Profitable Preschool | Exceptional Finance for Childcare Founders

08. You’re Not Weak, You’re Over-giving: Neshanta Linson’s Childcare Journey to Boundaries, Profit, and Peace

What if burnout isn’t a sign that you’re failing, but a sign that you’re over-giving? In this episode of the Profitable Preschool Podcast, Alexis Louis, CPA sits down with Neshanta Linson, founder of Hermes Enchanted Garden, for a raw and deeply honest conversation about leadership, boundaries, and the mindset shifts required to build a childcare business with both profit and peace. Neshanta shares her unexpected path into early childhood education, the hard lessons she learned scaling from in-home care to a center, and how over-giving nearly cost her clarity, energy, and joy. From staffing and systems to faith, grief, and mindset coaching, this episode explores what it really means to evolve from a passionate owner into a grounded, confident CEO. You’ll hear: * Why over-giving is one of the biggest (and most hidden) causes of burnout * How boundaries protect both your business and your wellbeing * The mindset work that unlocked clarity, better decisions, and stronger leadership * Why systems, not sacrifice, create sustainable profit * How purpose, faith, and community shape long-term success in childcare If you’re a childcare owner who feels stretched thin, emotionally exhausted, or stuck doing everything yourself, this episode will remind you: you’re not weak, you’re just ready for your next level of leadership.

07. From Chaos to CEO: The Systems Every Childcare Owner Needs w/ Kenyatta Colbert-Watkins

In this episode of the Profitable Preschool Podcast, Alexis Lewis, CPA, sits down with Kenyatta Colbert, founder of The Astounding Academy in Dunwoody, Georgia, for a deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable childcare center. Kenyatta shares her journey from working in middle schools during COVID to opening her center in 2022—and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From navigating payroll pressure and staffing challenges to supporting children with exceptionalities and learning to lead with clarity instead of chaos, this episode goes far beyond surface-level success. You’ll hear candid reflections on burnout, faith, delegation, boundaries with staff and parents, and why systems—not just passion—are the key to longevity in early childhood education. This episode is especially powerful for owners in their first 3–5 years who need reassurance that growth, struggle, and refinement are all part of the process. If you’re a childcare owner building something meaningful and wondering if you’re alone—you’re not.

06. Leading with Heart: How Penny Payne Built a Center Where People Come First

What if your childcare business could be both profitable and deeply purposeful? In this episode of The Profitable Preschool Podcast, host Alexis Louis, CPA, sits down with Penny Payne, founder of 15th Avenue North Learning Academy, to unpack the mindset and systems behind her thriving Nashville childcare center. Penny’s story is the blueprint for what happens when compassion meets consistency. She’s not chasing vacation money or status symbols, instead she’s building a community where teachers feel valued, parents feel supported, and children feel seen. From surviving a rocky first year to leading a six-classroom school that’s fully enrolled and mission-driven, Penny shares the real talk on what it takes to build a business that lasts. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn passion into profit without losing your peace, this episode will reignite your belief that abundance follows alignment. 🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: * How to lead with heart without losing your financial footing * Why structure and systems are the real keys to sustainability * How to recover from burnout and reconnect to your “why” * Penny’s secret to keeping staff loyal and families raving for 10 years strong * Why faith and service are still the most powerful business growth strategies ✨ Quote to Remember “Money will come if you’re doing what you’re supposed to do.” – Penny Payne

05. The Breakthrough That Built the Childcare Center with Essence Britton

What happens when passion hits a wall—and purpose has to carry the weight? Kansas City-based childcare center owner Essence Britton, founder of She Cares KC, went from long hours, mounting pressure, and financial setbacks to opening her second childcare center—and doing it her way. Essence doesn’t hold back in this episode. From 6 a.m. solo days to praying through burnout, she shares how faith, strategy, and community helped her break through what almost broke her. We talk real numbers, real mindset shifts, and what it really takes to lead without losing yourself. If you’ve ever questioned whether you can grow your center without burning out, this episode is your reminder: You absolutely can. Essence details the moment she nearly walked away—and what stopped her. Plus, she reveals her strategy for cutting burnout without cutting quality. She talks about how she rebuilt her finances and found mentors who saw her future. Her faith isn't just part of her story, it's her strategy.   HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: 1️⃣ Faith is a business strategy—Essence’s journey is a masterclass in spiritual alignment. When burnout hit and the numbers weren’t adding up, she turned inward—leaning on prayer, silence, and divine clarity. Her story proves that listening to your higher power isn’t just personal; it can be the most strategic move you make in business. 2️⃣ Burnout often comes from doing it alone. For too long, Essence tried to run her center solo—long hours, no help, and no systems. Her breakthrough came when she realized success doesn’t require suffering. Finding a coach, setting boundaries, and honoring her own capacity changed everything. 3️⃣ You can set the rules and still stay full. From shifting her hours to redefining what leadership looks like, Essence learned that you can build a profitable, high-quality program that fits your life—not the other way around. When you lead with purpose and process, your dream center becomes reality.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Has the IRS paid you to hire employees for your center? If your answer is "no🤷🏾‍♀️", then grab my FREE guide, How IRS-approved tax credits can help fund payroll at your childcare center—without raising tuition [https://www.littleledgers.com/profitablepreschoolroadmap].   MORE FROM ESSENCE: Get your copy of her e-book Surviving & Thriving: How I Built My Daycare from a 2-Bedroom Apartment to a Full Center [https://shecares.gumroad.com/l/zyslib] Follow Essence on Instagram: @shecaresclubhouse_llc_ [https://www.instagram.com/shecaresclubhouse_llc_]   MORE FROM LITTLE LEDGERS: Follow us on Instagram: @littleledgersaccounting [https://www.instagram.com/littleledgersaccounting]   SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more childcare owners who need these insights. 🎙️ Thanks for listening to the Profitable Preschool Podcast! See you next week!

04. Building a Debt-Free Preschool Empire with Tiffany Hall-Maloy

She started with milk crates, secondhand toys, and a calling. Now, Tiffany Hall is the powerhouse owner of 3 thriving childcare centers, and she did it all without debt, investors, or burning out. In this episode of the Profitable Preschool Podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to build a purpose-driven preschool empire from the ground up. You’ll hear: ✔️ How Tiffany launched her first center from her living room in under 2 months ✔️ The truth about scaling without SBA loans or outside funding ✔️ Why faith, routines, and porch-drop-off support fueled her success ✔️ How she stays rooted in her purpose (even when the numbers get tough) ✔️ The simple, scrappy systems she still uses today to grow sustainably Whether you're just dreaming of your first center—or scaling your third—Tiffany’s story is a masterclass in starting with what you have, showing up with heart, and building something that lasts. 🔗 Mentioned in this episode: * Tiffany’s childcare centers: Growth Academy [@growthacademy2017 [http://instagram.com/growthacademy2017]] * Free download: [Profitable Preschool Roadmap: Payroll Edition [https://littleledgers.com/profitablepreschoolroadmap]] * Follow us on IG: [@littleledgersaccounting [http://instagram.com/littleledgersaccounting]] 📌 Let’s keep the convo going! Subscribe, leave a review, and tag us with your biggest takeaway. We love celebrating your wins.