Meet Marshay Calloway | Mother, Educator & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Marshay, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success as an educator and the success of Land of Awes Kids Co is the deep sense of purpose and passion I bring to everything I do. It’s not just about building a business or teaching state mandated curriculum—it’s about creating experiences that genuinely enrich the lives of children. By focusing on authentic learning experiences, creativity, and strong relationships I am able to connect with families and make a real impact on the way kids see and experience the world.

Another key factor is the unwavering support I’ve had from close friends, mentors, professors and family, especially my grandmother as well as my highschool principal, Dr. Michelle Smith, who instilled in me the value of hard work, love, and believing in yourself. This foundation has been a guiding force in navigating both the challenges and triumphs of education and entrepreneurship.

Lastly, I believe that the ability to stay authentic and stay true to my vision has been critical. There are many kids’ entertainment companies out there, but Land of Awes is unique in its commitment to helping kids stay in awe of the world around them, fostering a sense of wonder and excitement through every event we create. This authenticity and dedication to making each experience memorable is what sets us apart and has been key to our success.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My life changed forever in the third grade when I faced one of the hardest experiences of my childhood. On October 2, 2000, my Granny—my hero and cheerleader—passed away from a painful and serious illness.Losing her was devastating and left my heart broken. The years that followed were filled with challenges, including struggles with my faith and finding my purpose. I moved to live with my mother, who, though she had some community college credits, had not finished high school. Living with her, I saw firsthand the importance of an education; my mother struggled to support us financially and couldn’t guide me through college applications, essay writing, or other academic pursuits. Navigating my path to higher education felt almost impossible.

Growing around schools where only the highest-achieving students were encouraged to pursue their dreams while others were left behind, I developed a passion for educational equity, especially within urban schools. I saw how being from a low-income family limited students’ educational opportunities and how it could lead to the school-to-prison pipeline that some of my family members fell into. My father, brother, and many uncles and cousins were kicked out of school and ended up incarcerated or dead. My older brother, in particular, was once told by a teacher to “go home and hang himself” and that he would “never be good enough.” This devastating experience became a self-fulfilling prophecy, as he turned to other avenues to find self-worth and tragically lost his life at just 21.

No child should have to endure these kinds of traumas, especially not at the hands of educators. These are the experiences that I’ve learned from and they serve as a constant reminder that this life is not about me as an individual; it is about teaching others and using the good and bad lessons that I’ve learned to propel them forward. By entering this field, I could directly impact students’ lives, instilling hope and guiding them toward a brighter future. Despite the obstacles of an incarcerated father and a mother unprepared to support my educational aspirations, I persevered. I graduated high school with a 4.3 GPA and earned an academic scholarship to UCLA, becoming one of the first in my family to attend a four-year university. This accomplishment has transformed my life.

My journey through UCLA opened my eyes even further to the impact of K-12 education on life outcomes, especially for young African American women like myself. I have witnessed the benefits of quality education and the heartbreaking effects of the school-to-prison pipeline for students in urban schools. This dual perspective has fueled my desire to work in urban education, where I believe that a dedicated teacher can transform the life paths of students.

Witnessing these realities and learning about them at UCLA has cemented my commitment to becoming a lifelong educator and teacher in urban schools. I want to help young people navigate their paths, empowering them with knowledge, resilience, and hope for a better future.

In addition to being an educator, I’m also a full-time mom and entrepreneur. I founded Land of Awes Kids Co, a kids entertainment and event collective. We bring interactive fun directly to families, catering specifically to the mini humans in their lives. Our mission at Land of Awes is simple: every moment is worth celebrating. I want to help your mini humans continue to be in awe of the world around them and provide them with opportunities to explore, learn, and enjoy life in the most exciting ways.

Through Land of Awes, I aim to create experiences that foster curiosity and joy. I believe every child should experience the magic of wonder, and as we embark on this journey together, we might even uncover new hidden “AWES” for ourselves. Being both an educator and an entrepreneur has shaped my approach to nurturing young minds, and I’m proud to have created something that enriches children’s lives and helps them discover the world’s beauty in a fun and engaging way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Welcome to LA – Explore Downey’s Local Gems

> Brunch: Start at Porto’s Bakery in Downey. It’s a Cuban bakery known for its delicious pastries and breakfast options (try the guava cheese strudel and the potato balls!!).
> Afternoon: Explore Downey’s Promenade for shopping, or head to Downey History Center to learn about the area’s rich past.
> Evening: Have dinner at Lock & Key Social Drinkery in Downey, a fun spot with a gastropub vibe and craft cocktails.

