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We registered Liam for preschool this week. Pray for my mama heart. It seems a bit surreal to watch him grow up so quickly. But he’s excited about it and, really, so are we. I’m thrilled with the school we’ve chosen and as it requires parents to volunteer a little of their time to be “parent helpers” in the classroom, I’m looking forward to learning which activities we can do here at home too. Liam is such a little sponge and he picks up on things so quickly. That’s why I’m so excited about telling you all about Ashley Hendryx from Legacy Learning Academy. This shop sells fun and hands-on educational toys, games and activities for littles. I have my eye on the Preschool Prep kit and I think it would be so beneficial to use in conjunction with his preschool class in the fall. I may even add some of the extension kits to his birthday and Christmas lists. Hope you enjoy Ashley’s interview and don’t forget to use the discount code below if you decide to order something yourself!
Tell us a little about yourself and how Legacy Learning Academy got started.
After receiving my bachelors and my masters degrees in education, I was blessed enough to teach language arts to junior high students. This was my dream job and I felt so lucky to be able to inspire and transform each and every day. When I became a mom, my focus shifted and I felt that I was called to stay home and pour my efforts into my boys. Being a born educator, I felt that it was my duty to “teach” and “engage” my little ones at home, but I realized that there was a lack of high-engagement activities for toddlers and preschool-aged children. So I decided I would create my own. Each day, I would create a mini-curriculum and each day my boys would learn through play within the comfort of our home. Friends and family then encouraged me to start selling my creations. I took the leap, and Legacy Learning Academy was born! I am now the proud mommy to four active boys, one of 
which just graced us with his presence last month, and the proud owner of a thriving small business with a very important mission.
How did Legacy Learning Academy get its name?
I have always thought of my children as my legacy and each and every day, I was seeing those eyes look up to me for guidance and direction. With the creation of Legacy Learning Academy, I knew I wanted it to become something my children could be proud of!
Who/what inspires you?
My family and my former students all inspire me. I come from a family of teachers and I am inspired by each and every one of them! Before I was home with my kids, I was able to teach junior high language arts and 
I learned so much from those young minds. Now, seeing these same students turn into adults and find their way, I am inspired to keep creating.
What are the best and hardest things about being your own boss?
The absolute best part of being my own boss is the fact that I can be home with my boys, doing all of the mommy things that I have always wanted to do, but that I can also create and inspire through my brand. I love the fact that my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education are still being put to good use!
The hardest thing about being my own boss is that I am constantly surrounded by my work. There is always an e-mail to respond to, an order to fill, or a new product to create. Finding balance is something I am always working on.
What advice would you like to share with other women entrepreneurs?
You can do it. Yes, that sounds so terribly generic and cliché, but you really can! When I first started out with Legacy Learning Academy, I was unbelievably overwhelmed! How could I possibly check off every item on my to-do list to meet my high standards? As life goes on and hard work prevails, I have established a rhythm in my routine and it has become far easier
to manage. Wake up each day with an “I can do this” attitude and you will find success. I promise.
What’s your favorite item from your shop?
My absolute favorite item in my shop is the Pre-K Prep School Sets. These are a complete 6-week curriculum meant to prepare young minds for entering school and the transformations I have seen through these programs are fabulous! The creation of this program was certainly a labor of love and it is so rewarding to see that my hard work has paid off!
What’s next for Legacy Learning Academy?
Our next big step is to introduce our Kindergarten Prep School Sets. Like the Pre-K sets, these sets will be the perfect preparatory program to get 
your little one prepared for the Kindergarten school year ahead. Hundreds of hours go into the creation of these programs, and I can’t wait to see the young minds that this set will transform!
What show(s) are you watching right now?
I am a reality television junky, and I just love snuggling into bed at night with my husband to watch our ever-growing list of DVRed shows! Currently we are loving Biggest Loser, The Little Couple, Married at First Sight, and Top Chef!
Thanks, Ashley, for sitting down with me today! Check out the different toys and activities available from Legacy Learning Academy on their website or see them in action on Facebook and Instagram. Want to try one out for yourself? You can use the code “firebrigade” for 20% off your purchase! The code is good until Wednesday, May 4.
If you’re new to the blog, the Meet the Maker series is where I get to introduce you to some of the makers, creators and artists behind some of my favorite brands and companies. These women entrepreneurs (often mom-preneurs) are not only turning their passions into successful businesses, but they’re also helping and inspiring others to embark on their own creative journeys as well. If you are interested in being interviewed for a Meet the Maker post, please send me a message. I’d love to hear from you!
(Photos provided by Legacy Learning Academy)
So cool and inspiring!