Today we’d like to introduce you to Constance Sholar Cherry.
Hi Constance, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Sure! My journey really started in the classroom. I spent over six years as a toddler teacher, and I absolutely loved it. Those years gave me a deep understanding of child development and showed me just how much early childhood education can shape a child’s future.
In 2007, I decided to take a leap of faith and open Creative Home Academy. At the time, we were licensed for just seven children. It was small, but it felt like the perfect place to pour into families and build something special. And honestly, families felt the difference. Word spread, and we grew—quickly.
Over the years, as the needs of our community changed, we continued to expand. We moved into our first center-based location in 2019, and then expanded again in 2022 to open our second campus. Now, we serve up to 345 children and offer both traditional and nontraditional hours for working families.
My role has grown right along with the program. I went from being a full-time classroom teacher to leading a team of over 20 employees—and we’re still growing. Today, as the Executive Director, I get to focus on developing my staff, supporting families, and creating a school culture that feels warm, progressive, and full of integrity.
Looking back, it’s been a journey of faith, growth, and a whole lot of love for children and families. What started with seven kids has turned into a thriving preschool that serves hundreds—and I’m grateful for every step that got us here.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all — it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped who I am as a leader and what Creative Home Academy has become.
In the beginning, the biggest struggle was simply being a new, small program trying to build trust in the community. Starting with a license for just seven children meant I had to wear every hat — teacher, administrator, cook, cleaner, everything. It was exhausting, but it taught me the importance of systems, quality, and consistency.
As we grew, staffing became one of the biggest challenges. Finding educators who not only loved children but also aligned with our values—respect, fun, integrity, and being progressive—took time. And now, managing a team of over 20 employees requires constant leadership, communication, and training. But it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Expanding from a home-based program to a center-based program brought a whole new set of challenges too. Licensing, compliance, building out larger spaces, financial risks—those were major steps that required courage, planning, and faith. And expanding again in 2022 while maintaining quality was both exciting and stressful.
We also serve families who work nontraditional hours, so creating a program that meets real community needs while still supporting staff has taken creativity and flexibility.
But through all of it, the struggles have helped us grow. They pushed me to become a stronger leader, to build better systems, and to stay rooted in our mission. So even though the road hasn’t been smooth, it’s been worth it every single time I see a child thriving or a family feeling supported.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Absolutely! Creative Home Academy & Preschool is so much more than a childcare program — we’re a community. We serve children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old across two campuses, and our mission is to create a safe, fun, and enriching learning environment where children can grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
We specialize in high-quality early childhood education and in supporting families who work both traditional and nontraditional hours. That flexibility has become one of our biggest strengths because it allows us to truly meet families where they are.
What sets us apart is our culture. We lead with our core values — respect, fun, integrity, and being progressive. Families often tell us they can feel the difference the moment they walk in. Our classrooms are joyful and structured, our teachers are supported and trained, and our leadership team is hands-on and deeply invested in the success of every child and every staff member.
We’re also known for our continuous growth. We started with just seven children and now serve up to 345. But even with all that growth, we never lost the “family feel.” We pride ourselves on knowing our families, being approachable, and making sure parents feel seen, heard, and supported.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built. Creative Home Academy has become a place where families feel confident leaving their children every day. We’re also intentional about offering programs that develop the whole child — academically, creatively, emotionally, and socially.
For readers, I want them to know that we truly care. We don’t just provide childcare — we partner with families. Whether a parent needs help with potty training, support with behavior, resources for school readiness, or simply someone to talk to, we are here. And as we continue to grow, we’re committed to maintaining excellence, evolving with community needs, and keeping our heart for children at the center of everything we do.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’m really excited about the future of Creative Home Academy. We’ve grown so much, but I still feel like we’re just getting started. One of my biggest goals is to continue strengthening the quality of our programs — especially in early literacy, social-emotional learning, and school readiness. I want every child who leaves our program to be confident, curious, and prepared for the next stage.
We’re also focused on expanding our leadership and teacher development. As our team continues to grow beyond 20 employees, investing in professional development, coaching, and building strong internal leaders is a top priority for me. When teachers feel supported, children thrive — and that’s the core of our vision moving forward.
Another major step we’re preparing for is launching our nonprofit in 2026. This will allow us to expand our mission and vision even further by offering more family resources, community support, educational programs, and funding opportunities that go beyond the walls of our preschool. It’s a big dream, and I’m excited for the impact it will make in our community.
Program-wise, we’re planning to increase our Pre-K offerings and continue partnering with initiatives like Head Start and First 8 Memphis. Families deserve high-quality early childhood options, and we want to be a leading resource in our city.
Long-term, I’m also looking forward to exploring opportunities for additional expansion — whether that means new classrooms, new programs, or even another location one day. But growth for us isn’t just about size; it’s about impact. We want to deepen the ways we support families and stay aligned with our mission of delivering high-quality, loving, and progressive care.
Overall, the future of Creative Home Academy is rooted in quality, community impact, and innovation. The best is truly yet to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creativehomeacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativehomeacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17iNAn1tFs/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/constance-sholar-cherry-a312a5213
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@creativehomeacademyandpres2981
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creativehomeacademy
