Maureen Chelemu has always had a passion for childcare learning and development. She graduated Medicine Hat College with her Early Learning & Childcare Diploma and Level 3, and in 2015 she opened Lion King Daycare in Brooks, Alberta.
Her daycare is full of laughter and joy, and seeing the children learn something new and develop has Chelemu feeling fulfilled at the end of every day.
“You see children becoming more social and developing mentally and in every area of their lives,” says Chelemu.
Chelemu was looking to renovate her space when she opened her business. She was talking to her friend Sylvia, owner of Ebony Cosmetics & Hair Lounge, when Sylvia shared with her that Community Futures Chinook supports local small business owners.
Chelemu made an appointment with Alvaro Mendes, business analyst, and he shared more information for Maureen to apply and receive the Beautification Loan from Community Futures Chinook.
“The process was very fast and to know the City and Community Futures are on top of things and offering this service to the community is amazing,” she says.
With the Beautification Loan, Chelemu added new rooms and painted the space to make it colourful and playful. She wanted the space to look like it was for children, so there are Disney princesses and dinosaurs painted on the walls, “We’ve added this to make Lion King Daycare feel inviting, so when parents come in they know this is a place for their children.”
“I will definitely be sharing with people who are looking to open a business, that Community Futures is the place to reach out to. I urge everyone to learn more about the resources that are available, because resources like this help us grow as a community,” says Chelemu.
