Meet Oveda Taylor Richard | Entrepreneur, Advocate, and Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Oveda Taylor Richard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Oveda, how does your business help the community?
My childcare businesses and non profit agency helps our community by supporting families, nurturing children’s development, fostering community connections, and contributing to local economic and social well-being.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I currently own two early childhood education programs and one private elementary school. I also have a non profit organization, Humble Beginnings Foundation it my passion and purpose. What sets my programs apart from others is, our programs yield high achieving students. We have an individualized approach to learning for all our students. Our program supports a diverse and inclusive environment. What I am most proud of is, one of the preschools, Sunrise Country Preschool is a nationally accredited program and has a Florida Gold Seal status. Humble beginnings foundation has been able to impact our community in such a positive way. We are bridging gaps, elevating futures, and building brighter beginnings. I got to where I am business wise by cultivating strong leadership within my school family and my board to support the growth and maintain the quality standards of our schools and organization. My journey was not easy, but obtainable through faith, commitment, perseverance, courage and fostering a strong community within the schools and organization. Some of the lessons I have learned along the way is to maintain a balance between work and home. Strategy and team building are necessary for success. Adaptability is crucial when dealing with children and families from all walks of life. Lastly being the example you want others to emulate. What I want the world to know about me is that, I come from humble beginnings and that did not prepare me for failure but it motivated me to create a better future for myself. I was determined to create a legacy for my children to follow and expand on. I had the odds against me early in life but my resilience and courage allowed me to beat those odds and accomplish more than I could even imagine as a little girl growing up with limited resources and guidance. More importantly I want the world to know my story is an open book, to be an example for anyone who needs assurance and an example of triumph.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend would come to visit, I would take her to a full spa day to relax and be pampered, we would enjoy some of the finest cuisines in our city. We would certainly do some retail therapy. We would spend time at each of the businesses so she can have a glimpse of how my days and weeks are spent. Last but certainly not least, would certainly find time to be in community at our local assembly of worship.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My sincerest appreciation to my husband for allowing me space to be who God called me to be. My children who have always been my motivation to succeed. To my parents who were my first examples of triumph over circumstances. To Rebecca Young Holland for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to be a business owner. To all my staff, who commit themselves daily to changing our world by nurturing and teaching our future leaders the skills and education needed to be exceptional leaders. Last but not least to my best friend and COO of my business, Megan Barron Henry for her loyalty, dedication and commitment to me and my family. I’m eternally grateful to all of them for loving me unconditionally.