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 Monica Pittman, founder and owner of Guiding Inspirations for Tomorrow (GIFT) Childcare Center.
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 Monica Pittman with G.I.F.T. Childcare Center
GH: Tell us a little about yourself and your business!
MP: Hi, my name is Monica. I’m married with two children, two bonus children and a proud grandmother of nine. I’ve always enjoyed kids and love taking care of them, a passion that I’ve always had. I am the owner of Guiding Inspirations For Tomorrow Childcare Center, (G.I.F.T.) where we prepare our children to become future leaders of tomorrow. We care for kids ages 2 months thru 6 years. Our facility has been in operation for half a decade, proudly serving Early Learning Coalition clients as well as private pay. We’re an Apple Accredited childcare facility located in south St. Petersburg.
GH: What inspired you to start your business?
MP: Honestly, I’ve always been rather fond of children, however, what really sparked my passion for childcare was after my employment with Pinellas County School Board where I had the honor of working with special needs children. It was during this time where I found myself as a single parent without access to a quality childcare center. So, I decided to pour my skills into meeting my own needs and the needs of many other families in our community.
GH: What was it like starting your own business for the first time?
MP: Since I started Guiding Inspirations for Tomorrow Childcare Center in my home, I quickly learned that it was going to be a unique challenge. Due to the lack of knowledge on the business management side of having a brick-and-mortar location, I experienced delays in leveraging funding as well as other business opportunities. It wasn’t until after I explored various resources, that my knowledge of the business started to grow.
GH: What is your experience being an entrepreneur in St. Pete?
MP: As a female entrepreneur in the city of St. Petersburg, it’s very aspiring even on challenging days. I’ve realized that the key to success is keeping a positive mind-set in order to achieve the desired results and ultimately become successful.
GH: What advice would you give other women who are looking to build their own business?
MP: Before you do anything, take the time and do the homework. Stay focused and don’t slack on doing your research. Networking can help immensely and don’t be afraid to reach out to someone more experienced in the field and pick their brain a little!
GH: What are your future goals/plans for G.I.F.T.?
MP: Goals are important and I have many of them, but as for my larger goals I’d have to say that building relationships especially with families is one of the most important ones to me. As for a personal goal, I look to well future my education and continue to grow my business.
MORE ABOUT GUIDING INSPIRATIONS FOR TOMORROW CHILDCARE CENTER
G.I.F.T. serves infants and children 2 months through six years of age and accepts Early Learning Coalition clients as well as private pay. They are an Apple Accredited childcare facility located in south St. Petersburg.
Location:
2332 Dr. MLK Street South, Saint Petersburg, FL 33705
727-258-8172
Giftacademychildcare@gmail.com