07. From Chaos to CEO: The Systems Every Childcare Owner Needs w/ Kenyatta Colbert-Watkins

In this episode of the Profitable Preschool Podcast, Alexis Lewis, CPA, sits down with Kenyatta Colbert, founder of The Astounding Academy in Dunwoody, Georgia, for a deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable childcare center. Kenyatta shares her journey from working in middle schools during COVID to opening her center in 2022—and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From navigating payroll pressure and staffing challenges to supporting children with exceptionalities and learning to lead with clarity instead of chaos, this episode goes far beyond surface-level success. You’ll hear candid reflections on burnout, faith, delegation, boundaries with staff and parents, and why systems—not just passion—are the key to longevity in early childhood education. This episode is especially powerful for owners in their first 3–5 years who need reassurance that growth, struggle, and refinement are all part of the process. If you’re a childcare owner building something meaningful and wondering if you’re alone—you’re not.