Uplift: Explores her motivations for emp...

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

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