Momtrepreneur of the Month...

Meet Alyssha Overton of Morning Glory Playcare,a hourly day care drop off center located in Marlboro. When Alyssha first told me about her business, I thought WOW, what a great idea. I know there have been many of times that I would have loved a night out with hubby or my friends or had some errands to run and had no one to watch my kids. Well, here we go. A place I can drop off my kids and I don't have to make any long term contract commitments. I stopped in and met with Alyssha a couple weeks back. She has a great space with lots of play options for the kids including dress up, crafts, gardening, a reading area as well as shop that features products made by local moms.

Here is a little about Morning Glory in her own words:

Tell me a little bit about your business:

I was a stay at home mom of and on for over 12 years. If you don't have family it can be very difficult to get a babysitter for a variety of situations, everything from having a date with your husband or even tougher, going to the doctor during the day. If you go to a regular daycare, you pay for a whole week, even if you only need once in a while. My business is all about pay as you go. When you need me, I'll be here. Before and after school, mornings for moms with little ones and evenings if you want to actually go on a date!

What makes your business so unique, and why can't I live without it?

This gives parents the opportunity to do things they may not be able to do, or to make certain tasks easier. Go out to lunch with a friend, or maybe you want a part time job but don't want o pay for full time care. The service can be used in a millions ways to make life easier for parents.

Is there anything exciting or special in the works?

Family Yoga: On Tuesday November 11th there will be 2 classes:

The first class is for little ones - under 5. The class will begin at 1:30.

Their class is about 30 minutes and your little one can come just for that or as part of a drop off where mom can go out to lunch! (Hey moms - this is a great time to get together and do some shopping together!) Just the class the fee is $10. If you want to drop off the time will be from 12 to 2 and the fee is $20. Mom's that book together get a buddy discount of 10%.

The same day we will have FAMILY YOGA - Beginning at 2:30 this is a class for Parent and child and it lasts about 45 minutes. The fee per family is only $15! It's a great opportunity to try out yoga with your child.

Pajama Party: On Friday the 14th we'll be having a Pajama Party from 6pm to 9pm for children over 5. This drop off will include a 30 minute Yoga class and a craft. Again - 10% discount for friends signing up together. The fee for this drop off is $25. (HELLO DATE NIGHT!)

Sit and Scrap: November 20th, 12-2pm with Juene Girl Crafts. This event is perfect for scrapbooking mommas who can't get a sitter. $25 per person includes 2.5 hours of childcare and scrapbooking. The fee includes childcare, access to all scrapbooking tools and embellishments (stickers, ribbons, buttons, eyelets, etc), 6 sheets of paper plus access to TONS of paper scraps and light refreshments. Children will also have access to all toys and play areas. Reservations are required.

Black Friday Shopping: We will be opening at 5am for all those early risers who want to get a head start on their holiday shopping.

What have been some of your struggles with starting your own business?

I have been lucky that i have a l ot of support, but being the sole provider is new and scary. Keepin the faith that this is what I am meant to do and that I can be successful is somthing I have to remind myself often.

What are some of your short term and long term goals?

Short term, I would like to have special events, weekend parties for kids, host birthday parties and do other fun things to encourage parent and children to come and play for a while. Long term, I would love to be helping so many people that I need to open another location.

Tell us about your family:

I am a now a single parent of 3 girls ages 13, 6 and about to be 3 on September 11th. We have lived in Marlboro for 4 years. Without the support of my mom, another long time business owner, and a very supportive and helpful boyfriend, this would have never been possible.

How do you balance your business and your family life?

This may sound silly, but I have may keys in order on my key ring. Nearly everyday when I open the door to my business, I note the fact that it is the SECOND ring, my home and family need to come first. I have a lot of help juggling ang getting the kids where they need to go. I am still looking for the perfect calendar.

Just for fun:
Favorite Reality Show: The Apprentice
Can't Live Without Item: My cell phone and the internet
Favorite Online Shopping Place: Ebates

Morning Glory Playcare is located at 1504 Route 9W, Unit 6 in Marlboro, NY. Please visit their website at http://www.morninggloryplaycare.com/

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Want to be considered for my monthly "Momtrepreneur of the Month?" Please contact me at melissa@surprisephotography.com.