Meet Alexandria Boddie | Childcare Center Owner & Educational Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexandria Boddie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexandria, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I am for sure a risk taker in life. I’ve always been that person to step out on faith and let God guide my footsteps. I really try to move when God places it on my spirit to do so and that’s how Dream Academy Learning Center came to fruition. I feel as though all entrepreneurs are risk takers. We must be in this childcare industry.

Risk taking to me has always been following the vision God gave me whether in my personal life or in my career. I believe taking risks has afforded me opportunities to catapult my career in ways I never dreamt it would. Managing a company, educating children, creating curriculum and even being able to work as a consultant are all a direct result of me taking risks.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career spans back to when I was a college student where I developed my true love for educating children. I babysat in high school and even worked as a nanny while in studying Early Childhood Education at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. It’s there where I began working in schools and teaching young children and knew I had found my calling. I always knew I wanted to return to Memphis upon graduation to make a difference in the community. I wanted little boys and girls who looked like me to know college was attainable and that they could accomplish whatever they wanted if they worked hard and dreamed big. I matriculated through the local and charter school district as a classroom teacher, Instructional Coach and Assistant Principal before branching out on my own. I believe my experience teaching and shaping minds, allows me to have a holistic view on scholars needs as well as skills needed for teachers to address those needs.
This stage of my career has pushed me to not only be cognizant as a business owner of how my business impacts the community but has also given me the opportunity as a consultant to implement and steer change from a state level in various school systems.

Like most people, I have struggled at various points in my career and along my entrepreneurial journey but I feel I am in a good place. Being a risk taker has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone but has also pushed and exposed me to new challenges and opportunities that might not have been available if I didn’t take chances. My motto is to take it one day at a time and keep pushing forward. I love having the opportunity to develop strategies to stay relevant as a professional and business owner by being innovative in creating new experiences for the children and community we serve.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Memphis has so much to offer, and we love hanging out downtown for a Memphis Grizzlies game, Trolley night and other monthly events with live music-Soulin’ on the river. On date nights, we love to dine at Porch and Parlor or Flight for dinner and enjoy frequenting concerts at the Orpheum. Afterwards, we are usually headed for a nightcap at Beck and Call or the Peabody Hotel. Because we are parents and all of our friends are parents, we are always looking for family fun events too. So, Memphis Botanic Gardens, Memphis Zoo, and local parks are always a go to for us!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely have to shout out my village- My husband and two sons are my everything and inspiration! My husband is also part owner of our business, as well as my thought partner, biggest cheerleader and confidante. We are surrounded by the best and most supportive family that include our wonderful parents, siblings and extended family. Our friend circle is just like family to us and have uplifted us along this entrepreneurial journey every step of the way.

Our amazing Dream Team Staff- Our director and teachers who work tirelessly to educate and nurture our scholars are the real MVPs and deserve to be recognized. In addition, I am blessed to have a few mentors who reach back and motivate me to keep dreaming big in every facet of my career.

I would be remised if I did not shout out the most important part of our Dream Team- the scholars we serve. They are the reason we do what we do and seeing their growth is essential to who we are as a business.

All of these individuals truly inspire me and encourage me to do what I love.

It is really true when they say Teamwork makes the Dream Work!

Website: [email protected]

Instagram: @dreamacademylearningcenter

Facebook: @dreamacademylearningcenter