Brilliant Beginnings Learning Center was built on purpose, determination, and a mother’s instinct for what children need to thrive. For owner Kisha, the story began long before she ever imagined herself as an entrepreneur. As a young single mother searching for affordable, dependable childcare, she understood the worry and uncertainty that many parents face. Years later, working inside a local childcare center, she saw another need. Quality childcare was in short supply, and families deserved a place where their children could feel safe, supported, and encouraged to learn and grow.

When the opportunity arose to purchase the childcare center where she once worked, Kisha took a leap of faith. With financial help from her mother, she embraced ownership with a deep belief that she could build a place where children were nurtured and parents felt truly cared for. That leap has since transformed into Brilliant Beginnings, a trusted multi-location childcare program serving infants through school-aged children across Virginia Beach. Families rely on Brilliant Beginnings for everything from early childhood education to extended hours, weekend care, and summer programs.

What began as a modest center now welcomes more than three thousand children every year, a testament to Kisha’s commitment to creating access for working families. She has built a team of dozens of dedicated educators, including several former students who have returned as adults to pour into the next generation. The environment she created blends structure and compassion, offering families stability while giving children a joyful place to learn.

The journey, however, has not been without obstacles. When a devastating flood threatened to close her doors and derail the business she had worked so hard to build, Kisha found herself overwhelmed by insurance questions, cleanup decisions, financial gaps, and operational challenges. She needed guidance, not only to recover but also to rebuild with resilience. That turning point led her to the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

From her first meeting, Kisha felt understood and supported. The SBDC helped her develop a recovery plan, strengthen financial management systems, navigate insurance and funding resources, and prepare for growth. Through one-on-one advising, she refined internal processes, updated operational structure, and mapped out strategies to stabilize and expand her programs. With the SBDC’s guidance, she did more than recover. She grew. Enrollment increased by more than thirty percent, her team expanded, and the centers became stronger than ever.

“The SBDC gave me the tools, confidence, and connections to keep going,” Kisha said. “They supported me through one of the hardest seasons and helped me rebuild in a way that honors every family we serve.”

Economic Impact

Today, Brilliant Beginnings continues to grow as a model of compassionate childcare and community commitment. Kisha remains focused on meeting families where they are, offering flexible care options, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to start strong. Her story is one of resilience and vision, and her impact extends far beyond the walls of her childcare centers. It reaches into the lives of parents who can work with peace of mind, children who feel seen and supported, and a community that benefits from a leader who believes that every beginning should be brilliant.