We had the good fortune of connecting with Saba Fulford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Saba, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business honestly came from my work experience and educational background. I graduated with a degree in elementary education, and family and consumer science (child development). And honestly speaking, I knew right away what I wanted to do when I was young. And I never deviated from that idea. My background in childcare and the professional positions I upheld, prepared me for this business. And one day I just had a thought, I’m good at what I do and so many people confirmed my thoughts by stating, “You should start your own business”. So, I said to myself why not start my own business? What else is there outside of being an employee for someone? When I worked at a facility like GKU, it made me think about the various means I could make my own business offer unique services. Working at that facility helped me understand the ins and outs of the business field I was venturing into. The experience gave me insight into the landscape of my business model. I figured, okay, what needs to be changed what needs to be fixed? How can I make it my own? How can I make it stand out? And most importantly what needs does the community have? In what ways can my business fill the needs of the community? That’s how I came up with the whole idea of GKU.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
GKU is not a daycare, it is an alternative childcare facility. It’s for the parents and what makes us unique is what we offer. Our community is global. We are here for the blue-collar, we are here for everyone it’s inclusive. No one is left behind. The facility’s foundation is built on providing a home for children to play, learn, have fun and engage with other kids. There will be no limits to this activity center. It is for all races, creeds, and religions. Every child deserves this special experience, “a home that breeds a unique experience.” Most drop-off centers are just about playing. But GKU is centered on having a full experience for the kids (develop, engage and empower them). I want them to leave being fulfilled. GKU strives to provide excellence in all the services we provide them. We offer classes that meet the needs of our community. We’ll be offering foreign language classes, after-school programs, school readiness programs and so much more outside of our main drop-off care service. Each GKU experience will be different due to the various ways we will cater to each community.

Some future aspects of GKU that I’m looking forward to is finalizing the capital and total funding for GKU so that the Grand Opening can happen. Right now, I’m in the process of crowdfunding “Project Global Kids United” and we are days away from the expiration date. I’m excited about the completion of that, despite if we meet our goals. I am thankful and blessed.

It’s been a journey to get to where I am today. It hasn’t been easy to be honest! There have been many hurdles and mountains to climb. It’s taken years of hard work, sometimes taking the back seat in some roles, lots of humility and making my way to the front and center where my value, worth and work ethic speaks for itself. Excellence and success has always been my goal and what I strive for. Not everyone has supported my decisions and process to get here but not everyone will understand because the vision and promise is YOURS. It’s not for everyone to understand. So, to be able to say I’m an entrepreneur now and to open my own facility…it’s all coming to fruition. The naysayers who say I can’t do this and say things like, “it’s hard to start a business” “the debt you can get into.” I’m sticking with this vision because I believe it’s going to be great, and it’ll be more than what I’ve dreamed of. My faith has gotten me through these hurdles. Gods providing and has provided me with the tools, talent, and gifts to pursue and venture on this journey of making GKU a reality.

What I’ve learned through this experience has been nothing short of amazing. To be quite honest, the journey hasn’t ended it’s just begun. As many years as I’ve put into the thought process of GKU, the ideas, and the planning there is no turning back even if I wanted to. There have been many long days and long nights and even doubts of finishing strong but walking out on faith is never an easy thing to do but, I knew giving up wasn’t an option for me. God will always finish what he starts within you so, I have held on to that truth as well as my favorite scripture, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13.

In the end, I started young in this field and I’m immensely passionate, dedicated and determined to be the change and the face of a new era for childcare through GKU as a female and African American. GKU is a portion of the product of my destiny.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a huge foodie. It depends on the weekend, who the person is, the vibe, and the space I’m in. But the type of person that I am I’m very creative, I’m a planner and spontaneous all at the same time. I love going out to various restaurants and trying new cuisines. A few favorite spots I love to eat at are The Melting Pot, Cheesecake Factory, Maggianos, Goorsha, Dames Chicken & Waffles, Simply Crepes, First Watch, Morgan Street Food Hall and so much more. I’m also a massive music head. I love going to venues that have live music, like bars or restaurants and lounges. Another thing I love is spoken word and poetry. There is a dope spot I love to go to listen to live music and it’s called, Beyu Caffe. But I also love my quiet and self-care time. So going to the spa and getting a manicure, pedicure or massage. My go to place to get a great pedicure and manicure is Serenity Nail Spa and Massage Luxe. Shopping is another aspect I thoroughly enjoy. Some boutiques I enjoy going to are Francescas and Versona. Even though I’m not a huge coffee person (tea is the best), I love going to coffee shops and enjoying the ambiance and beauty of the interior design. One of my favorite coffee shops is. Wake Forest Coffee Company. I’m versatile in the places I go and things that I do when company is in town. Making the most of the time and area is key!

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?
When it comes to my story there are a few, not just one person I would like to dedicate my shoutout to. First and foremost, I give thanks to my Lord and Savior, because he’s given me the blueprint, gifts, talent, and vision to go forth with GKU. The second group of people I would like to recognize is my family. In particular my mom and sister. They are the true definition of a support system. My mom and sister have been my rock. They have been the true definition of my support system and my biggest fans. You need strong cheerleaders and fans behind you. Everyone needs a support system and what greater support than that of your own family. They’ve pushed me to excellence, and I know that I am where I am and where I will continue to go because of them. My community is another aspect of my story. My community encompasses my friends, acquaintances, church family, and my past and present employers. My community is a part of my success. This ecosystem of all three groups, God, family, and community back me up in my dream of establishing GKU.

Website: http://globalkidsunited.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalkidsunited/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/saba-fulford-2bb657218

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GKUGlobalKidsUnited

Other: Crowdfunding Page: “Project Global Kids United” https://ifundwomen.com/projects/project-global-kids-united

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