We are in the thick of staying home and focusing on social distancing. This is a very challenging time for so many people and so many small businesses. We love supporting local and wanted to do our part in showcasing some fantastic small businesses every week.
Little Kitchen Academy is the first of its kind Montessori-inspired cooking academy for children and teens. They are focused on providing a safe, inspiring, and empowering space for children to identify, develop, and refine their senses. Through joy, mindfulness, and learning they are creating a foundation for a healthy lifespan through responsible eating choices: from scratch to consumption. This week we are talking to Felicity, founder and visionary of LKA.
We had the opportunity to attend a preview of the kitchen before opening. My niece got the opportunity to pick out the ingredients, cut and mix everything, and cook the items herself. At the end of each class the participants eat at a beautiful custom made table together. She was so excited to take her leftovers home and even replicated the recipe again for her family because she was so proud that she learned something new.
What made you choose this type of business?
Little Kitchen Academy is the first of its kind Montessori-inspired cooking academy for kids ages three through teen. We are focused on providing a safe, inspiring, and empowering space for children to identify, develop, and refine their senses. Through joy, mindfulness, and learning we are creating a foundation for a healthy lifespan through responsible eating choices: from scratch to consumption. As an educator and chef, it was obvious to me that putting my 2 passions together would not only be fulfilling, but would provide skills to our children as they strive for independence. We believe that by empowering children with practical life skills and knowledge in a positive and joyful environment, we will affect positive lifestyle changes that result in a healthier world.
What is your favourite small business (aside from your own)?
I love Twist Fashions on W 4th ave. The staff are fantastic and I feel like their buyer shops with me specifically in mind! I remember shopping there as a teenager- looking for the latest fashions, and now as an adult I love to add practical and fun pieces to my closet.
If you had one piece of advice to someone just starting out, what would it be?
Don’t try to please everyone. Stay true to your vision.
What are your long term business goals?
We are in the process of bringing Little Kitchen Academy to markets all over the world with plans to have 400 locations by 2025 with like-minded partners.
What is your funniest/weirdest/most memorable experience with a customer or client?
Our students constantly make us laugh. Sometimes its their facial reaction when trying something new, or something they don’t like (yet!) but the comment I will remember forever is hearing a little boy exclaim “My Mommy never has to do this again, because now I can do it for her.” Makes me emotional even as I type… children are remarkable.
Thank you to Felicity for participating in this week’s “Small Business Sunday.”
