Today we’d like to introduce you to Peymaneh Rothstein.
Peymaneh, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It seems surreal sometimes, looking back at my childhood compared to the life I’ve built now. There are days I remember vividly like the day the bomb fell on my neighborhood in Tehran when I was nine years old, and also the day I became a mother. Another one I’ll never forget is the day I got on a phone call (with all the honesty and integrity I’d learned was fundamental not just to success but to being a good human being on the planet) and told Jean about my vision for Precious Time Child Development Centers.
I’ve traveled from Tehran, where I still wrestle with survivor’s guilt, to Vienna for documentation, to Los Angeles where I could finally press my passion for life into my purpose for living! Protecting children is why I survived the war as a young child! Every moment with a child is precious.
My company, Precious Time Child Development Centers, would be an on-site daycare center at the corporations where parents work. At any time during their day, the parents could stop in, see their kids, see that they’re under proper care, know that they’re happy and, of course, know that they are safe in one of my centers. I had to overcome so many “no’s,” so many rejections like “you should start with something smaller,” “you don’t have any experience,” “your business plan is too much for a young woman.” Even my own family told me to get a job and stop wasting my time. I faced fears which weren’t even my own, I landed contracts that fell through, overcame money issues, and had to learn that belief in myself, my purpose, and my vision would be my constant guiding stars. I had to learn to dance in the unknown.
Today Precious Time Child Development Centers is a thriving childcare business with multiple locations, which, I’m proud to say, is supporting healthcare staff when they most need it during these uncertain and precarious times battling the Corona virus.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve never seen a smooth road; have you?
war
abuse
survivor’s guilt
relocation
abandonment
documentation
survival
finances
enrolling others in my vision for my company
funding for my company
others’ perceptions of me
my “lack of experience.”
I know now that for all the unknowns yet for me to conquer, I have a foundation of “knowns” to support me. “Knowns” of staying true to myself, being authentic with my vision, not to compromise, trust my intuition, being willing to do everything that it takes regardless of how I feel, being in the space of gratitude for what is in my life, and the creativity that is to follow. I have come to realize that integrity is most important; being authentic and not letting others’ judgments and opinions of me stop from dreaming BIG. I am thankful and grateful for every obstacle I’ve overcome, as they have taught me that everything and anything I want in life is possible as long as I stay true to myself and take daily actions with integrity!
Please tell us about your company.
The inception for my company came years ago around age 23: I flashed on a TV piece I’d seen years earlier of nannies caught on hidden cameras, abusing the children they were in charge of keeping safe. In that instant, a full vision of what my work would be presented itself. I would establish on-site daycare centers at the corporations where parents work. I was lit on fire with excitement for what I’d just manifested! At that moment, I felt molecules in my body shift and align such that I was clear: This was why my life was spared! This was the birth of Precious Time Child Development Centers as I believe every second with children is precious.
Today we have multiple centers, teaching and supporting children from all over, caring for them in a holistic environment. We implement Mindology Fitness which teaches the children self-soothing and coping mechanisms and reminds them that awareness of their emotions is important for their wellbeing. We use Young-Living essential oils which are of the finest quality, and help to boost immune systems and calm nerves through aromatherapy. We employ patient and caring staff who love children and run our centers with the utmost integrity! Among these staff are brilliant teachers who assist in the newly mandated homeschooling systems and educate our children using STEM, various art and musical programs. I am very proud that our centers specifically support CJW Medical Center, which is, providing healthcare around the clock through these Corona-virus ridden times. I am proud that we provide peace of mind to parents who are providing much-needed health care to our country.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’m filled with gratitude for the amazing and powerful, compassionate and wise women – those “knowns” who gave a hand to a young woman entrepreneur: Cynthia Kersey, Jean Copeland and Dianna Loomans as well as my beloved belated advisor “Gabe” who was instrumental in the last ten years of my life.
I would definitely be remiss if I didn’t thank Michael Cassity. He was the HR at CJW (the hospital I landed the contract with) who believed in me and offered his partnership because he saw my vision for what Precious Time could do for the hospital as well as the community at large.
I could never say thank you enough to my Precious Time staff and team, my chosen family, who help day in and out, devoting the utmost love, care, and attention to our precious children at our centers.
I’m filled with love for my incredible daughters, those two “knowns” who bring their joy, and their passion into every experience we share; the only thing bigger than their smiles are their hearts. Their hearts still drive me to continually improve and set the best example that I can for them. Because of them, I’ve also started a production company, Leap4wrd, LLC which creates extraordinary, social-conscious films with a message.
Finally, my beloved twin flame Emad Asfoury who is my beacon of light, confidant, and constantly brings out the best in me. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in life if I made you myself! I love you with all that I am, beyond time and distance, forever.
Every life and every moment is precious! Never take it for granted.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1600 Early Settlers Rd, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
- Website: www.ptcenters.com
- Phone: (804) 272-1062
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptcenters/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/precious-time-child-development-center-richmond
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