We had the good fortune of connecting with Gina Suggs and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Gina, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
The decision to attend an HBCU away from home was the best decision I could have ever made as a young adult. I am a proud Alumni of The Tennessee State University. Attending an HBCU and particularly TSU, contributed to my success in many ways. I learned to hustle, speak up for myself (since my parents were out of state) and most importantly I connected and made relationships with different people from all walks of life. These relationships make up an extensive network of doctors, lawyers, designers, real estate agents, teachers, engineers…. almost any career you can think of. These people are a phone call (or dm) away and TSU alumni look out for each other, we’re a family. I have reached out to many people for questions regarding anything in the world, and most are willing to help where they can.
What should our readers know about your business?
The Kids center for Academic Resources and Education( Kids CARE) is a private school for ages 3- 5th grade. Kids CARE focuses is on individual based learning for children and families to allow them to be compatible with curricula from all communities, not just their own! Our goal is to enhance the performance skills of children by focusing on making positive adjustments to the curriculum so that they cater to all learning styles. Now that I am going into my 3rd year in business, one thing has stood out to me about myself throughout this process. I am a truly dedicated person, I truly don’t take no for an answer and I get stuff handled. These are basic skills for any entrepreneur, yes, but these past 3 years have showed me that entrepreneurship is NOT for everybody. There are days where you are flat broke, stressed out and work 15 plus hours, just to get up and do it again the next day. You have to truly love what you do to intentionally work like this. And I do love what I do, so this is my life. Period.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to go out to eat!! I would take my friends on a tour to all the Black-Owned restaurants in Atlanta. I love the ambiance of getting cute, sitting in a restaurant booth, eating good food, drinking out of a cute martini glass, listening to music and chatting about real life! This is the best way to connect, to me. I would visit Bar Vegan, Gocha’s Breakfast Bar, Rock Steady, Breakfast at Barney’s or Virgils Gullah Kitchen. After we ate all we can eat I would definitely take some time for self care. I would book facials, foot massages, hot yoga, and of course do my favorite, walk Piedmont Park and The Beltline. I work very long hours each day so I take self care VERY seriously. So my favorite things to do is eat and relax.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Even though it’s very cliche, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in right now without my friends and family. There was no motivational book or TV show that got me through tough times and long nights. My tribe got me through EVERYTHING. My mom and sister especially have worked just as hard as I have at my school. My friends have donated, painted, bought supplies…. Whatever you can think of, my friends and family have been there. I am so happy to have people in my life who have my back through anything.
Website: kidscareatlanta.com
Instagram: Personal: @danggggina Business: @kidscareatlanta
Facebook: @kidscareatlanta