Profitable Preschool | Exceptional Finance for Childcare Founders

What if burnout isn’t a sign that you’re failing, but a sign that you’re over-giving? In this episode of the Profitable Preschool Podcast, Alexis Louis, CPA sits down with Neshanta Linson, founder of Hermes Enchanted Garden, for a raw and deeply honest conversation about leadership, boundaries, and the mindset shifts required to build a childcare business with both profit and peace. Neshanta shares her unexpected path into early childhood education, the hard lessons she learned scaling from in-home care to a center, and how over-giving nearly cost her clarity, energy, and joy. From staffing and systems to faith, grief, and mindset coaching, this episode explores what it really means to evolve from a passionate owner into a grounded, confident CEO. You’ll hear: Why over-giving is one of the biggest (and most hidden) causes of burnout How boundaries protect both your business and your wellbeing The mindset work that unlocked clarity, better decisions, and stronger leadership Why systems, not sacrifice, create sustainable profit How purpose, faith, and community shape long-term success in childcare If you’re a childcare owner who feels stretched thin, emotionally exhausted, or stuck doing everything yourself, this episode will remind you: you’re not weak, you’re just ready for your next level of leadership.

What if your childcare business could be both profitable and deeply purposeful?In this episode of The Profitable Preschool Podcast, host Alexis Louis, CPA, sits down with Penny Payne, founder of 15th Avenue North Learning Academy, to unpack the mindset and systems behind her thriving Nashville childcare center. Penny’s story is the blueprint for what happens when compassion meets consistency. She’s not chasing vacation money or status symbols, instead she’s building a community where teachers feel valued, parents feel supported, and children feel seen. From surviving a rocky first year to leading a six-classroom school that’s fully enrolled and mission-driven, Penny shares the real talk on what it takes to build a business that lasts. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn passion into profit without losing your peace, this episode will reignite your belief that abundance follows alignment. 🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to lead with heart without losing your financial footing Why structure and systems are the real keys to sustainability How to recover from burnout and reconnect to your “why” Penny’s secret to keeping staff loyal and families raving for 10 years strong Why faith and service are still the most powerful business growth strategies ✨ Quote to Remember “Money will come if you’re doing what you’re supposed to do.” – Penny Payne

If the word “tax” makes your stomach drop, this episode is for you. In Episode 3 of Profitable Preschool, we’re diving deep into practical, year-round tax strategies tailored specifically for affluent childcare center owners managing $500K–$2M in annual revenue. Whether you own one preschool or oversee multiple locations, this episode will help you ditch the panic and approach tax planning like a confident CEO. Host Alexis Louis, a seasoned expert in early childhood business finances, shares the exact systems high-performing center owners use to stay financially organized, avoid IRS pitfalls, and keep more of what they earn. This isn’t generic advice—it’s built for center owners just like you who are scaling and need serious financial control without sacrificing their sanity. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why taxes don’t have to be scary—and how a proactive mindset can change everything The top three habits of childcare CEOs who never stress during tax time How to build a monthly and quarterly financial rhythm that supports tax readiness The most overlooked tax deductions and credits for early childhood businesses Common mistakes successful center owners still make—and how to avoid them A clear, actionable tax checklist to follow every single year Whether you're preparing for a major expansion, hiring more staff, or just trying to get a better handle on your books, these tips will help you take control of your business finances—and gain the peace of mind you’ve been missing. This episode is ideal for: Preschool and childcare center owners earning $500K+ per year Operators of multi-site early education businesses Directors and founders looking to improve profitability and reduce tax-time stress Anyone who wants to turn tax season from a last-minute scramble into a strategic advantage 🎧 Listen now and start building your stress-free tax strategy—because you deserve to run your center with clarity, confidence, and cash flow. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with another center owner who’s ready to elevate their financial game. Connect with Alexis! LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alexislouiscpa More about Little Ledgers Accounting Learn more about Little Ledgers's services at www.littleledgers.com Follow Little Ledgers Accounting at instagram.com/littleledgersaccounting

Your preschool is full. You’ve got a waitlist, your teachers are clocked in, parents sing your praises—and yet your personal paycheck doesn’t match all the hard work you're putting in. Sound familiar? In this powerful first episode of Profitable Preschool, Childcare CFO and business coach Alexis Louis uncovers the real reason so many successful-looking childcare centers are barely breaking even—and what to do about it. We’re talking: ✅ Why full enrollment doesn't mean full profit✅ The hidden expenses that are quietly draining your income✅ What’s actually keeping you stuck in survival mode✅ How to shift into CEO-level thinking (without more stress or hours)✅ Simple changes that can increase your paycheck without increasing your workload This is the episode every affluent center owner needs to hear if they’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or wondering, “Why am I still not paying myself more?” If you're ready to stop working 60+ hours a week for scraps and start building a preschool that gives you time, freedom, and real financial growth—this episode will give you the clarity and next steps you need. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to turn your passion into profit—because it’s time your preschool paid you like the CEO you are. Connect with Alexis! LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alexislouiscpa More about Little Ledgers Accounting Learn more about Little Ledgers's services at www.littleledgers.com Follow Little Ledgers Accounting at instagram.com/littleledgersaccounting