Her Story
About Imani
Imani Brown is a childcare provider with 12 years of experience who founded Nature in Play in Texas. Her program emphasizes nature-based play that supports children's growth and confidence building. Brown began her career path in cosmetology after high school, providing hair services that evolved into children's spa parties. After having her daughter, she transitioned fully into childcare. She pursued studies in urban agriculture at Michigan State University, which informed her approach. Brown opened her first daycare facility in Michigan and recently relocated to Texas, where she is establishing operations in a countryside home while building a supportive community. She views her work as an extension of families, offering a village-like environment rather than traditional daycare. Brown attributes her professional success to maintaining a grounded connection with God and staying attuned to what resonates with her soul. She advises young women entering the field to follow their hearts, understand their motivations, avoid seeking permission from others, and surround themselves with goal-oriented individuals.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Imani
01What do you attribute your success to?
I'm not super super like gung-ho religious, but I think with it keeps me grounded. It's just having that connection with God, and what's God for me? You know, everybody has their own direction on God, but I think I'm grounded, because I just listen. And I'm just like, I think I'm in tune. I'm in tune with just what feels good to my soul and its evolution.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You gotta follow your heart on what do you love. Whatever you do, it has to give you, I think you need to know your motivation. What's your motivation? It has to feel good to your spirit, whatever you're doing. And I wouldn't wait for permission. I wouldn't get the okay from people. If it's on your spirit, I would go through with it, because most people aren't really, they don't really follow their goals and dreams, so it's not always common, so I would women. Don't go asking around for permission to. Don't follow your goals and dreams. No, get around people who are chasing their goals and dreams.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
It takes a village. Bring that instead my childcare. So, I say I offer childcare, but really we offer an extension to families. We're a part of their village. Yeah, I love my babies. I love the children. And, it doesn't feel like daycare. It feels like I'm grooming a community and a family. So I bring that over to my, honestly, to my facility, and it does good. A lot of people resonate with me.
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