Beautiful Beginnings
Investing in Children and the Community
With support from the PROMISE Act AND Cummins loan programs, Lashonda Flowers is strengthening her North Minneapolis learning center and creating opportunities for children and families.
For Lashonda Flowers, early childhood education is more than preparing children for school. It’s about building a foundation of learning, compassion, and love.
As founder, owner and director of Beautiful Beginnings Learning Center, Lashonda has spent more than a decade turning that vision into reality. She opened a home-based childcare business in 2013, and in 2024 moved into a commercial learning center in North Minneapolis, serving children from infancy through preschool.
The name “Beautiful Beginnings” came to Lashonda in a dream, reflecting the vision she had for a nurturing place where children could learn, grow, and thrive.
“I want to make sure that education and love go together,” Lashonda says. “From your home to mine, the love is going to be there.”
From a Home-Based Business to a Learning Center
Inspired by her mother who also provided childcare, Lashonda developed a passion for helping children succeed. After working at a charter school for nine years, she saw how additional support could help children who struggled academically or behaviorally could benefit from additional support and encouragement.
Lashonda built her home-based business through word-of-mouth referrals while continuing to work at a school. Purchasing a commercial building in 2024 was a major milestone, but it also brought new challenges including managing building expenses, hiring and retaining qualified teachers, and keeping childcare affordable for families.
How MEDA Helped Strengthen the Business
When rising loan payments began putting pressure on her business, Flowers connected with MEDA for support. Through the PROMISE Act, she refinanced her mortgage and higher-interest loans to a lower, 3% fixed rate, significantly reducing her monthly expenses. Additional financing through the Cummins loan fund allowed for building improvements and playground equipment, including new carpeting, exterior painting, signage, an awning, and a safer playground surface. MEDA’s business consultants also worked with her to navigate the loan process and connect with resources to strengthen her operations.
“There are people who have the tools that I lack that can get me to the next level. We just have to request them.” - Lashonda
Building Opportunities for Children and Families
Beautiful Beginnings is licensed to serve 30 children and has room to grow. Her vision extends beyond early childhood education. In 2027 she plans to launch a tutoring program for students grades six through 12 and introduce a scholarship initiative to help families afford quality childcare through community partnerships and donor support.
Lashonda said one of her greatest rewards of her work is seeing children thrive long after they receive her care. Families return with younger children, grandparents recommend the center to others, and parents continue reaching out for support.
A Community-Centered Vision
Flowers has learned that entrepreneurship requires persistence, resourcefulness, and a willingness to ask for help.
“You’re not on an island,” she said. “There are people who have the tools that I lack that can get me to the next level, I just have to request it/open my mouth.”
She encourages other entrepreneurs to connect with MEDA and tap into community resources rather than navigate every challenge alone.
Today, Beautiful Beginnings represents more than a business. It’s an investment in the next generation. With MEDA’s support, Flowers is continuing to build that vision, one beginning at a time.
What excites him most is finishing a project, staying true to Big Spirit’s mission, and using public opportunities to help others.
Raised in Red Cliff, Wisconsin with Ojibwe roots on his father’s side, Shanne carries culture and community with him in everything he builds. The root of his business, he says, is helping nonprofits and organizations do meaningful work – with clarity structure and intention.
“Creating someone else’s vision took my spirit away,” Shanne reflects. “Building Big Spirit gave it back.”