I went to college to be a teacher and had no business knowledge or education. Many times I stressed not only about making ends meet in the business but at home too. But thank God I didn’t! I always held my fathers words closely, he’d say “Honey, remember tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” Because I had NO option, I had to make it work because my children depended on me, I persevered. The business was a disaster, I felt overwhelmed, underprepared, and like I had bitten off more than I could chew! So many times I was burnt out and exhausted and I wanted to quit. After finally getting the opportunity of my dreams, I can vividly recall regretting what I had done.
I was told “no” more times than I can count, Despite trying for years to open a center I was unable to, rejection after rejection only fueled me. As well as advocate for families and educators at the state level in Arizona. Because of this, I have had the honor to expand my reach to and support other early childhood professionals and or small business owners with training, mentoring, consulting and public speaking. I have built an amazing team and together we continue to grow as leaders and as a company to better serve our communities.
The last seven years have been the best years of personal growth, learning through trial and error, asking for help and plain and simple taking risks! I would have never dreamed I would be where I am. We have plans for further expansion and another center opening in 2020. Fast forward seven years, not only were we able to turn the business around but also open two more centers from the ground up. It was in such terrible condition I remember crying in regret for what I had done. After much dedication and perseverance we were able to turn it around. Months later, I was offered the opportunity to take over a failing center. I struggled to find a teaching job and while I searched for my next “thing” I needed to provide for my 2 sons and I, so I sold appliances online. My children and I became friends with the families I served and I’m so thankful for those relationships we built over the years.Īfter going through a divorce I was forced to shut down my home preschool so I decided to pursue teaching again, but destiny would have a different plan. It allowed me to be able to provide for my family, pursue my career, all while still raising my own children. I proudly operated out of my home for six years.
I started by offering free childcare to friends and began with big dreams and a passion for teaching.
I remodeled my garage into a classroom as best as I could land started with big dreams of one day opening my own center. Martha, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.Īfter having my first son and teaching at the local school district, I decided to stay home and open my own home preschool. Please print out, fill in completely and bring to your child's after school site supervisor.Today we’d like to introduce you to Martha Picciao.