Today we’d like to introduce you to Keisha Mcclain
Hi Keisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Keisha McClain, a Charleston native and the founder of Back 2 Basics Educational Consulting LLC based in North Charleston. From a young age, I was passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families, though I initially hesitated to enter the education field. Growing up in a military family, my love for travel and diverse cultures shaped my path. In 2001, after graduating from South Carolina State University, I embraced a pivotal role as an Air Force Child and Youth Management Trainee. This opportunity took me to various countries in Europe and Japan, where I worked with military families and contributed to youth programs that had a profound impact on me.
My journey led me to the enriching world of Head Start in 2010, where I began as an Early Childhood Specialist, serving programs across South Carolina and the Southeast. This experience laid the foundation for my private consulting business, which I launched in 2014. The flexibility of entrepreneurship has enabled me to continue my work with children, families, and educators globally.
Beyond my consulting work, I’ve expanded my professional endeavors to include roles as a University Professor, trainer, consultant, and board member. Above all, I cherish my role as a mother to my wonderful daughter, Ryleigh.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path to entrepreneurial success has undeniably been filled with challenges. One of my biggest fears when starting my own company was the relentless self-doubt that left me feeling unprepared. Even with positive feedback on my skills and achievements, I often returned home feeling like I was falling short as a mother, unable to give my daughter the same level of attention and love that I devoted to my work. Finding a work-life balance that allowed me to fully engage in both my professional and personal life became crucial. I had to learn to prioritize my commitments to God, myself, and my daughter before reaching out to others.
I am deeply grateful for a strong support system that has not only stood by me but also continuously motivated me to chase my dreams, regardless of the challenges that lay ahead.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Back.2 Basics LLC?
We have been in business for ten years, operating in South Carolina and North Carolina alongside my exceptional business partner, Freda Carter. We specialize in providing customized training and technical assistance to meet the diverse needs of organizations, including child care centers, military child and youth programs, school districts, Head Start, and Family Child Care. What distinguishes us is our unwavering commitment to “Best Practices as our Standard” and our dedication to high-quality childcare programming, which we believe is crucial for workforce success. Early care professionals lay the foundation for all future professions and deserve top-notch professional development and educational opportunities.
Among our notable achievements is our expansion into over 14 states, including South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Reflecting on my personal and professional journey, I now view myself as a risk-taker. However, I think some of the bold choices, like moving out of state and even out of the country at 22, might have seemed less daunting if I had fully understood the potential outcomes. My new approach to taking risks is guided by the belief that when fear is involved, it often signals an opportunity to witness how life aligns with your Godly purpose. Trusting that there’s a greater plan—one that isn’t always your own—helps me embrace these moments with confidence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://back2basicsece.com
