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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keanna Sanders.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To highlight Keanna Sanders’ entrepreneurial journey from fashion merchandising to founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center, a network of childcare facilities in Maryland. The interview explores her motivations, challenges, and vision for empowering families and communities through early childhood education.
🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Inspiration & Passion for Children
- Keanna’s love for children began at age 13, helping her grandmother care for infants and toddlers.
- Quote:
“I was always around children… babysitting cousins, neighbors, and helping my grandmother with single moms’ kids.”
2. Education & Certifications
- Studied Fashion Merchandising at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Fashion Institute of Technology.
- Earned childcare certifications (e.g., 45-hour and 90-hour credentials) to qualify as a teacher in Maryland.
- Quote:
“I went and got my certifications in childcare so I could make a little extra money.”
3. Entrepreneurial Drive
- Keanna always knew she wanted to be her own boss, even before understanding what entrepreneurship meant.
- Quote:
“I didn’t want to work a 9 to 5. I wanted to travel and make my own schedule.”
4. Serial Entrepreneurship
- Owned a car dealership called Trendy Motors before launching Sandbridge.
- Used profits from car sales and a bank loan to fund her childcare business.
- Quote:
“I sold my first car and said, ‘I’m going to start a car business.’ That success helped me launch Sandbridge.”
5. Founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center
- The name “Sandbridge” combines her last name (Sanders) with the concept of “bridging the gap” between parents and children.
- Quote:
“Sandbridge means bridging the gap between parents and kids.”
6. Curriculum & Learning Philosophy
- Uses Frog Street Curriculum for infants to age 5.
- Employs certified public school teachers through grants to prepare children for elementary school.
- Quote:
“We want children to be ready for school. We teach through themes, tummy time, reading, and physical activities.”
7. Family Engagement & Community Impact
- Hosts family nights, festivals, and educational field trips.
- Offers financial support, discounts, and free meals to families in need.
- Quote:
“We go above and beyond… sometimes I waive fees or help with scholarship applications.”
8. Franchise Vision & Branding
- Plans to franchise Sandbridge nationally with consistent branding across locations.
- Quote:
“I want every Sandbridge to look the same—like Chick-fil-A or Walgreens.”
9. Overcoming Bias & Embracing Identity
- Initially hid her ownership due to fear of bias but later embraced her identity and impact.
- Quote:
“You didn’t work this hard not to be recognized. People deserve to know who you are.”
10. Faith, Risk-Taking & Advice
- Attributes her success to faith, persistence, and taking risks.
- Quote:
“Out of ten no’s, you’ll get one yes. Be consistent, be persistent, and lean on God.”
📍 Current Status
- Operates six locations in Maryland: three full sites and three before/after care programs.
- Serves nearly 400 children.
- Actively working on franchising the business.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.
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