We recently connected with Zollyann Howell and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Zollyann thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

Honestly, starting my business during the pandemic was all about courage and faith. Everything around me felt uncertain but I knew I didn’t want to wait for “perfect timing”. I wanted to create something meaningful right then.

I started ZAM Learning Academy while I was out of work on maternity leave with my youngest daughter in the beginning of the pandemic. Parents were struggling, kids needed connection and I saw a gap I could fill. I had no roadmap, just passion and purpose. So I researched, registered my business, built a simple website and started recruiting families.

The first year were filled with long nights, trial and error and lots of learning but it also showed me what’s possible when you stop waiting for things to calm down and just start. The pandemic tested me but it also revealed my strength as a creator, educator and entrepreneur.

Zollyann, 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 an educator, author and founder of ZAM Learning Academy, a nationwide virtual preschool and enrichment program.
What started as a way to keep children learning from home has grown into a creative online learning space where kids build confidence, curiosity, and community.

I’ve always believed that learning should feel exciting, not stressful. That’s the heart of what I do. At ZAM, we focus on early childhood development through fun, hands-on lessons that make kids feel seen and celebrated. I design each 6-week session with intention, blending academics with creative play, storytelling and real-world connections.

Beyond the classroom, I’m also an author and the founder of Books by Zee, where I write and publish both children’s books and adult short stories. Through both my academy and my books, I aim to make education and storytelling accessible, inspiring and culturally inclusive. What sets me apart is that everything I create is purpose driven. I’m not just running programs, I’m building experiences that remind children (and their families) that learning can be joyful, even in uncertain times.

I’m most proud of how far it’s come. From teaching at my kitchen table during the pandemic to having students and readers across the U.S. and even internationally. And what I want people to know about my work is simple: it’s rooted in love, creativity and a deep belief that we all have the power to turn our ideas into impact.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was believing that I had to constantly show up for everyone, even when it came at the expense of myself. For a long time, I equated being dependable with being available, always saying yes, always being the strong one, always being there. But I learned that not every relationship deserves the same level of access or energy.

The backstory is that I’ve always been the person people lean on, the problem solver, the encourager, the one holding things together. And while that’s a beautiful part of who I am, it also left me drained. Over time, I realized that healthy relationships, whether with friends or family require balance. You can still be supportive and loving without overextending yourself. Unlearning that was freeing. I had to accept that setting boundaries doesn’t make you distant; it makes you disciplined about your peace. Now, I focus on mutual connections, relationships where there’s reciprocity, honesty and growth on both sides. It’s helped me move through life with more clarity and protect the energy I need to keep creating, teaching, and leading.

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

After I launched my business, I quickly learned that the hardest part wasn’t getting started, it was finding the funding and resources to keep it going. I knew I wanted to grow ZAM Learning Academy and expand my impact but that meant I had to get creative about how to sustain it financially.

I started joining local programs and state supported initiatives in New Jersey, things offered through Invest Newark, small business development centers and women entrepreneur networks. These programs didn’t just give me access to potential funding; they gave me knowledge. I learned how to structure my business better, write competitive grant proposals and communicate my mission clearly.

Through that process, I was able to participate in pitch competitions and I’m proud to say I even won first place in a grant competition, which gave me both funding and the confidence to keep pushing forward. I also connected with national organizations like the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center and Cornell Women’s Entrepreneurship Program, where I continued to refine my strategy and gain mentorship.

Those opportunities reminded me that funding isn’t just about money, it’s about positioning yourself in rooms where your vision is understood and supported. Every grant, every pitch, and every program helped me grow not just as a business owner, but as a leader.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/bossbabemove
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/zoll_inreallife
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054485405970
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zollyann-howell-8b86a522a

Image Credits

JLavii Photography