Today we’d like to introduce you to James Douglas. James and his team share their story with us below.
Please kick things off for us, we’d love to hear the story.
James has always had a passion for the water and kids. Having several jobs in the past with that nature, he knew that was his calling. After taking a leap out on faith, he started Little Swimsters in February 2016. With only one client, it was a rough start. Not knowing the ins and outs of the business, swimming ceased for about 3 months. Around May 2016 an ad was put on Facebook and the phone started ringing. By the end of May, we had about 7 students. Word started getting around town and as the summer heat rolled in, business came with it. All by himself, James closed out the summer of 2016 with roughly 80 students and a high of 161 completed swimming lessons in the month of July. Summer came to a close and James was looking every which way to continue during the winter months. With not very many indoor pools in the Pearland area, it wasn’t looking too good. With the places that do have indoor pools, James was turned down. After a lot of determination, James found an indoor pool. Continuing there during the winter months, we were able to continue our mission in drowning prevention.
We celebrated our one year anniversary in February 2017 and also brought on our 2nd employee. Preparing for an even bigger summer, we found the right candidate who was just as passionate as James was. Between both James and Barbara, they have completed 800 swimming lessons and will continue to do more. With high hopes, James believes there is an endless world of possibilities and plans to become a highly recognized swim school. He couldn’t be any happier than to have started in Houston.
Great, 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 hasn’t been a smooth road whatsoever. After being blacklisted by a competitor, it was a rough start. Building our reputation made things easier but then we became recognizable. Due to trade marking issues with another company, we decided to change our company name. Thankfully we had only been in the business for a year so, it wasn’t a big change. With many competitors in the Houston area, it was hard to find pool access. Though through all the struggles, we have still been able to see the light and complete nearly 1400 swimming lessons.
Little Swimsters Swim School – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are as it says in our name- a swim school. We teach infants, children and adults how to swim; anyone from six months all the way up. Whether it be water safety skills, fundamentals of swimming or stroke technique, we can help. We are based out of the Pearland area but make house calls all over the Houston area including Katy, Missouri City, Friendswood and League City. What sets us apart from our competition, to me, is our attitude. Our prices may be lower, we may offer different things but, it’s deeper than that. We are passionate about what we do, our instructors come from a swim background and we try to connect with our swimmers and families on a more personal level. When we come to your house or you come to our facility, you have the confidence that you or your child is in good hands, no matter what. We are out in the community trying to make a difference inside and outside of the pool. We take pride in what we do and handle each situation, each lesson, each person with care.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment so far as lead swim instructor are those moments when parents come to you and just say thank you. There have been many times I’ll get a text message from a parent saying because of me and Little Swimsters, I helped and saved their child.
That is my ultimate goal! As business owner, it has to be the overwhelming but very appreciated recommendations, there is no better moment than hearing the phone ring and knowing someone is signing up to learn a skill that can save their life. Also, just as myself, hearing my family and individuals tell me how good I have done building what I have today from nothing. Many people look at me and think because of my age and other factors, it can’t be possible. Don’t let that all fool you; it is all very possible. If you have a passion and a dream, follow it because it’ll be the best decision you’ll ever make as I can tell you first hand.
Pricing:
- 30 minute private swimming lesson- $120/month (1 day/week)
- 30 minute private swimming lesson- $224/month (2 days/week)
- 30 minute private swimming lesson- $312/month (3 days/week)
Contact Info:
- Website: littleswimsters.com
- Phone: 281-845-9533
- Email: jdouglas@littleswimsters.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/littleswimsters
- Facebook: Facebook.com/littleswimsters
- Twitter: twitter.com/littleswimsters
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
