Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Drayton-Crumblin.
Hi Julia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey really started with being a mother and recognizing a gap. It was not just in childcare availability, but in the kind of care and support families actually need.
I didn’t set out thinking I was going to start a business. I was trying to solve a real problem in real time. Not only for my own children and for other families around me. I saw how hard it was for parents to find safe, reliable, and nurturing environments, especially ones that also supported learning and structure.
I started small, operating out of my home, learning as I went, and building the program piece by piece. At the same time, I was navigating licensing, regulations, and the realities of starting a business with limited resources. There were moments where I had to pivot and rethink everything. When I realized that opening a full-scale center right away would require more structural changes and funding than I initially planned for.
Around that same time, I stepped into public service as a councilwoman for the Town of James Island. That role has given me a broader perspective on the challenges families face. It was access to childcare and education to community resources and support systems. It also deepened my commitment to not just build something for my business, but to be part of building stronger systems for the community as a whole.
Instead of giving up, I adjusted. I focused on what I could build right now, Wich is a strong, intentional program that serves children and supports families, while growing step by step.
Today, Picking Up The Pieces Enrichment Program has grown into more than just childcare. It’s a space centered around routine, development, and community. We offer childcare, homeschool support, and enrichment, all designed to meet families where they are.
I’m still very much in the building phase, both as a business owner and as a councilwoman, but that’s part of the story. This journey hasn’t been perfect, it’s been real. And everything I’m creating is rooted in making sure families feel supported, children feel seen, and the community has something it can truly rely on.
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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the realities of starting a childcare program especially when it comes to licensing, regulations, and the cost of doing things the right way. There were moments where I realized that what I originally planned wasn’t financially or structurally feasible without major changes, and that forced me to pivot.
Financially, it’s also been a challenge building something meaningful while not immediately seeing the return. I’ve made the decision to reinvest back into the program instead of paying myself or expanding too quickly, which comes with a lot of pressure especially as a mother and provider.
At the same time, serving as a councilwoman has given me a deeper understanding of why some of these challenges exist in the first place. I’ve been able to see how policies, zoning, and access to resources directly impact small businesses and families trying to build something sustainable. That perspective has been both eye-opening and motivating.
Mentally and emotionally, this journey has stretched me. Balancing running a business, serving in public office, and showing up for my family isn’t easy, and there have definitely been moments of doubt and exhaustion.
But each challenge has forced me to become more resourceful and more intentional. It’s also strengthened my commitment, not just to my business, but to being part of creating better systems and opportunities for other families and entrepreneurs in my community.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been purposeful. Every obstacle has played a role in shaping both the work I’m doing and the impact I want to have.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Picking Up The Pieces Enrichment Program?
Picking Up The Pieces Enrichment Program is a childcare and homeschool support program, but at its core, it’s really about creating structure, stability, and support for both children and families.
Over time, the program has evolved to include a microschool model and a Montessori-inspired approach, which allows us to be more intentional about how children learn and grow. We focus on hands-on learning, independence, and allowing children to move at their own pace, while still maintaining structure and consistency throughout the day.
We offer childcare, preschool enrichment, and homeschool support in a way that blends education with real-life development. Children learn things like routine, social skills, confidence, and independence. It’s not just about keeping children occupied, it’s about helping them grow in a thoughtful and supportive environment.
What sets us apart is that everything we do is very intentional. We’re not following a one-size-fits-all model. We’re building something that adapts to the needs of families, especially those looking for flexibility but still wanting quality, structured care and learning.
I think what people recognize most about our program is that it feels personal. It’s community-based, relationship-driven, and built from real experience as both a parent and a provider.
Serving as a councilwoman has also shaped how I approach this work. It’s given me a broader view of the gaps that exist in childcare and education, and it pushes me to build something that not only supports individual families, but contributes to a stronger, more connected community overall.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is that we’ve built something meaningful from the ground up, even while still growing and evolving. The brand represents care, resilience, and intention. Families trust us because they can feel that in what we do.
I want people to know that Picking Up The Pieces isn’t just a service. That it’s a support system and a foundation. It’s a place where children are seen, families are supported, and where we’re rethinking what childcare and early education can look like in our community.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
I would say resilience has been the most important quality in my journey.
Not just the ability to keep going, but the ability to adjust, pivot, and continue building even when things don’t go as planned. There have been a lot of moments where I had to rethink my approach. No matter if it was financially, structurally, or even mentally. Resilience is what allowed me to keep moving forward instead of stopping altogether.
Building a business from the ground up while also serving as a councilwoman and showing up for my family requires a level of discipline and adaptability that I’ve had to grow into. It’s not always about having everything figured out. It’s about staying committed to the bigger vision, even when the path isn’t clear.
I’ve also learned that resilience isn’t just about pushing through, it’s about being intentional. Knowing when to pivot, when to pause, and when to keep going.
That mindset has helped me not only grow my business, but also approach my role in public service with the same level of commitment. A complete understanding that real impact takes time, consistency, and the willingness to keep showing up.
At the end of the day, resilience has been the foundation of everything I’m building.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pickingupthepieces.center
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Picking-Up-The-Pieces-Enrichment-Center/61577859481968/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/picking-up-the-pieces-enrichment-program/
