Every move matters when you’re paving the way
Women face unique challenges and barriers as they work to pursue their dreams. That’s why The Greenhouse and the St. Pete community are dedicated to supporting business owners this Women’s Small Business Month and every day with impactful resources for entrepreneurs, dedicated support, community partnerships and more.
For Women’s Small Business Month, we’re highlighting women entrepreneurs who pursued their dreams of launching a business and found success through dedication and hard work, like Cynthia Sumter, founder and owner of Retmus Academy of Learning AND Sumter Home Daycare.
This week we are pleased to highlight clients within our child care provider industry. The economic impact of child care matters because they help drive our local economy. When parents can access child care, they are more likely to enter the workforce and stay employed; ESPECIALLY when our community has amazing and professional providers that go above and beyond to ensure parents are left with the peace of mind that their children are safe and well cared for. These St. Pete women owned businesses keep St. Pete IN BUSINESS!
Meet Cynthia Sumter with Retmus Academy of Learning
GH: Tell us a little about yourself and your business!
CS: Hello! I’m Cynthia Sumter-Scott (St Petersburg, FL) and I am the Owner/Director of Retmus Academy of Learning. I have been in the Child Care business for over 20 years. During this time, I have been continuously enrolled in early childhood classes, developing new skills and training to stay up to date for new experiences. I am certified in multiple Developmental implementations and Childcare Safety for infants to VPK.
GH: What inspired you to start your business?
CS: Over 20 years ago, early childhood education became a passion of mine, strictly developed from my love for children and how well I connect with them and enjoy helping them grow. I have one child of my own, but over the years, I have encountered many children who have become my own, as well.
GH: What do you enjoy most about owning and operating your own business?
CS: One of the greatest and favorable things about my career I will forever cherish; Is being able to watch each child grow and mature into the next level/phases of their education. I have witnessed plenty of children in my program from Infants to Highschool Honor students (Valedictorians), to now college freshman. I truly take pride in pushing every child I come encounter with (enrolled in my program or not) to their fullest potential.
GH: What is your experience being an entrepreneur in St. Pete?
CS: Connection and community. Since 2018, I have been serving as the Advisory for Pinellas County Licensing Board, and an active member in many childcare service organizations here in the South St Pete community (R ’Club, PEEUA, Florida Family Child Care Home Association, Heart to Heart, and many more). As I continue to learn new skills and encounter different experiences, I also take pride in Mentoring others around me and teaching how to develop as well. I’m currently enrolled in Teaching Strategy GOLD courses, with ELC.
GH: What are your future goals/plans for Academy of Learning?
CS: At the end of the day, my goal is too “leave no stone unturned and to see that I’ve put in place high-quality childcare services and thorough bred educated instructors, to pursue nothing but successful children”.
MORE ABOUT AVAILABLE LOCATIONS
Sumter Home Daycare
3575 29th Ave S St Petersburg Fl 33711
Retmus Academy of Learning
Center Location:
2800 26th Ave S., St Petersburg, FL 33712
Phone: (727) 866-7955