Exploring Life & Business with Dionne Bowick of Growing Legacy Early Learning Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dionne Bowick

Hi Dionne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
What an amazing journey this has been. I graduated from the illustrious North Carolina Central University in 2008 with a business degree. Subsequently, I matriculated into the field of early education. I decided to pursue an additional degree to continue my advancement in early education. In 2017, I was awarded the opportunity to work under a wonderful mentor! With over 50 years of business experience, she poured into my dream of becoming an owner and operator of a licensed childcare center. The next two years were pivotal. I was offered the opportunity to operate my own facility here in Durham. Circumstances transitioned drastically. In 2019, my mentor at the time pushed me out of the nest! I was completely on my own. I had limited resources, faith in GOD, and my dream. I was dedicated to visualizing my dream come true. I continued operating my childcare center in hopes I would be able to make ends meet. In 2019, with the help of GOD, my family, and staff; I opened Growing Legacy Early Learning Center. When the pandemic became prevalent, I continued operating! Our program went from approximately 60 children to 15 children. Shortly after, I was notified the building I was operating in had been sold. I had 45 days to vacate. I was devastated! I had the task of finding a new location and having it prepared to be accessible to families and children in 45 days. GOD is amazing. Within 45 days, Growing Legacy was relocated and operating. Two years later I was approached about opening a second location. Let’s just say, Growing Legacy Early Learning Center and Growing Legacy Development Center is the product of GOD’s grace, perseverance, and integrity!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have encountered a myriad of obstacles. I had to relocate my childcare center in the crux of the pandemic. I was given 45 days to relocate my program. I encountered structural challenges, location challenges, and staffing challenges at the potential new location while continuing to provide quality care for the children and families we served! It was a whirlwind of emotion. I had to trust the process. My growth and development as a leader was challenged. I was determined to illustrate integrity, courage, and faith. I did just that!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Growing Legacy Early Learning Center and Growing Legacy Development Center are 5 Star licensed childcare centers located in the beautiful city of Durham. We specialize in childcare for children 6 weeks to 12 years old. We offer a variety of programs including NC Pre-K, Durham Pre-K, and Early Head Start. We provide transportation and weekly music classes at no additional cost to the children in our program. I am most proud of the staff and children that are the heartbeat of our program. Their hard work and dedication are the rhythm of our program’s success. I am honored to serve the families in our program.

Any big plans?
The future is limitless! We are planning to continue to expand our brand and revitalize our community. We are working on a major playground renovation! We are so excited to provide an outdoor learning environment that is stimulating and inviting for our children.

Contact Info:

• • Website: https://growinglegacyelc.wixsite.com/