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 Katrina Jenkins, founder and owner of Pathways Early Learning Academy.
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 Katrina Jenkins with Pathways Early Learning Academy
GH: Tell us a little about yourself and your business!
KJ: My name is Katrina Jenkins. I’m an early childhood educator with over thirty years of experience in preparing children for kindergarten. As the owner of Pathways Early Learning Academy II, LLC., we provide a safe and nurturing environment for children ages 2-5 years, ensuring an educational experience that promotes each child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
GH: What inspired you to start your business?
KJ: I was inspired to start my business after reviewing the kindergarten data that 40% to 47% of kindergartners enter school not ready to learn.
GH: What was it like starting your business for the first time?
KJ: Starting my business for the first time was hard work. At times I felt fearful. I knew it would be a huge risk.
GH: What is your experience being an entrepreneur in St. Pete?
KJ: Being a female entrepreneur in St. Petersburg is surreal. There is a sense of pride knowing the sun is truly shining on me in St. Petersburg. I’m empowered to know I can help other women accomplish their dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.
GH: What advice would you give to other women who are looking to build their businesses?
KJ: The best advice I would give to other women who are looking to build their businesses is to find a mentor who has the experience and knowledge they need to establish or grow their businesses.
GH: What are your future goals/plans for Pathways?
KJ: My future goal for Pathways is to move into a commercial building. I would also like to put an independent living facility for those grandparents raising their grandchildren full-time to alleviate some of the burdens of looking for high-quality educational child care programs on the same site.
MORE ABOUT PATHWAYS EARLY LEARNING ACADEMY
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