If you have passion and determination, success is within your reach. – Janice Regis
Janice Regis is the Founder and Principal at Institution Nouvelle Source. Her School ranges from pre-k through 12th grade. She also happens to be my mother, and my boss. My admiration and respect for this phenomenal woman is out this world! I am in awe at her strength, and drive. I was fortunate enough to attend her school from 2nd grade to 9th grade when I moved to the United States, as well as my other siblings. I was fortunate enough to have seen her dream come true. I remember passing out flyers in front of the school in 1995 when she was getting ready to first open her doors. Today I have the pleasure of running part of the school with her, and I can honestly say that I will never be able to walk in her shoes. As we are closing out the month where our mothers are celebrated, I am honored to share with you a glimpse of my mother, and how she has successfully ran her business for the past 22 years.
1- First things first, tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the oldest of two, and I was raised by two aunts who were educators, and grandfather who was a preacher. I had a happy childhood. I got married at 22 and had three children, two girls and boy, who have been the source of joy of my home. I am now a grandmother of 2 boys, and girl, whom I love dearly.
2- Would you mind sharing a little about your business with our readers ?
After finishing my studies in the field of education, and medical technology, I decided to pursue my dreams of opening my own school. This experience has started in 1995, where I had 200 students, and since I have seen this dream grow and flourish year after year.
3- What made you decide to be an entrepreneur ?
The main reason why I chose to become an entrepreneur was to be with my children, and to raise them how I wanted to, specifically on academic, emotional and spiritual level, which is important for children, especially at an early age. The second reason was due to the fact that the best christian schools in Haiti were biased against children whose faith differed from those schools. I wanted my children to have access to a christian education without having to go against their faith. My goal was to open a christian based school where anyone could attend, regardless of their faith or religion.
4- What does your morning routine looks like ? What’s the first thing you do in the morning ?
I always start my day with a devotion. It lasts about 30 to 45 minutes where i sing hymns, read my bible, meditate and pray. This is essential and crucial to my well being.
5- What challenges do you encounter with your business and how do you overcome them ?
There are numerous challenges that come with running a business. In my field of work I find that the most challenging task is finding competent educators and teachers willing to grow and learn as things are constantly changing in the field of education.
6-What is your best strategy for promoting your business ?
The only strategy that I have used in the past 22 years has been the quality of the services that I offer. Let your work speak for itself.
7- How do you manage and balance your time as a mom and business woman ?
Being a mother and entrepreneur has been a package deal for me, as my children were always with me. At school I had an eye on them, as well as at home. I was always on top of their education and learning. Because I work in a school setting, I was able to be on vacation at the same time as them, and we often took trips together. Being able to be with my children most of the time was the best part about running my own business.
8- How do you make room for personal time to yourself ? What do you do to relax, refresh, or get inspired ?
My vacation time is sacred ! I spend them with my children and grand children.
Music is my method of relaxation, and my second passion. It is also where I find inspiration. I also enjoy reading, and I usually read a book a day when I am on vacation.
9- What are your future plans and vision for your business ?
In the future, I hope to be able to offer a technical diploma to some of our graduating high school students. We are working on implementing a curriculum where this will be possible in the near future.
10- What would be your advice to aspiring women who plan to start a new business ?
Being an entrepreneur leaves you the freedom to grow. It is especially important when it allows you to be flexible and have more time with your family and children. There is nothing easy about it. It is harder than showing up to work everyday. But if you have passion and determination, success is within your reach.
Thank you for sharing your secrets with us, mom!
Laura
Latest posts by Laura (see all)
- 4 Ways You Can Celebrate Juneteenth - June 18, 2020
- Respiratory Therapist Hans Regis shares His Experience During The Coronavirus Outbreak - April 10, 2020
- I Am Laura Charles X SuperPretzel - February 13, 2020
C’est avec joie Laura que j’ai lu les réponses de ta mère aux questions posées. Je retrouve Jeanice. Je suis contente de voir qu’elle reste toujours la femme déterminée , énergique et plein d’amour pour les autres. Ta mère est une belle âme et être son amie est un cadeau que le ciel m’a donné. Embrasse là pou moi et toutes mes félicitations Laura de suivre ses pas..
Thamar, merci d’avoir pris le temps de lire cette petite entrevue. Je sais que ma mere et vous partagez une amitie de longue date. Contente de vous lire!