Our Get to Know The Entrepreneur Spotlight feature is of Author and Business Owner, DeShonda Jennings. DeShonda is a remarkable individual who wears many hats with grace and determination. As a devoted mother, grandmother, experienced Family Childcare Business Owner, passionate Childcare Coach, speaker, and insightful author, she has dedicated her life to empowering families and children.
Born and raised in a small rural town Kenbridge, VA, DeShonda developed a love for children from a young age. Her unwavering desire to make a positive impact on their lives led her on an inspiring journey that has touched the lives of countless families and fellow educators.
After being blessed with her miracle baby, DeShonda completed her studies in Early Childhood Education and ventured into the world of family childcare, realizing the immense potential it held in providing a nurturing environment for not only her children but so many more. With unwavering dedication and an innovative approach, she established her own family childcare business, DJ Shining Stars Daycare which quickly became a beacon of excellence in Family Childcare.
DeShonda’s success as a business owner, however, was not limited to the confines of her own childcare business. Recognizing the need for support and guidance in the childcare industry, she expanded her role to become a childcare coach. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, she empowers fellow providers to create thriving and sustainable businesses, ensuring that every child receives the highest quality care and education.
Join us as we get to know more about The Entrepreneur, DeShonda Jennings.
What made you choose to start your business(es)?
DeShonda: I pretty much had the spirit of an entrepreneur when I started babysitting my cousins at a young age, then got my first job at a restaurant at age 15. From there, I worked other jobs and did quite a few MLM ventures. I would say the birth of my daughter was when I took the leap of faith and got serious about it. I call her my miracle baby, and her birth inspired me to not want to have anyone else care for her. At that moment, I realized if I felt that way, it was other moms that probably felt the same way. So I was committed to being the best mom and caregiver.
DJ It Takes A Village Childcare Association was started because as a Family Childcare Business owner, it can seem like you are alone in this business. The Association is a space for other business owners to network, bounce ideas, share resources, and get training on child development and business training related directly to the growth/sustainability of their business. The Coaching business was started to assist in closing childcare desserts throughout our nation. I have the experience and expertise to help other women start a successful and profitable childcare business.
As an advocate, it is my duty to help and assist aspiring and current childcare business owners to operate regulated businesses for our future generation. As a parent, I understand how important it is to know that your child’s safety is the first priority. As a business owner, I also understand that you have to be a profitable business to stay in business.
Are you currently seeking any help with your business(es)? If so, what kind?
DeShonda: In my childcare business, it would be a blessing to have a sponsor and/or an investor for our outdoor place space. As a home-based childcare business, access to capital is little to none. I’m grateful for the grants for materials, puzzles, blocks, toys, and tables, but there is a greater need for funding for outside play equipment with surfacing. This help is vital because outdoor play equipment promotes physical, social-emotional, and cognitive growth. It also helps with the connection to nature and encourages a healthy and active lifestyle.
What is the latest news you can share with us about your upcoming projects?
DeShonda: I’m so excited that my collaboration book, “Journey of An Early Childhood Educator” will be launching this Fall. The book has insights for Early Childhood Consultants, Coaches, Child Care Center Directors, Home Based Childcare Business Owners, and an Expert on incorporating STEM in Early Childhood Settings. This book will be a great resource for everyone in the Childcare Industry.
What is your overall goal for this year?
DeShonda: My overall goal is to impact 1,000 lives by the end of this year. The common denominator is a child. To reach the goal, it will include the families that I provide childcare services for, the people that read any of my books, members of the child care association, people that receive my free resource, www.10mistakes2avoid.com, cross promotion with other authors. I just know that it takes one to reach one and through the village, 1,000 people will be impacted.
More on DeShonda Jennings
Beyond her work as a coach, DeShonda has been featured on Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Pandora, The Wealthy Woman Podcast, CBS, NBC, ABC, Richmond Times Dispatch, U.S. News and World Report, The Washington Post, Anthology with Dr. Cheryl Wood and Les Brown and so many more.
DeShonda’s passion for early childhood education and her commitment to empowering families has also found expression through her writing. Her books, How To Start A Quality Home Daycare, Learning Through Play, Life of An Entrepreneur, and Creating Outcomes & Action by Changing Habits, and Journey of an Early Childhood Educator,” has become valuable resources for parents and educators seeking guidance in the childcare industry and enriching environments for children. With step-by-step guidance and practical strategies, DeShonda’s books offer a roadmap for starting a home-based childcare business, setting it up, and the pros and cons of entrepreneurship.
Learn even more by visiting:
LinkedIn: DeShondajennings
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deshonda.jennings
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/deshonda_j
