Business: The Point Playhouse

Voice: LauRiece Mills, Owner/Lead Teacher

Watch & Listen: Excerpt of this interview on YouTube

 

How has the COVID-19 crisis impacted your business?

Since Covid-19 I have experienced a 75% loss of revenue in my childcare business. I have had issues with keeping my business afloat with the financial challenges that came with the shelter-in-place order.

 

What is the meaning of your business to you? to the community?

My business represents my dream. I have focused my life’s work on developing young people. I did this first as a teacher and educator, but now have used those skills to grow my childcare business. Caring for children is the most impactful gift I can give my community. To give families a safe, warm home environment for their little ones to grow and learn.

 

What motivates you to continue to provide your services to the community?

The families and the children I serve help me to stay motivated. I have seen the impact of this work in the lives of these families and their children. I have heard the beauty of the laughter of children as they run through the playroom in my daycare. I want to be here and operating when that laughter returns. I want to be here to do this work and to support these families.

 

What are your current operations/services/specials & how people can shop local safely?

The Point Playhouse is open and enrolling families with infants and toddlers ages 3 months to 3 years. We offer part-time and full-time care, Monday- Friday 7am-5:30pm.

 

What do you want people to know about your business?

We are here to support Richmond families. We offer a small ratio play-based program in a safe and nurturing environment. Our doors are open!

What new safety/health protocols have you implemented since the shelter in place order?

We are following all industry guidelines to ensure a safe and clean environment for our families, little ones, and staff.

 

How do you feel that you are continuing to foster the spirit of Richmond’s motto “Pride & Purpose” amidst this COVID-19 crisis? 

I believe that the integrity and quality of care in my business fosters a sense of personal pride and also community pride. When businesses in Richmond offer quality services we all benefit.

 

Location: Point Richmond, CA

Find Online: www.thepointplayhouse.com

How to Support Local Safely: If you or someone you know needs childcare, check out The Point Playhouse. They are open and enrolling families with infants and toddlers ages 3 months to 3 years. 

Good Deal: Enrollment discount available. 

 

About Heart of Richmond

Heart of Richmond is a digital storytelling and marketing series designed to lift up the voices of our local entrepreneurial community. Over the course of 4 weeks we are sharing the stories and voices of 12 women-owned, food & beverage, Latinx-owned, and Black-owned Richmond businesses, and sponsoring promoted posts for them through our social media channels. Read, listen, stay tuned to our social media, and support local safely. 

Interviews conducted by Richmond Main Street. Responses lightly edited for clarity with careful attention to maintaining the integrity of the participant’s time and insight. Photos by R.D. López/Shots From Richmond.

Generous support for the Heart of Richmond series provided by Wells Fargo.