Business Profile: Cornabracken Childcare
Name: Melanie O’Kane
Company: Cornabracken Child Care
Address: 120 Tamlaght Road, Omagh
Contact details: (028) 8224 9665
Why did you start your own business?
I always had a yearning to join the child care industry. I initially trained as a teacher and taught at primary school level for six years before embarking on a career in the childcare profession. After completing extensive training and gaining further qualifications specifically linked to the field of child care, Cornabracken Child Care on the Tamlaght Road was established in January 2007. Cornabracken @ Holy Family opened its doors in September 2012 and under the management of Cornabracken, St Conor’s Playzone was opened in February of last year. Across all sites we are committed in our approach to ensure high quality child care is delivered, encouraged and maintained. Cornabracken Child Care offers a ‘home-from-home’ approach to child care. Our ultimate aim is to nurture each child in our care in a safe, warm, caring, relaxed and welcoming environment.
What are the best things about running your own business?
I genuinely love what I do. I feel very blessed to be surrounded by a highly dedicated, professional and supportive team and by the wonderful families who avail of our services on a daily basis.
What are the main challenges facing the business?
Ensuring we maintain our reputation as a high-quality child care provision. Myself and my wonderful team have worked tirelessly to ensure we offer a personal, supportive and professional service to all our families, we want to ensure continued customer satisfaction and reassurance.
What advice would you give to someone starting their own business?
Have a clear, well-informed vision and plan for your business, do your research and know your market, but perhaps most importantly follow your dream and believe in yourself and your own capabilities.
Describe your experience of running a business in three words or less?
Rewarding, exciting and fulfilling.
