We had the good fortune of connecting with Markesha Wattree and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Markesha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I didn’t initially set out to start a business. My focus was to find unique ways to reinforce critical foundational academic skills. I created lessons, games, and activities for children and families to supplement the curriculum. I designed activities that didn’t require technology and allowed children to use their hands. After a while, I began getting requests for more activities for larger groups. At that point, I knew I needed to shift how I was doing things. Friends and family suggested starting a business to accommodate a larger audience. I researched my options for several months, then started building my business, Juggle Learning!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Starting and maintaining a business is hard work, but I’m thankful that I began Juggle Learning. I take pride in creating products that help children learn and allow parents and teachers to teach children essential skills in a fun and less stressful way. I am constantly learning, adjusting, and growing. I’m often reminded that it’s not necessary to attempt to do everything at once. There are so many more ideas and products in my mind that I want to create, but it’s important to me to always provide value. Just because it sounds like a great idea, doesn’t mean that it is what my customers want or need at the moment. My focus is on designing materials and games that children need.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many amazing people have helped and continue to help me on this journey. My family and friends have been my biggest cheerleaders, along with many strangers who believe in my products. I am grateful for all of them!

In addition, I would like to shout out the following businesses that have been instrumental in getting Juggle Learning started and keeping it going strong.

* Mscreativeaf.com for mentorship and helping me turn my idea into a solid business
* Pato Toons for designing my beautiful logo
* True Digital Media for creating my fabulous website
* Nilanjan Ghosh for designing the artwork for several products
* Chris Dudley Art for designing the artwork for several products

Website: www.jugglelearning.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jugglelearning

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/jugglelearning

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jugglelearning

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jugglelearning

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.