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

Hi Melissa, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Before engaging in child care I had no idea of the intricate connection between it and the economy of a community. Simply put, everything starts if parents can go to work. Parents need affordable care and children need a safe space to grow. I feel a sense of purpose in providing both to parents. I feel I am helping to raise a generation of more conscientious, self-aware, and highly social individuals.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Somehow the launch of my daycare coincided with the Pandemic. No one could plan for a hardest first year of business. Where I’ve had to navigate situations that have affected employment, child care, and health so directly. I found myself all of a sudden offering an essential service. Arguably, art and its pursuit is a privilege in itself. However, there is a altruistic side to art. A side of looking at society and denouncing the things that could be improved upon. This background has affected the way I have conducted my business during these times putting People Before Profit as a way to remain concious.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The first place I would take my bestie is the Farmers Market! Then The Groves fountain. Definitely. Those are my favorite spots in LA. Then we would go to have a snack at Chateau Marmont to see if we can spot any celebrities. For coffee, I would take her to Blue Bottle or Alfreds. We would hike Runyon or the Santa Monica Mountains. We must go to Venice Beach to grab some souvenirs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My dear friend Carrie Mikuls has devoted herself to healing work in herself and others. Her wisdom and support are very important to me.

Website: www.littlesunshines.org

Other: www.melissasenorita.com

Image Credits
Headshots by: Greg Crowder

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