Vanessa’s multi-entrepreneurial efforts first became evident to me when I saw her dropping off her son at my own son’s football practice in Richmond, VA. She had a large magnetic sticker on her new Chrysler 200 advertising Another Way Driving School. Shortly thereafter, I began improving her web presence and discovered her many other business efforts. Vanessa is as warm and approachable as she is driven and determined! She has a take charge personality and continually looks for new opportunities. I am proud to help support her many businesses and look forward to what she comes up with next!

1. Career influences

Career influences for me are my 2 boys Anthony and Jayquan. If it was not for them coming into my life I would never have thought of starting my own Daycare Business. Anthony and Jayquan influenced me to start my own daycare business because I had a hard time finding daycare for them! Being a single parent at the time, it was very hard to afford good reliable childcare while I went to work. I made too much money to receive child care assistance, but everyday it seemed like I was working just to pay for childcare. One day I had no one to watch my boys, so I had to stay at home with them. While at home I thought to myself, “there has to be a better way!” I prayed to God asking him to show me what he wanted me to do. A few weeks later, a friend asked me if I had ever thought about doing childcare out of my own home. I said “no” and she said, “I really think that you should. You are very good with children!” I told her that I would think about it. Soon after that conversation, I started going to child development training sessions and on Sept. 9, 2005, I resigned from my job. I didn’t know what I was going to do or how I was going to pay my bills or even feed my boys. I trusted God in his word when he said; “I will never leave or forsake you. Lean and depend on me.” So, I did. I stepped out on faith. On October 5, 2005, Blessing Sent Child Care was formed. I opened my house to care for children on October 17, 2005 starting out with only 3 children not including my own. Today I have a full service Day Care Center with over 65 children enrolled, a State of Virginia certified Driving School & an Office Installation Business.

2. Biggest career success

My biggest career success is being a successful woman in business for herself. I am proud to be an Entrepreneur.

3. Recent lessons learned

A recent lesson learned for me is that I must stay active in my business and not just rely on my staff to make sure that things are done correctly and on time.

4. What inspires and motivates

The things that inspire and motivate me are God, my children, my daycare children and my staff. When I go to the daycare center, the children greet me with excitement and start calling my name and give lots of hugs. That’s a really good feeling and it motivates me to continue to be at the daycare especially when I am not in the best mood. My staff and I are just like family. We are excited to see one another and we care about each other. If one person is feeling down we give words of encouragement or a hug to pick up our spirits.

5. Share a leadership story

The best advice I can give another leader is to set good examples for your employees. When speaking with staff, customers or clients be respectful, polite and take ownership if there is a problem that was caused by you or your employees. When speaking with people  look them straight in the eyes. Direct eye contact displays confidence and encourages honesty.

6. Your Top Two

• Put God first and make sure that you have confirmation from Him.
• Love what you do.
  

My piece of advice for other entrepreneurs is to set goals and go for them. Do not let anyone tell you, or try to convince you, that you cannot do it. The one thing that I have learned is that you are able to do anything that you set your mind to. I am a perfect example. Some of my friends call me a “Jamaican” since I am always trying something new. It doesn’t bother me. I keep going. I love it!

7. About Vanessa

I am Vanessa T. Carter Cobb, 41yrs of age and have been married for 7 yrs to Donald Cobb. I have two children Anthony (14) and  Jayquan (11).

I am the owner of Blessing Sent Child Care Center L.L.C which is located in Eastern Henrico, my position is the Director. Blessing Sent Childcare Center is a licensed Facility by the State of Virginia. We are licensed for 80 children and currently have 65 enrolled. Yes, we are now enrolling! We accept ages 6wks – 12yrs of age. Hours of operation are 6:30am – 5:30pm Monday – Friday.  Blessing Sent Child Care Center has a Facebook page check it out!

The other  business is Another Way Driving School L.L.C. and Another Way Driver Improvement Clinic L.L.C. located in Eastern Henrico. Another Way Driver Improvement Clinic offers 8 hour, Defensive Driving Classes on Saturdays. You may be able to earn 5+ points on your driving record. Another Way Driving School is a school teaches teens and adults how to drive. We offer behind the wheel lessons for teenagers who are eligible to receive their Drivers License.  Another Way Driving School also teaches adults how to drive. www.anotherwaydriver.com & www.facebook.com/anotherwaydriver

The newest business that I have established is  Cubes “R” Us Office Furniture Installations L.L.C. www.cubesrus.biz. I am also a Mobile Notary, Licensed by the State of Virginia, a member of SWaM & EVA as well as The Better Business Bureau.

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