This week, Kris welcomes Constance Sholar Cherry, the powerhouse owner of Creative Home Academy, to share her remarkable journey from home daycare to running multiple thriving centers. Constance discusses her growth through challenges, especially navigating the launch of her center during the pandemic, and emphasizes the “don’t just survive, thrive” mindset. Constance also highlights the value of creating a positive culture, personal development for staff, and the rewards of seeing children go from surviving to thriving.

Key Takeaways:

[9:15] Constance joins the show and shares the capacity and recent expansion of Creative Home Academy.

[10:48] Launching her commercial center during the challenges of April 2020.

[12:09] Why Constance stays passionate about early childhood education.

[14:14] Fun fact: Constance used to show and breed big, beautiful Cane Corso dogs!

[16:41] What sets Creative Home Academy apart, including its screen-free environment and commitment to high-quality nutrition.

[18:53] Constance discusses the importance of showing up as a leader and gaining her team’s trust.

[20:53] Onboarding new team members with a thriving mindset and fun team culture.

[24:02] Teacher appreciation week is a whole vibe… massages with training as well? Yes, please!

[26:56] Constance’s mindset during the pandemic and how she overcame obstacles.

[32:52] The value of failing your way to success.

[35:26] Constance shares how her grandmother and mother inspired her journey.

[36:18] The story of how Constance joined the Academy and how it changed her life for the better.

[39:26] Exciting plans for 2025, including new pre-K programs.

Quotes:

• “I love to see children go from surviving to thriving.” — Constance [12:09]

• “If I want people to perform in their best version, I have to show up first in my best version.” — Constance [19:10]

• “I had to come as the expert, meaning, I know what kids need. I know what my staff needs.” — Constance [19:50]

• “ECE is not just something that I just do. It’s who I am, and trust me, because I’m going to lead us in the right direction.” — Constance [20:07]

• “I want team members to understand we want to work in a thriving school. … Come on this side. It’s good over here!” — Constance [21:02]

• “Some of my darkest moments, the one thing that kept me going was knowing that I deserve to have everything that I want in life, and just being grateful for what I did have.” — Constance [32:18]

• “You literally have to fail your way to success. ... You have to move through the hard times because it’s always greater on the other side.” — Constance [32:52]

Sponsored By:

ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Kris Murray

The Child Care Success Company

The Child Care Success Academy

The Child Care Success Summit

Grow Your Center

Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

Creative Home Academy

Constance LinkedIn