Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Marion.
Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, La. Education has always been a big part of my life journey. However, I was denied my high school diploma back in 1994 because I could not pass the state exam test. My guidance counselor asked me “How can you want to be a teacher when you can not pass math”? I was devasted and depressed. My math teacher told me that God had a plan for me. I could not believe it because I did not have a plan for myself. I went home to take my life and there was a song playing on my radio called Pressing On by Vanessa Bell Armstrong.
That song spoke volume to my soul and helped get me out of being stuck. I ended up getting married years later. As I was going through life, I was trying to find my career path and low and behold childcare was were I needed to be. My ex husband and I moved to California and this is where I found out I had a learning disability called Dyscalculia. I see numbers backwards. As I started researching the different types of learning disabilities I was impressed not only how many, but a lot of famous people struggled as well.
I have been in this industry for over 25 years and I was called in December 2020 to open Marion Childcare University LLC. Even though, I was not able to graduate with my high school classmates. I found my calling through this difficult time. I have been able to write two books that I am very passionate about. The first book is called And now I am telling my story and the second book is called The Million Dollar Table. These books can be purchased on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
I am very grateful for my awesome husband (Jarrett Marion) that God has chosen for me. My husband has helped me become the woman and business owner I am today. Thanks to my awesome family (Shanica Burrell and Gregory Cummings jr) It is because of them that I was able to embraces struggles and pull through. My nephews much love Gerald jr, DeMarcus, and Kayden. My church family I am always thankful for the growth and prayers. My staff I appreciate everyone of you and much love. To Pastor John Reed and Alicia Reed thanks for having a welcoming heart and keeping me in your prayers.
Ms. Amber, God sent you in my life for His awesome purpose and I am very grateful for you. I can not forget about my Zayden you are the apple of my eye and I am thankful God created you.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While I was saving money to open my childcare facility my biological dad passed away. I really did not have a relationship with him. However, I was his next of kin and so I was the one to deal with the preparation of his funeral expenses. Months later my grandmother pass away and then my mom. I still had to go on with a grand opening of Marion Childcare University. Opening my first center was suppose to be peaches and cream, but life hits and your world is tumbling down.
I had so many people praying for me and speaking life into me that I had to keep pushing even through my pain. I have learned through my five years of being a business owner that it is ok not to be 100% at everything I do. Learning self care is essential as a business owner. Through my learning disabilities I have learned to lean on others for support and guidance. I am not afraid to admit when I need help with different situations and to acknowledge I don’t know everything. I now focus on leadership rather than a boss role.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Marion Childcare University LLC is a licensed childcare facility located in Arlington, Texas. Our mission is to provide a safe, stimulating, and caring environment for children ages six weeks to 12 years. Our focus is to provide an encouraging educational experience, promoting social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. We are committed to the families we serve. We continuously strive to give parents complete peace of mind, while being a shining example of what a quality childcare center should be. As the owner I fill in where there is a need for me.
What’s next?
I have started a childcare scholarship fund to help parents who are not able to obtain funding through childcare assistance program. We have helped five families through this awesome act of kindness we are needing to help more. If you would like to help with this scholarship please send email marionchildcareuniversity@gmail.com. My plans are to become Ms. Corporate America 2025. I was awarded the title Ms. Texas Corporate America 2025 and I am very excited to be chosen. This coming June 21, 2025 I will be hitting the stage in Orlando, Florida competing against other states for the crown. I have also started a ministry called Bridging the Gap Ministry which we meet every Saturday from 10:30am and we have a awesome children’s ministry also. For more information please use the email above.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marionchildcareuniversity.com
- Facebook: Jessica Marion
