Meet Shaniqua Smith | Childcare Director

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

Hi Shaniqua, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, being a business owner was never a dream of mine. I was more comfortable being an employee so being a business owner scared me. However, about 10 years ago my husband and I had difficulty locating childcare for our oldest daughter. In searching for childcare we were able to find certain qualities we liked but weren’t able to locate a center that embodied all that we needed. In our hunt I remember thinking, “One day I’ll have a daycare that will provide everything families need”. So, the seed to owning my business was planted in hopes to provide childcare services for families in search of trustworthy and affordable childcare.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Leap of Faith Learning Academy, LLC. has been a successful family childcare business for over 2 years. This is because of GOD, my family and friends, and the families who have trusted me with their children, my leapers.

Quitting my full time job to pursue entrepreneurship was far from easy. I transitioned in the midst of the pandemic and was denied every resource available, faced multiple hurdles to be approved by the Department of Human Resources, and more. For funding and respected I applied for numerous grants, held fundraisers to receive and pitched my business plan to investors. I also called, researched, sought mentorship, invested in programs, drove to multiple trainings and more to obtain my childcare license.

Another hurdle I still face is locating a building to expand my family childcare program to a center. Being a licensed family childcare provider only affords me the ability to serve a maximum of five children. I believe GOD has called me to do more by serving on a bigger platform providing trustworthy and affordable services to a multitude of families. I’ve stated that I desire to be the Chick-fil-A of childcare which not only speaks of the service I desire to provide to the families and children but also the team that I will have to help me walk out this dream.

My journey has had its ups and downs that I know have all contributed to where I am now. Throughout this process I’ve learned to importance of networking, embracing the process and all it entails, as well as how to set healthy boundaries. I am grateful for the many valuable lessons I have and will continue to learn as I pursue expansion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend coming to town to visit we’d enjoy a good mixture of adventure and relaxation. My friends know how I operate so a detailed schedule isn’t something they’d be expecting from me. However, I am a list person so I’d have a list of activities and places to visit that we’d be checking off.

I love a good brunch so we would definitely have to visit Maple Street Biscuit Company and Yo’ Mama’s. All of my friends are my children’s aunts and uncles so we would include my children in atleast one activity which would be a trip to City Walk Park. Birmingham is known for its rich history so I’d also take my friends exploring to visit some of the historical monuments Birmingham has to offer like the Civil Rights museum. My husband and I are alums of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and are big fans so we would definitely visit the campus and depending on the season we may even catch a football or basketball game. Downtown Birmingham has so much to offer for night life so dining at restaurants like Cayo Coco and Urban Parc would be listed for us to visit. I’d be sure to include the Birmingham Bar Crawl Pedal Trolley Tour as well.

We would be sure to spread these activities throughout the week being sure to include naps so we are able to fully enjoy our experiences. I couldn’t wrap up our week without including a visit to our church, The Worship Center, followed by brunch and an infamous after church nap.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
GOD definitely deserves all the credit!! Without Him none of this would truly be possible. He gave me the idea, blessed me with the resources and has allowed my business to thrive. My husband and daughters have also been a huge blessing! They’ve supported me when I quit my job to pursue becoming an entrepreneur, sacrificed their personal space because my business has taken up our home, encouraged me and so much more. I couldn’t do this without them and I’m beyond grateful for them.

Website: https://www.leapoffaithlearningacademy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1r1v60myhzkic&utm_content=l03iq27

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leap-Of-Faith-Learning-Academy-LLC-292204367921121/