Today we’d like to introduce you to Kia Loggins.
Kia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a teenager, I was a latchkey kid and I always wanted to one day have a safe place where kids could go after school and have fun! That’s what we’ve created at Extreme Youth Sports! But it’s been a long time coming! My family and I moved to Florida nine years ago and I was almost six months pregnant with my second child! That fall, I started our business and worked it in the evenings while I worked as an Intake Counselor at an alternative school for girls by day. I came from a family of teachers and studied Criminal Justice and Counseling… I knew absolutely nothing about entrepreneurship!
I found a business mentor and coach and they totally helped me learn the ins and outs of building a business from zero. It hasn’t been a road full of roses, but it so rewarding knowing we are serving the community keeping kids active, having fun and teaching life skills. Throughout the nine years of business, we have serviced hundreds of students through our award-winning After School, Summer Camp, Virtual Kids programs and sports programs at various locations!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely not. We have had tough times, especially in the beginning, when we were new to the community. I had to spend a ton of hours, evenings and weekends, making a presence in the community as we are originally from Michigan. But I love building new relationships and creating valuable partnerships so it took time, but I enjoyed it as well. Because I came from working as an employee, I was so used to receiving the same paycheck every other week. Jumping into business was a rude awakening for me as I was not used to the roller coaster ride of entrepreneurship that was ahead.
And of course, 2020 has obviously come with clear challenges. We had never had so many cancellations at one time when so many of our parents lost their job or began working from home! It was tough to meet payroll, but it made us tougher and more creative. That’s when we pivoted after a suggestion from my life coach, Dr. Stacia to offer a virtual program for kids. Although it has had its challenges, as summer approached, our numbers of kids enrolled grew again to where we even had to move to a bigger location that we could fit our Summer Camp and Virtual Programs!
We’d love to hear more about Extreme Youth Sports.
At Extreme Youth Sports, we offer year-round programs for kids. Specifically, an award-winning After School Program and Summer Camp for kids to keep them active in sports and learning life lessons. We are known for being the Best Summer Camp in our area! We also offer a Virtual Kidz Camp to keep kids active at home with sports, reading, math and science skill-building. What sets us apart is… Although it’s a sports program, the kids learn much more than the skill of sports. We focus a lot on positive leadership, building their confidence and sportsmanship. Our kids say an EYS chant daily and the kids lead it, love it and remember it for years!
EYS Chant: “We are… the BEST!” “Hard work… Pays off!” “We never… Give up!”
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My life coach Dr. Stacia Pierce helped me to have the confidence and strong mindset to become a female entrepreneur! She keeps me inspired, relevant and focused on the next level at all times! My business mentor and coach Duane Spires was there from the beginning as he had already built a seven-figure after school and summer camp business. He and his wife Lauren have helped me & hundreds of others in the country to build the best programs that bring value to kids in their community.
My husband has been super supportive over the years. Although we started the business together, he helps behind the scenes while he also has his own insurance practice. We are definitely a team when it comes to raising our three kids. They are our priority and continual motivation to succeed. Finally, our amazing EYS Team of Coaches and leaders. We could not have reached such an impact on the community without having such an incredible team intent on being positive role models for kids and running with our vision.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1470 Myrtle Lake Hills Rd, Longwood, FL 32750
- Website: http://LakeMaryAfterSchool.com
- Phone: 4079009579
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Eshe Todd
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