For a long time, Thania Hernandez knew she wanted to work with children. In recent years, she gained experience working in various childcare and educational settings. Through hard work and dedication, she graduated in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Maine at Machias, while being a mother of two beautiful girls.  

She supplemented her practical experience working with families by completing coursework in social and emotional skill development and trauma-informed practices. It gives Thania much joy watching her own daughters and other children grow and become individuals. And that got Thania thinking that maybe she should start a child care center. Today, she’s realized her dream – and is the owner and director of Mis Primeros Pasos (Spanish for “My First Steps”).  

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My parents are originally from Mexico and Honduras and worked as migrant farmworkers. They settled down in Downeast Maine, where they opened a small local store in Harrington that sold Hispanic products and featured a small eat-in restaurant with Mexican and Honduran food.  

I grew up in Harrington and attended Harrington Elementary School and Narraguagus Jr/Sr High School. After graduating, I took a few years away from school before attending college. I worked in agriculture and moved around to different states. 

In 2014, I had my first child, a beautiful daughter, and married my husband. Now with a little one, we decided we needed to settle down, so we returned to Maine where my sister lived at the time and we had family and friends. I had never been outside of Maine for so long and I missed my hometown. 

Here in Maine, my husband and I both found jobs and I had the opportunity to go to college. I continued to work full time and take college courses. In 2020, I welcomed another beautiful baby girl. 

In my free time, I like to spend time with my husband and daughters. We go on walks and play outdoors and take advantage of the local beaches and lakes. I also enjoy drawing and doing arts and crafts. 

Tell me about Mis Primeros Pasos, please.  

Mis Primeros Pasos / My First Steps provides quality, affordable, and bilingual childcare services to 20 children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old in the Ellsworth, Maine community. We focus on a nature-inspired, bilingual curriculum. There are outdoor spaces that include art, blocks/construction, music, reading, water and sand sensory areas, as well as a small trail near the building for nature walks. 

Mis Primeros Pasos is located in the Families First Community Center (FFCC), a non-profit transitional housing space working to break the cycle of homelessness for families with children in Hancock County. Children living in the Families First Community Center are enrolled in Mis Primeros Pasos as a priority, alongside children from the broader Ellsworth community. We’re open from 7:00 am-5:30 pm. 

Through curriculum and food, children learn about diversity and other cultures. Children develop respect and appreciation for nature, social awareness, culture, and diversity within their community. Mis Primeros Pasos / My First Steps helps them develop a deep, loving connection with the world that they will one day lead. 

What resources/people/information have been most helpful in your entrepreneurial journey?

I am very grateful to have a team of supporters throughout this whole process! The CEI’s Women’s Business Center and the Child Care Business Lab have been so helpful in this whole process. Ruth, my business advisor, and Cynthia, of the Child Care Business Lab, have really been there to provide advice and feedback and that has helped me with starting up the business.  

What are the biggest challenges in the process? 

My biggest challenge has been juggling work-life, family life, and trying to start up a business. There are many steps you need to take before you can open a business. Sometimes it can feel like things are moving slow but taking things one at a time will help make sure you are checking all the boxes to be fully prepared for a business. 

How would you describe the Hispanic communities in Maine?  

I am proud to be a Hispanic American. I love learning about other cultures, and I love teaching about my own. I feel like our Hispanic communities in Maine are close-knit and hard workers. We try to support each other when we can, and we love to see each other succeed. We feel very strongly about our tradition and culture, and we love to share these traditions through celebrations, food, and events.  

What word of advice do you have for other women who want to start their own business? 

Some tips I would share: surround yourself with positive and encouraging family or friends. When you have those around you who support you and believe in what you can do, it gives you that confidence you need to push yourself to believe you can do whatever you put your mind to. 

I would also say know your value. Learn to tell yourself “I am worth it” and I know I am providing a much-needed service while doing something I love. But remember you also need to make a living and provide for family. Believe in yourself! I know it might be scary sometimes but don’t give up and believe that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. 

Finally, networking with your neighbors. I think it’s important to connect with others and get advice from them. 

Learn more about Mis Primeros Pasos 

• Facebook 

• Video 

• Reimagine Rural podcast   

Join the Child Care Business Lab  

Thinking about starting a child care business and wondering how to get started? From writing a business plan, to guidance on delivering high quality child care, to coaching through the licensing process, the Child Care Business Lab provides you with the tools you need to open in your home or in a space located in your town. Learn more at Child Care Business Lab: Explore