River City Six – Keana P. SeptMatthews
Meet Keana P. SeptMatthews, director of education at B & K ExSeptional Ones Academy (www.facebook.com/ExSeptionalones).
Tell us a little about your business.
We are an Early Childhood Center like no other. We teach both Montessori practical application and traditional early childhood learning through play. We are a center that was born out of wanting to make a difference in the lives of children in lower social economic statuses.
How did you get started in the business?
As a person who has been in early childhood for over 20 years, I have seen and heard lots of negative things. This is the reason I wanted to open a center that not only focuses on the children in our care, but also their families as well as our staff. Our mission is to give them a safe home-away-from-home atmosphere.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Being a young, black female entrepreneur.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
In spite of adversity, my love for this field keeps growing with the opening of the new center in Bellevue.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have been married to my husband Brian for over 20 years. Together, we have two adult children, Mario and Mykiah, and one granddaughter, Naomi, whom we are so in love with and adore.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Becoming a grandmother to little Naomi.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Sleep!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
We are not just striving to make a difference in the United States but we are also funding and helping plant ministries in Kenya Africa.
Who inspires you?
Most definitely my husband. His support of my dreams is unreal. Brian is a disabled veteran and, even though he is battling his own things, somehow he always finds the time to give back.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
When given a task, great or small, do it right or not at all. Also, it takes a lot of steps to get to the top but one wrong step to fall to the bottom.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Passionate.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Made a Way” by Travis Greene.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Play the piano.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
Law.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
MALCOM X.
What is your favorite movie?
The Blind Side.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Genji Japanese Steakhouse.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Judge Lynn Toler.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(531) 365-6805; exseptionalconsultingbiz@gmail.com; www.facebook.com/ExSeptionalones.