Meet Danielle Mimbs | Mom of 3, Educator & Parent Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle Mimbs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straightforward one. It wasn’t a calculated business plan or a lifelong dream; it was more organic, evolving from a deep-rooted passion for education and a desire to be fully present for my children. With a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a decade of experience teaching and understanding how children learn, I felt a pull to utilize my skills even while embracing motherhood.

Initially, I sought an outlet to channel my professional expertise. I began designing educational products aimed at elevating teachers’ instruction and catering to the unique needs of each child. Partnering with a third-party website, I offered my digital creations to educators. The positive response was incredible; it was both humbling and inspiring to see teachers investing in my work.

However, with a significant portion of my earnings going to the platform, my husband encouraged me to branch out independently. Creating my own website and marketing my digital products allowed me to connect directly with my audience and reap the full benefits of my labor. Interestingly, as I ventured into the online space, my audience shifted. While I initially targeted teachers, I found myself increasingly drawn to the needs of parents.

Listening to my audience has been pivotal in shaping my business. It’s been a fascinating evolution, moving from a broad focus on education to honing in on foundational skills, social-emotional learning, and ultimately, the vital role of independent play in child development. I firmly believe that by nurturing independent play, we empower children to reach their full potential, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and the essential 21st-century skills they need to thrive.

This journey has been an unexpected but incredibly rewarding experience. It’s allowed me to connect with like-minded educators, parents, and entrepreneurs who share my passion for supporting the next generation. I’m excited to continue evolving, learning, and making a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

What should our readers know about your business?
My journey to entrepreneurship has been an unexpected but incredibly rewarding adventure. It definitely wasn’t something I planned, but as a former teacher and current stay-at-home mom, I felt this undeniable pull to use my skills and connect with other parents.

With a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and years of experience in the classroom, I knew I had valuable knowledge to share. So, I took a leap of faith and started creating educational resources for teachers and parents. It was a bit of a learning curve at first (let’s just say I had to Google “how to start an Instagram business” more times than I’d like to admit!), but I was determined to make it work.

What I quickly discovered is that there’s a real need for resources that support children’s development in a fun and engaging way. Parents are hungry for information and strategies that go beyond the traditional “do this, don’t do that” approach. They want to understand their children better, nurture their unique strengths, and help them thrive in all areas of life.

That’s where my business comes in. I offer a fresh perspective on parenting, focusing on building a strong foundation for children’s success through independent play, social-emotional learning, and fostering those essential 21st-century skills. It’s about empowering kids to be creative, resilient, and confident problem-solvers.

Of course, building a business isn’t without its challenges. I’ve learned to navigate the sometimes-treacherous waters of social media, dealing with everything from unexpected praise to, well, let’s just say not-so-constructive criticism. But through it all, I’ve remained focused on my mission: to help parents raise amazing kids who are ready to take on the world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was coming to visit, I’d be excited to show off my favorite parts of Michigan, but let’s be real, I’m a total homebody at heart. So, we’d definitely keep things low-key and focus on quality time together.

First things first, we’d head to Detroit. I love how much the city has changed and grown, and there’s always something new to discover. We’d wander through Eastern Market, grab some coffee and pastries, and then head to Belle Isle for a picnic with an amazing view of the skyline. And since I’m all about live music and good eats, we’d definitely catch a show at a chill bar in Corktown or Eastern Market and enjoy some classic bar food.

We’d also spend some time in Ann Arbor. I love walking around the University of Michigan campus and checking out the cool shops on State Street. U of M brings back so many memories because that’s where all my kids were born!

Closer to home, we’d soak up some nature at Kensington Metropark. We could just hang out by the water, chat, and enjoy the scenery. Maybe we’d grab coffee first and make it a real morning outing.

And of course, no trip would be complete without some good food and drinks. We’d hit up my favorite breakfast spot in Royal Oak and in the evenings, we’d relax with a glass of wine at a local winery or just hang out on my patio and catch up.

Basically, I’d want to show my friend the beauty of Michigan while keeping things relaxed and fun. It’s all about enjoying each other’s company and making some great memories!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This shout-out goes to two incredible people who have been instrumental in my journey. First, to my husband, Aaron, who has been my unwavering champion from the very beginning. He’s seen me at my best and worst, witnessed the countless hours I poured into my teaching career, and always believed in my ability to make a difference. He’s encouraged me to share my knowledge and passion with others, even when self-doubt crept in. He truly saw my potential before I did, and I’m eternally grateful for his support.

And to Maura, my first teaching mentor. She took me under her wing during my very first practicum, guiding me and believing in me when I was just starting out. She provided invaluable support and inspiration, shaping me into the educator I am today. Maura, thank you for seeing something special in me and for being a constant source of encouragement throughout my career.

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