Crib Sheet #55: King’s Kids’ Pleshette Simone.

Pleshette did not mean to inspire momtrepreneurs.  She did what any practical mother would do: get inspiration from her child to do something great and figure out a way to make it profitable, too.  And doing childcare business as a one-woman show–without the tightrope or circus juggling.

What business did you start up?

King’s Kids Childcare & Resource Center: home childcare that specializes in caring for children with special needs and catering to parents with special work schedules.

What motivated you to do it?

I am a single mom of a child diagnosed with a “special need”.  Like most single parents I needed to master the complicated task of working a job while taking care of my son.  One of the most difficult assignments of being a parent of a child with a special diagnosis, is finding a childcare facility that offers both quality care for children with special needs and flexibility to parents who don’t work the typical 9 to 5 job.  I took my son from daycare to daycare trying to find one that not only stated that they accepted children of all needs, but actually took care of them.  Quite frankly, the high level of patience, necessary training and care was and is hard to find in the childcare business.

2007 was my turning point. I was laid off from my job and it was then that I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business. So, when the door opened I jumped in with both feet and never looked back.  It was then that King’s Kids Childcare and Resource Center was born, the childcare business  that provides quality care to children of “all abilities” and caters to parents with flexible work schedules.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

I have one child, a son , age 9.

How long have you been running your childcare business?

I’ve been successfully running my business for 2+ years.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

My Childcare business has been successful from the day I opened my doors and I have increased ever since.

How did your family react to you starting your childcare business?

My family and friends have been a great support to me, especially my sister who has been my personal cheerleader/ pep squad.

Easiest part of your job?

Caring for my kids and assisting in their growth and development.

Hardest part of your job?

Being a one-woman show.  If I could clone myself I would need to do it in triplicate just so that I could get everything done.

What skill would you most like to improve?

Financial management so that I can expand my childcare business.

What tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

I wish that I had started my own childcare business sooner. My advice to anyone looking to step into the world of self-employment is this: if you have a gift or talent, use it to fuel your success. Don’t procrastinate, start today.

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of?

Being a single mom who stepped out on faith and started my own business in the midst of unemployment and against all odds.

Favorite part of a typical day?

Being home when my son gets off his school bus while still being at work.

And a few more questions, considering that American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

Childhood ambition? To be a billionaire so that I could care for my parents in their senior years, live a life of luxury both me and my children and have more than enough to help others.

Time of day you get the most work done? 1 PM – 3 PM or after my son goes down for the night.

Favorite book or magazine? Your Best Life Now – Pastor Joel Osteen

Least likely to…..fail.

 

My life…..is pleasant and prosperous.