BOSS Spotlight Feature: Laverne Cheeseboro

Laverne Cheeseboro, a wife and mother of two sons is the Owner and Director of Heavenly Made Creations Family Group childcare program. The Founder of Heavenly Made Blessings non-profit, Co-Founder of The Family Child Care Coalition, and a Book Author, teacher, advocate, mentor, coach, and consultant for Early Childcare Educators.

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What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career? I was afraid to leave my comfort zone. I quit the full-time job and went part-time, then went back to full-time before I quit. I was supposed to be saving money to purchase the furniture and supplies I needed for my business only to find a comfortable space. I did not save any money for what I needed to begin my business. My husband knew someone that was selling furniture and took me to get what I needed. After that I was misled which placed fear in me that I would have to remodel my entire home to pass inspection. A friend of mine that provided childcare for my children came over and rearranged things and told me to schedule my inspection.

What inspired you to break into your industry? I found my purpose and was able to start my business in my home. For me that was the perfect opportunity. Starting a childcare program in my home allowed me to get my feet wet in an industry I wasn’t familiar with and low cost to start. Being able to work from home doing what I love was the greatest inspiration.

How do you balance your personal and professional life, or have you been able to find a balance? Having a business in my home will have me working 24 hours a day. I can always have work on my mind and always have something to do. To balance things as simple as cooking dinner for my family, when I cook for my babies, I cook for my family. I am an advocate, mentor, and on boards of organizations so my calendar can get filled quickly. I balance personal and professional by scheduling family and date nights. I create a calendar for my school that includes personal and vacation time, and on the weekends, I am intentional about getting rest. Sometimes I book a hotel for a staycation or a quick getaway. Balancing my personal and professional life requires me to rest my mind, body, and soul giving me self-care and spending time with my family and friends. This keeps me healthy and allowing me to reset to be the best Early Childhood Educator I can be.

What is an inspirational quote that you live by? “Do it afraid!”

Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way? Getting started in my journey I enrolled in a business course for early childhood educators. My teacher was Francyne Wharton. Francyne went from being a family provider to a teacher and professional development training after health challenges. Her support is continuous. She was my first influential person and continues to support me. My friend Beverley was the most influential. Beverley pushed me to my purpose. I thought I needed to remodel my entire home to get started. She supported me from that point on. When I became licensed, I immediately set goals to climb the ladder. I requested a Technical Assistant (Coach) that would help me climb the ladder in the PA Keystone Stars Program. I went to Star 2 and then quickly moved to Star 4, the highest quality star a PA childcare program can have. My TA Kendra would introduce me to other Early Childhood Educators in my community that would become my friends and support me along the way. Obioma Martin is one that is influential, My friend, My sister, a mentor, and a coach. She has been there from day 1 and continues to be there to push me beyond my comfort zone. I would later meet Sherilynn Kimble who has been my coach, inspiration, and most influential person that keeps me going. Also, Kimrenee Patterson My friend, my Soror, my friend, a coach, and teacher is one of the most influential Early Childhood Educators I know. I get to experience witnessing her persevere and be an example of success in this industry. Finally, Latonta Godbolt! My partner, my polished Capricorn sister! Latonta is a wife, mom, and sister friend that I watch kick down doors and accomplish goal after goal. When she says she got me, she does in spite of all going on in her life and having her own businesses!

What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong? To keep my business going strong I must have drive, motivation, inspiration, and to continue to love what I do. Continuing to be guided by my vision and follow my mission is also a must-have. And most of all Keeping God first!  There are many challenges in the Childcare industry, these things are the must-haves to keep Heavenly Made Creations going strong.

What is your definition of a BOSS? A boss is a leader that holds it down rain, sleet, or snow,   good, bad, ups and down. Yet also comfortable delegating tasks to her team to grow and be successful.

Provide us with two words that describe you? Queen CEO

Learn more about Laverne at the Website: www.heavenlymadecreations.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/heavenlymadecreations

Twitter: @heavenlymadecre

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/heavenlymadecreation

Owner & Founder | Early Childhood Educator | Coach/Mentor |Advocate | Consultant