Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Winfield.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Meet Ashley Winfield: Educator, Visionary, and Founder of Grow and Glows Learning Academy
For Ashley Winfield, education isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. Her journey began in 2009, stepping into the classroom with a heart full of purpose and a passion for service. From teaching third grade to nurturing the earliest learners in Pre-K4, Ashley’s path has always been rooted in helping children grow into their fullest potential.
While teaching, she simultaneously pursued her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and earned her Principal Certification—testaments to her relentless drive to lead and inspire. Ashley served in various leadership roles, always seeking ways to make education more meaningful and accessible.
In 2022, a new door opened: the opportunity to expand into early childhood education in a more impactful way. That door led to the creation of Grow and Glows Learning Academy, a faith-guided dream turned reality. Officially opened on June 17, 2023, Grow and Glows has rapidly blossomed—reaching full enrollment capacity in just six months. As of April 2025, the academy celebrates 10 months of operation and continues to shine as a beacon for families in the very community Ashley once taught in.
At the heart of Grow and Glows is a clear and vibrant vision: “Little Learners in Full Bloom.” The academy’s mission is rooted in cultivating not only strong academic foundations but also a deep sense of love, confidence, and readiness in every child. Its approach reflects Ashley’s unwavering belief in the power of early education to change lives.
When asked how she’s come so far, Ashley humbly replies, “I give all honor and glory to God. I’m still in awe that I get to do this—that I’m the owner of a successful learning academy, serving families in the same neighborhood where I once taught.”
Ashley is not only an educator and entrepreneur, but a devoted wife to Everick Winfield and proud mother of two—Tyler, 18, and Cali, 9. Her story is one of faith, perseverance, and purpose—and it’s only just beginning.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been anything but smooth—but it’s been filled with purpose. As a woman of faith, one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was aligning my purpose with my belief in God. So often, we carry the weight of doing “all the things,” trying to balance everything without fully surrendering. But I’ve learned that it’s in the surrender—when I placed my full trust in God—that He consistently revealed who He is.
Transitioning from the familiarity of working within a school district to opening my own learning academy came with its share of fear, doubt, and discomfort. One of the hardest parts was stepping out of my comfort zone—moving from employee to employer. It meant confronting challenges I had never faced before and letting go of the safety net I had known for years. There’s a moment when you either stand at the door in hesitation, or you walk through it in faith. I chose to walk through, even when it felt uncertain.
One of the greatest tests came during the funding process. I was awarded a grant to support the launch of Grow and Glows Learning Academy. While I received the initial portion, I lost the second part—nearly $300,000—because my doors weren’t open in the designated timeframe. It was devastating. But by then, I had come too far, poured in too much time, money, and heart to turn back. That was another pivotal moment where I had to fully lean on God and trust that if He brought me to it, He would bring me through it.
There were nights I worried about payroll, bills, and keeping the lights on. But not once since opening have I had a financial shortfall. God has provided every step of the way.
If I could offer one piece of advice to others, it would be this: become a problem solver. Challenges are inevitable, but how you face them matters. Don’t sit in the problem—search for the solution. It’s in that mindset shift where real growth begins. Faith, resilience, and a solution-focused outlook have carried me through every obstacle, and I believe they can carry anyone willing to take the leap.
We’ve been impressed with Grow and Glows Learning Academy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Grow and Glows Learning Academy isn’t just childcare—it’s a purpose-driven community where faith, excellence, and early education come together. From infancy to school age, we nurture the whole child—academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
What sets us apart? We don’t just babysit—we educate, empower, and equip. Our focus on school readiness and emotional wellness helps children bloom with confidence. Every classroom reflects our motto: “Little Learners in Full Bloom.”
Rooted in faith and love, Grow and Glows is a place where children feel seen, families feel supported, and futures are built. Step into our doors—and you’ll feel the difference.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My biggest advice is this: invest in yourself. Whether that means hiring a consultant, seeking guidance from someone with a proven track record, or surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals—growth begins when you’re intentional about who and what you allow in your space.
For me, networking has been most effective when it’s rooted in genuine relationship-building. People will always remember how you treated them, the integrity behind your work ethic, and the quality you consistently deliver. In time, everything comes full circle—what you pour in is what you’ll get back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://growandglows.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growandglows/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Grow-Glows-Learning-Academy/100083809550967/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/grow-and-glows-learning-academy-humble
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@growandglows?lang=en
