New City Small Business Spotlight: Guardian Angels Daycare

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Guardian Angels/Annmarie Meehan Inc.
• Owners: Annmarie Meehan
• Contact: auntannn@aol.com (845) 304- 7788
• Address: 12 Westview Avenue, Congers, NY. 10920

How did you come up with the name?

The name is just my name incorporated but we are referred to as Guardian Angels. We picked that name to describe our job. We guard little angels.

Why start a business in this town?

We opted to open a daycare in Congers because I’ve lived here my whole life and because it’s a close-knit community. Businesses work well with word of mouth. In 20 years we have gone by family and friend’s advertising.

Briefly, what business are you in?

We are a New York State licensed daycare.

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Our biggest challenge was in the first few years trying to build a reputable business and having parents entrust their kids with us. Also licensing was tough, learning the regulations and staying on top of the updates and annual changes. But we are assigned a NYS licensor that keeps us up to date and in line which makes the process easier.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

Our proudest achievements are when the kids we had since diapers come back to visit us on updates in their lives such as getting drivers licenses, looking for jobs, graduating high school or being accepted to colleges. We haven’t had any come back for being married or having children of their own yet but that’s not far around the corner.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

Our way of giving back is trying to help parents raise good children with good values. We teach them to be kind hearted. These kids are always willing to help those around them. We try and teach them believing in themselves and being positive they can be whatever they want to be growing up.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.