Becky Holmes – CEO of Toddlers and Tennis

Prepare! Enjoy what you do! Never stop trying to get better!

Becky Holmes is the Founder and CEO of Toddlers & Tennis, a  tennis enrichment program designed for preschool age kids. She also has just recently had her children’s tennis book published entitled Totally Tennis For Me. She is a former Kindergarten and 2nd Grade teacher, as well as a former commercial producer. She is also a wife and mother to three young children. She is an advocate for sports, education, and living a healthy lifestyle.

She has been the keynote speaker for the USTA (United States Tennis Association)/Mid-Atlantic Virginia Awards Banquet, as well as hosting tennis and reading events in the Richmond, Virginia area. She is a visitor at many schools for book readings.

There is a passion that she possess for helping kids gain self-confidence. Tennis is an outlet that helps her do that, as she coaches her classes. She not only is a coach, but a role model for the kids.

She aspires to become a motivational speaker through her passion of sports by reaching out to others to inspire them to get more actively involved in whatever sport is their passion.

Where did the idea for Todders & Tennis come from?

Toddlers & Tennis, LLC came to be almost two years ago by combining my love of tennis, kids, and teaching. It is a tennis enrichment program that I take into preschools and daycares. I focus on kids ages 3-5. My book, Totally Tennis For Me, was just recently published. I chose to write this fun story for kids to get them excited about playing tennis, gain self-confidence about trying a new sport, and getting over their nerves.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

A typical day for me involves waking up early, having a cup of coffee, reading my prayers, and getting my kids ready for school. I then get myself organized to go coach my tennis classes to preschoolers. I am always well prepared in advance for my classes by having my equipment organized and lesson plans made. I take all my own equipment with me to the schools where I coach. With all I do with coaching, book readings/signings, and taking care of my family, I have to be very well organized and use my time wisely.

How do you bring ideas to life? I am a Go-Getter!

If I see a vision and I belief that I can do it, then I do whatever I can to make it happen. Having a great network of people around me is very beneficial.

What’s one trend that really excites you?

Kids gaining self-confidence! Watching kids achieve success inspires me to keep encouraging them through sports and education.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

I love challenges! If people don’t think I can do something, I always tend to prove them wrong. When I succeed at one thing, I go onto the next. I am constantly coming up with new ideas that I believe can make other peoples lifes better. I love helping people and increasing their confidence, whether it be kids or adults.

What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?

It was actually a pretty good job right out of college. I worked in the Sales Department at highly rated TV station. However, it was extremely stressful and I sat behind a desk a lot, which isn’t for me. I learned from that job that what I really wanted to do was something where I was active in my job and interacting with people. My passion wasn’t with that job even though it paid well…I needed to do something I loved and not to settle.

If you were to start again, what would you do differently?

That’s so hard for me to say right now because my business is still young. I am still learning. Maybe not spend so much money on unnecessary items. I just get so excited about all the fun equipment I get to use while playing tennis with the kids. I probably don’t need to go overboard on the spending.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Prepare! Enjoy what you do! Never stop trying to get better!

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Networking. Definitely networking, meeting other people has grown my business and my book sales. Always be kind to others and learn how to help others out in their business if you can.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I would say that a weakness of mine in the beginning was trying to do everything myself. I tried to run all of my larger classes on my own. I did it, but it could have been better had I brought in an assistant. I now have assistants and I am able to work more directly with the kids and get more accomplished. Never be afraid to ask for help.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Honestly, I think people need to figure out their passion and focus on that. Run with that idea and figure out how you can turn it into a business. For example, if you love yoga, get certified as a yoga instructor and start up an LLC that you could take your yoga classes into schools or retirement homes. You don’t necessarily need a studio. Think creatively.

Tell us something about you that very few people know?

I would love to also be a motivational speaker with a focus on inspiring others to get more involved in sports and healthy living.

What software and web services do you use? What do you love about them?

I am actually really lucky because I have a cousin who does all my web designing for me. I’m not the best when it comes to software, computer stuff…so he is my lifesaver.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

It’s hard for me to pinpoint one book in particular. Although, I love to read books with inspirational quotes.

What people have influenced your thinking and might be of interest to others?

Kathryn Starke, who is the editor of my book. She is an inspiration. At such a young age she has accomplished so much. She created her own publishing company, Creative Minds Publications, and is an author herself. She is a literacy specialist and travels the nation visiting schools to teach.

Connect:

Twitter: Becky Gunn Holmes
Website: www.toddlersandtennis.com