Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Hunt.
Hi Nikki, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started in the summer of 07 in Gainesville Tx I was in a program through my high school that gave students the opportunity to work in certain fields. I wanted to be an OB/GYN but waited until the last minute to select an assignment so the only options left were Mcdonald’s and a daycare. So I went to the daycare because I babysat all the time so I figured this should fairly simple… WRONG!! Working in childcare is a completely different world. Upon completion of my 6-week program the director of Lighthouse Preschool, Ms. Susan asked if I would stay and join her team permanently. My initial thought was no, because I wanted to be free during the summer but I said yes because I really enjoyed working with the team and the children and families. From that day forward I have worked in the childcare industry which is why I say I didn’t choose childcare it chose me. Once I graduated high school, I became a student at Tyler Jr College and took child development courses and went on to graduate from the best school on this side of heaven, Stephen F Austin, with a BS in Child development and family living with a minor in early intervention. After working as a teacher in childcare programs, ABA therapist and becoming a childcare center director which was a whole new world, I took time off and became an early childhood assessor as an early childhood assessor I began to network and meet amazing childcare pioneers and I thought I want to be a part of that, that’s when the dream of opening a childcare center came alive. Studies have shown that children in vulnerable communities don’t always receive certain tools needed in order to be prepared to enter school and I knew I wanted to change that by providing high quality care and education at an affordable rate in order to build that Firm Foundation for our future leaders. I believe that all children and families deserve high quality care and education no matter their color, race or economic background. I recently opened my first center in the third ward area and I thank God every day for the opportunity to serve the children and families. My current center is growing and I am so grateful for the families that have entrusted FFELC with their most prized possessions; their babies! I’d like to personally thank the Rockward family for being the very first family to enroll at Firm Foundation Early Learning Center. I am truly living the dream. My family and friends have been there every step of the way from selecting the name to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. This is only the beginning!!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening a childcare center is not for the weak but with God on your side, anything is possible. Every experience and opportunity I’ve had since the summer of 2007 has been a stepping stone to getting me to where I am today, and I’m just getting started.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At FFELC, our passion is to provide children and their families with a FIRM foundation for a successful long-term academic experience by creating a safe, nurturing environment for infants to school age (ages served may vary based on location). These are just a few of the skills and qualities that children will experience at Firm Foundation Early Learning Center, LLC. We focus on supporting children and families during all transitions throughout childhood. All activities are designed to adequately nurture the emotional and intellectual growth of our children. Through stimulating situations and hands-on learning opportunities, young children are free to develop into bright young minds
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Aside from my love for boxing, music and traveling. The families we currently serve might not know that I am a Texas registered trainer, not only do I get to do what I love during the week. I also get to work with other childcare providers all over Texas through Elite Educational Enterprise, LLC as a trainer/consultant which is what I wanted to do when I retired but I guess there’s no time like the present. I also plan to open more childcare centers all over the world with God leading me every step of the way. I am also a children’s book author, a self taught braider, I make custom t-shirts and lastly my daughter and I have a lipgloss business I do it all!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ffelcenter.wixsite.com/firmfoundationearl-1
- Instagram: _firmfoundationelc
- Facebook: Firm Foundation Early Learning Center,LLC
