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

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed&nbsp;Keanna Sanders.
<hr>
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To highlight Keanna Sanders&rsquo; 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.
<hr>
🧭 Key Themes &amp; Takeaways 1. Early Inspiration &amp; Passion for Children
<ul>
<li>Keanna&rsquo;s love for children began at age 13, helping her grandmother care for infants and toddlers.</li>
<li>Quote:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I was always around children&hellip; babysitting cousins, neighbors, and helping my grandmother with single moms&rsquo; kids.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
2. Education &amp; Certifications
<ul>
<li>Studied Fashion Merchandising at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Fashion Institute of Technology.</li>
<li>Earned childcare certifications (e.g., 45-hour and 90-hour credentials) to qualify as a teacher in Maryland.</li>
<li>Quote:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I went and got my certifications in childcare so I could make a little extra money.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
3. Entrepreneurial Drive
<ul>
<li>Keanna always knew she wanted to be her own boss, even before understanding what entrepreneurship meant.</li>
<li>Quote:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t want to work a 9 to 5. I wanted to travel and make my own schedule.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
4. Serial Entrepreneurship
<ul>
<li>Owned a car dealership called Trendy Motors before launching Sandbridge.</li>
<li>Used profits from car sales and a bank loan to fund her childcare business.</li>
<li>Quote:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I sold my first car and said, &lsquo;I&rsquo;m going to start a car business.&rsquo; That success helped me launch Sandbridge.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
5. Founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center
<ul>
<li>The name &ldquo;Sandbridge&rdquo; combines her last name (Sanders) with the concept of &ldquo;bridging the gap&rdquo; between parents and children.</li>
<li>Quote:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Sandbridge means bridging the gap between parents and kids.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
6. Curriculum &amp; Learning Philosophy
<ul>
<li>Uses Frog Street Curriculum for infants to age 5.</li>
<li>Employs certified public school teachers through grants to prepare children for elementary school.</li>
<li>Quote:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;We want children to be ready for school. We teach through themes, tummy time, reading, and physical activities.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
7. Family Engagement &amp; Community Impact
<ul>
<li>Hosts family nights, festivals, and educational field trips.</li>
<li>Offers financial support, discounts, and free meals to families in need.</li>
<li>Quote:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;We go above and beyond&hellip; sometimes I waive fees or help with scholarship applications.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
8. Franchise Vision &amp; Branding
<ul>
<li>Plans to franchise Sandbridge nationally with consistent branding across locations.</li>
<li>Quote:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;I want every Sandbridge to look the same&mdash;like Chick-fil-A or Walgreens.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
9. Overcoming Bias &amp; Embracing Identity
<ul>
<li>Initially hid her ownership due to fear of bias but later embraced her identity and impact.</li>
<li>Quote:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;You didn&rsquo;t work this hard not to be recognized. People deserve to know who you are.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
10. Faith, Risk-Taking &amp; Advice
<ul>
<li>Attributes her success to faith, persistence, and taking risks.</li>
<li>Quote:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
&ldquo;Out of ten no&rsquo;s, you&rsquo;ll get one yes. Be consistent, be persistent, and lean on God.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
<hr>
📍 Current Status
<ul>
<li>Operates six locations in Maryland: three full sites and three before/after care programs.</li>
<li>Serves nearly 400 children.</li>
<li>Actively working on franchising the business.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!

https://www.moneymakingconversations.com

https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations

https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/

https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv

https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Hi, this is Rushion McDonald. Welcome to the podcast world of Money Making Conversations Master Class. I interview profits and nonprofits to learn their "Secrets to Success."  I'm a former IBM Executive with a degree in Mathematics. I started my entrepreneurial career as a stand-up comic, then became a sitcom writer, award-winning baker, social media influencer, award-winning television Executive Producer, and brand architect for super-successful celebrities and products. Money Making Conversations Master Class interviews a diverse group of celebrities, entrepreneurs, and influencers in the financial and business community with their advice and tips so you can be successful, too. It's time to stop reading other people's success stories and start building your own. People always talk about their purpose or gifts. If you have a gift, Lead with your Gift, and don't let your friends, family, or co-workers stop you from planning or living your dream. Keep Winning!
https://www.moneymakingconversations.com
https://www.youtube.com/MoneyMakingConversations
https://www.facebook.com/MoneyMakingConversations/
https://twitter.com/moneymakingconv
https://www.instagram.com/moneymakingconversations/

Money Making Conversations Master Class

Uplift: Explores how she created a network of childcare centers in Maryland. 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8f0bb9a8-71d4-4456-a433-b369011cc740/transcript

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