Day 2: Nature Day in LA

> Morning: Go for a scenic hike at Griffith Park. Choose the Observatory hike for stunning views, then check out the Griffith Observatory.
> Afternoon: Head to Malibu Wines & Beer Garden for a wine tasting in a relaxed, scenic atmosphere.
> Evening: For dinner, stop by Nobu Malibu if you’re in the mood for a splurge and a great coastal view, or check out Geoffrey’s Malibu for classic California cuisine.

Day 3: Art and Culture Day
> Morning: Visit The Broad in downtown LA for its unique contemporary art collection. Reserve tickets in advance!
> Afternoon: Explore the Arts District nearby, with street murals and cool galleries. Stop by Hauser & Wirth for a unique art experience, and grab coffee at Groundwork Coffee Co..
> Evening: Have dinner at 71Above, a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking city views and a fusion menu. Later, catch some live jazz at The Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach for an iconic LA vibe.

Day 4: Day Trip to Santa Monica and Venice
> All Day: Head to Santa Monica for the pier, shops, and beach vibes. Walk or rent bikes and cruise down the boardwalk to Venice Beach, where you’ll find street performers, vendors, and eclectic shops.
> Lunch: Enjoy seafood at The Albright on Santa Monica Pier or head to Gjusta in Venice for fantastic deli-style bites.
> Dinner: Wrap up with dinner at Scopa Italian Roots in Venice for Italian classics in a trendy atmosphere.

Day 5: Food and Local Culture
> Morning: Take a food tour through Grand Central Market in downtown LA. Try tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas or a fresh breakfast sandwich from Eggslut.
> Afternoon: Walk over to Olvera Street for a look at LA’s Mexican heritage, then stop by The Last Bookstore for a book browsing experience.
> Evening: Dine at Bavel in the Arts District for incredible Middle Eastern cuisine, or try Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles (locations in Hollywood or Long Beach) for a unique LA soul food classic.

Day 6: Relax and Recharge in Pasadena
> Morning: Spend the morning at Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena, where you’ll find beautiful gardens and cultural exhibits.
> Afternoon: Grab coffee and a snack at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.
> Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner at Union Pasadena, an Italian restaurant focused on farm-to-table dining with a relaxed ambiance.

Day 7: Souvenirs and Goodbyes
> Brunch: Head to Republique on La Brea, where you’ll find a great brunch menu in a stunning, historic building.
> Afternoon: Stroll through The Grove and Farmers Market for some shopping and local goodies to take home.
> Evening: End with a casual dinner at E.P. & L.P. in West Hollywood for rooftop views and a laid-back vibe, perfect for saying goodbye to an amazing week.

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?
I lived with my paternal grandmother from the time I was a newborn, and she was the only parent I knew until I was nine. I never questioned why I stayed with her or wondered about my family situation until I grew older and began noticing the details of my life. I was always a curious, precocious child, but it wasn’t until I saw my cousins with their mother and father that I realized my family structure was different. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but I knew that my life was unique.
As I grew older, I learned that I didn’t have the same circumstances as the other kids with a mother and father. I understood that, statistically, kids like me—born into challenging circumstances, including being labeled a “crack baby,” and raised in a family affected by gang activity and incarceration—weren’t expected to thrive. I was told that these factors lowered my chances of success in school, of graduating high school without becoming pregnant, or even of having a stable future. These were the statistics that led to my grandmother gaining custody of me.

My grandmother, my “Granny,” became the foundation for everything I am today. She cared for me as if she’d given birth to me herself, showing me unconditional love and unwavering support. She celebrated every school event, award, and accolade, always telling me how proud she was and believing I would achieve greatness. My Granny also taught me the value of education. She’d ask me to read the mail to her or read my bedtime stories, which I thought was just a way for her to hear the new words I’d learned. Only later did I learn from relatives that Granny had less than a middle school education and struggled with reading. Knowing that, I became even more determined to make her proud. She put her own ambitions aside to ensure I could pursue mine.

Website: https://www.landofaweskids.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/landofawes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LandofAwesKidsCo