Today we’d like to introduce you to Mrs Lakelvia Chatham.
Hi Mrs Lakelvia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve heard many times if you ever want to make God laugh tell him your plans. In December of 2017 I quit my job expecting to start another job within the next day. I’d just moved into my new apartment about a month prior to. My last day on the job I received a call from the new job that they weren’t able to hire me. At that moment I was jobless. I’ve always had a heart for children and the Elderly. I worked in childcare for years. That’s when it came to me, open a daycare. I did a little research hoping to open a in home daycare. So, I located a house nearby, moved in, and continued to do research while purchasing items for the daycare. In May 2018, Taking Steps Towards the Future was opened along with a partner. After opening, the daycare filled up pretty quickly. I was able to hire staff in my home, and things were looking pretty good. In November 2020, I moved the daycare to a bigger home. We had so many kids we were out of ratio. In September of 2021 the daycare name was changed to Taking Steps Childcare and I went solo. At that same time, I began to give myself to the Lord. Then many challenges began. The daycare dropped in numbers. God was trying to get my attention. In September 2022, Leslie Fontenot, my relator found a facility for me to operate out of. I looked at it, I signed the lease, I paid the deposit and first month’s rent with God’s blessing. The landlord did the full build-out to my liking. At that time, I was hoping for the facility to open, lacking knowledge that it needed much more than just the build-out and rent payments. I had to have several Inspections. In March 2023, the landlord and my realtor had a disagreement. The landlord locked me out of the daycare with all my belongings set up. I had to hire an attorney. She demanded rent for the months since I had signed the lease January – March 2023. The landlord not realizing she’d put in the lease agreement that she was fully responsible for the fire alarm system, and I wasn’t to pay rent until she finished her part of the agreement. After about four months, the landlord surrendered the keys. I then had access again to the facility. In January of 2024, the landlord paid and the fire alarm system was installed. In February 2024, the Health Inspection process was finalized. At this time, I was waiting on Childcare regulations to approve me to move in, In July 2024 the landlord allowed a smoke shop to move in right next to me. Our doors were about 1-foot 1/2 a part. From August 2024- August 2025 the daycare smelled like marijuana daily. Many texts and emails to the landlord, however she never would respond. The Daycare struggled for an over a year due to the smoke shop moving in so close. I would constantly keep the landlord informed of the activities that was going on however she never would acknowledge, nor would she come to the daycare to see for herself. The landlord and I had court in June 2025. Finally, the owners of the smoke shop and I came to an agreement, that it would be no smoking inside the building in August of 2025. However, it was a lot of smoking in the parking of and in front of the salon. The parking lot was trashed daily. Parents would complain, some parents moved their children, some parents would come to tour the facility but would hate the smell of the marijuana, trashed parking lot and the continuous hanging out and would not enroll their children. I began looking immediately for a new place to move. I looked at a minimum 9 locations. With many prayers and seeking God for his guidance daily, God was strengthening me, teaching me how to depend on him, and growing me in him. I always leaned and depended on myself. Nothing seemed to be suitable for what I needed or wanted in the process, I had many concerns and issues with the food program I was with; therefore, I began driving to Sugarland once a month to drop off my monthly documents. My last month in September 2025 with the food program, driving down Bammel North Houston headed back to the daycare. I happen to look to my right and see a sign that said daycare space for rent with free rent. This location is bigger and cheaper. Immediately I began to claim the building was mine. With the application submission, it was APROVED for the bigger space and cheaper rent. I praised My God. Everything moved pretty quickly and here we are in our new facility happy, peaceful, and grateful. I have always had a love for children. my daycare kids keep me inspired every day with their laughter, curiosity, and endless energy. Watching them learn, grow, and discover the world around them is the most rewarding part of what I do. Through every trial. tribulation, tear, and disappointment God was still there. He knew all along what His plans where. He allowed me to go through these things (it’s much more in this process but it’s too much to type) to show me his power. God doesn’t move in our time. He is sovereign. and mighty. I wouldn’t change anything throughout this process. We are also contracted with Prairie View A&M, and College of Health Care Professionals whereas, all parents with children who are enrolled their children come to the daycare for cheaper rate. I was attending school while being a mother and a wife. I dealt with many hospitalizations and had two surgeries during this process. I look forward to what God is doing and about to do with Taking Steps Childcare because I have the victory in God. You see the Glory, but you do not know my complete story. BUT GOD!!
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?
There was nothing smooth about the transiting of the daycare, but with Gods help I made it through stronger, wiser, and more dependent on God. He supplied my every need according to HIS riches and glory as he promised he would and still is.
We’ve been impressed with Taking Steps Childcare LLC , 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?
I am the Owner/Director of Taking Steps Childcare. My role at the daycare is to oversee the business, to make sure the daycare is operating smoothly, that the numbers stay high in children, and that I have a positive effect on the children, parents and people I encounter. As a Christian based business, I specialize in leading the business with faith-based values integrity and stewardship. Rather than focusing on profit, I emphasize honoring God through how I lead, serve, and make decisions. I am known for standing firm on what I believe and not wavering. What sets me apart from others is, this is not just a job or career for me. I see my daycare as a calling not just a business. My goal is to nurture children spiritually, emotionally, and developmentally while partnering with families to build a strong foundation rooted in Christian values. We intentionally teach love, kindness, patience, and forgiveness, honesty and integrity. My most proud brand is a reputation for safety and trust. Parents trust me with what matters most to them. We do our best with consistency between faith and action. What I say aligns with what I do.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something people wouldn’t expect at first sight about me is to find out is I love to ride Horses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.takingstepschildcare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takingstepschildcare?igsh=MXg5ZXphYWk4bmg2dg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BuxXGYT6f/?mibextid=wwXIfr
