It’s a huge shift, going from working for someone to running your own business, but when your target audience is young families, this comes with a range of extra elements to consider. The first year transitioning from educator to entrepreneur was a winding road that came with many lessons I hadn’t learned in a classroom. Here are six of the most important to consider for other businesses that work with kids and new parents.
Find a sought-after niche
For more than a decade I worked as a primary school teacher. I loved the work, the children, the relationships and the small wins in learning each day. But over time I began to notice a recurring pattern. Many children were starting school without the confidence, emotional readiness and independence they needed to thrive. It wasn’t a question of ability. These children simply hadn’t yet had the chance to build the skills school demands from day one.
After also working in a school readiness program I saw how transformative early support could be. The right preparation set children up not only for academic success but for a lifelong love of learning. That inspired me to make the leap from teacher to business owner, launching HeadStart Club. It is a place where young children can build strong foundations and where parents can feel supported and empowered.
Relationships and word of mouth Are everything
As a teacher, trust was built inside the classroom. As a business owner, trust extends to every interaction, from the first phone call to the first session. Parents aren’t just enrolling in a program, they are trusting you with their child’s wellbeing.
While I initially thought marketing would be about ads, websites and SEO, I quickly learned that word of mouth was my most powerful growth tool. Positive experiences naturally led to referrals but that doesn’t happen automatically. You need to nurture it. I actively ask for testimonials, check in regularly with parents, celebrate milestones and invite feedback. Building strong personal relationships creates a community of advocates who proudly recommend your services to others.
Build a business around community not just programs
In teaching I was part of a school community and in business I had to create one. I soon discovered that many parents crave connection just as much as their children need support. Simple touches like open communication, opportunities for parents to meet and celebrating children’s progress helped turn HeadStart Club into more than just a service. It became a place where families felt they belonged.
The community approach has also helped families stay with us long-term, moving through our various programs as their children grow. That sense of belonging has become one of the most valuable parts of the business. We are now building on this even further by planning events, presentations and workshops designed to educate, connect and support parents on their journey. Creating these shared learning spaces allows families to feel part of something bigger and strengthens the trusted relationships at the heart of what we do.
Privacy and safety are non-negotiable
Supporting young children means operating with the highest levels of privacy, safety and care. I invested early in clear policies, secure systems and staff training to ensure we protect every child’s personal information and wellbeing.
We are careful about everything from photo permissions to how we handle enrolment data. In a business serving families, one mistake in this area can erode trust quickly. Having strong protocols in place not only protects families but also gives them confidence in the care we provide.
You need a backup plan for life’s unexpected turns
One of the hardest lessons I faced came when I was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage one bowel cancer during my first year of business. It was a stark reminder that even with the best planning, life can change overnight.
Fortunately, I had begun building systems early on including automated processes, procedure manuals and trusted staff who could step in. This allowed the business to continue while I focused on my treatment and recovery. For any service-based business owner, especially sole operators, having contingency plans isn’t a luxury, it is essential for long-term sustainability.
Collaboration beats competition
As a teacher, collaboration was second nature. In business I have carried that same approach. Rather than viewing other businesses as competition I have built partnerships with local allied health professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, child psychologists and local playgroups.
These partnerships allow us to create holistic support networks for families and open up valuable referral pathways. When businesses serving young families collaborate everyone benefits, especially the children.
The transition was worth it
Moving from teaching into business ownership was one of the biggest and most rewarding transitions of my career. The heart of my work hasn’t changed. I still get to support children and families every day but now I also get to shape the way we serve them, build meaningful community connections and adapt quickly to meet emerging needs.
For anyone considering making the leap my advice is simple – stay mission-led, build strong relationships, prepare for the unexpected and lean into collaboration. When you focus on people first, the business will follow.
Contributed by By Ali Carter, Founder, HeadStart Club