Today we’d like to introduce you to Raeven Williams.
Hi Raeven, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey with Miss Rae’s Space really started long before I officially opened my doors. Education has always been deeply rooted in my family. One of my biggest inspirations was my late Nana, Yvonne Williams, who dedicated over 40 years of her life to education. Growing up and seeing her genuine love for teaching and the lasting impact she made on her students was something very special to witness. With her example, along with other family members who have worked and continue to work in education, I’ve always felt like working with children and teaching was part of my calling too.
I’ve now worked in early childhood education for over seven years, and throughout that time I’ve had the opportunity to work with young children in different settings, including serving as a lead Pre-K teacher at multiple private preschools. Working so closely with children and families helped me realize not only how much I loved what I did, but also how much I wanted to eventually create something of my own.
After becoming a mom, my perspective on childcare grew even more. I understood both sides; being the educator caring for someone else’s child and being the parent trusting someone else with mine. I knew that if I ever created my own program, I wanted it to feel different from traditional childcare. I wanted something smaller and more personal, where children could feel comfortable and at home while still receiving the structure, learning opportunities, socialization and experiences they would get in a preschool environment.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to balance being an educator, a business owner and a mom all at the same time. When you run a small childcare program, especially from your home, there really isn’t a separation between “the provider” and “the business owner.” I’m responsible for caring for and teaching the children, communicating with families, planning curriculum and activities, preparing meals, keeping the environment clean and safe, handling payments and policies, purchasing supplies, marketing the program and everything else that happens behind the scenes.
Another challenge in the beginning was simply building trust and establishing myself. Childcare is extremely personal. Parents are trusting you with the people who mean the most to them, so I understood that trust had to be earned. It took time to build relationships with families, receive referrals and create a reputation within my community. There were periods when enrollment wasn’t as consistent, and with a small program, even one family’s schedule changing can make a noticeable difference.
I’ve also had to learn the business side as I’ve grown. Having experience in early childhood education taught me how to care for and teach children, but owning something of your own teaches you an entirely different set of lessons. I’ve had to become more confident with setting policies, maintaining boundaries, managing finances and understanding that I can provide loving, flexible care while still treating Miss Rae’s Space as a business.
Being a mother while building Miss Rae’s Space has probably taught me the most about balance. My daughter gets to be a part of this journey with me, which is something I’m incredibly grateful for, but I’m still learning how to make sure I pour into her, myself and my business without feeling like one area always has to come last.
Every challenge has helped me improve something. I’ve become more organized, more confident in my decisions and much clearer about the type of program I want to build. Miss Rae’s Space is still growing, and I know there will be more challenges as I work toward expanding, but I’ve learned not to look at those moments as signs that something isn’t working. A lot of the time, they’re simply part of building something from the ground up.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Miss Rae’s Space is a small, home based childcare program in Las Vegas, Nevada, primarily serving children ages 2–5. I like to describe it as a place where the comfort and personal attention of home based childcare meets the structure and learning opportunities of a preschool environment.
What really sets Miss Rae’s Space apart is our intentionally small group size. It allows me to truly get to know each child; their personality, interests, strengths and areas where they may need extra support. I want every child to feel known, loved and comfortable while still having a structured and engaging day.
My background in early childhood education plays a huge role in the program. Our days include circle time, learning centers, outdoor play, hands on activities and age appropriate lessons in areas like early literacy, phonics, math, STEM, art, Spanish and social emotional development. I’m also big on learning through play and creating experiences through themed activities, special days and outings.
Another thing I’m especially proud of is the relationship I build with families. I use Brightwheel to keep parents connected throughout the day through photos, updates and important information. As a mother myself, I understand how important that communication and reassurance can be.
Ultimately, I’m most proud of the community and trust that have grown around Miss Rae’s Space. Many families have found me through referrals and word of mouth, which means so much in a field as personal as childcare.
What’s next?
My biggest goal for the future is to continue growing Miss Rae’s Space into a larger, childcare program and eventually a full childcare facility. Right now, I’m already operating at full capacity with a waitlist, so I know there is a need for more space and the ability to serve more families.
I’m currently focused on saving and building the funding needed to expand responsibly. As the program grows, I also look forward to eventually hiring staff and building a team that shares the same passion for creating a safe, nurturing and engaging environment for children. I want Miss Rae’s Space to grow without losing the personal touch and sense of community that made it special in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missraesspace?igsh=eG8zbDRxbW80enVt&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/196CgNtoWe/?mibextid=wwXIfr
