills me with pride is our low staff turnover rate and the exceptional instructors we attract. These talented individuals bring passion to their work, delivering engaging education that truly makes a difference.

We also proudly uphold the standard of being a living wage employer.

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

Navigating through the challenges of Covid was tough, requiring us to adapt our business model to offer our programs virtually. Despite the hurdles, we were selected to participate in a pilot project with Red Cross for our babysitting course, which turned out to be a resounding success. This achievement was made possible through collaboration with an instructor experienced in virtual learning through the school board.

The timing couldn’t have been more challenging, as the pandemic hit during March Break, traditionally one of our busiest periods. Small business loans provided initial support during the transition as we pivoted our operations. Now, offering both in-person and virtual courses, we provide families with a valuable choice in how they access our programs.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective approach to expanding our clientele is undoubtedly exceptional customer service, which entails being available to take calls and answer emails around the clock. Our commitment to providing personalized assistance and guidance in selecting the best courses for children’s needs is highly valued by our customers. Additionally, maintaining a dedicated and passionate staff plays a crucial role in our success, as their enthusiasm for their work shines through in every interaction. The credibility gained from positive word-of-mouth recommendations and parent reviews further fuels our business growth efforts.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.safetytreecanada.com
• Instagram: SafetyTreeCanada
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/stfzkXobgGyg8xrc/?mibextid=YMEMSu
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/stephanie-belsher-she-her-elle-4b4b984b
• Twitter: Safety_Tree