Meet Megan Smones, Camp Director of Becoming You Summer Camp for children grades K-6.
Becoming You is a youth Summer camp for kids who are 4 to 12 years old in Mesa, Arizona. As seasoned educators, the owners, Megan and Julia, bring their expertise to ensure safety and fun are achieved. While at camp, kiddos focus on community building and self efficacy through activities connected to Becoming You’s five pillars: Authenticity, Confidence, Awareness, Resilience and Empowerment. Every child’s uniqueness is celebrated. Megan set out to create a Summer camp that brings the safety and growth of school, with the comfort and flexibility of home. She heard from so many parents about the challenge of finding quality care at an affordable price that their kids enjoyed. Seeing a problem, she set out to solve it with one of the best educators she knows, Julia. Together, they have designed the best Summer camp in the valley!
AZF: What is your “life motto?”
MS: Never lose the childlike wonder.
AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize that it was the right path right for you?
MS: Oh man, I wish I knew earlier! I joined the entrepreneur club about three years ago, right after the pandemic. Prior to that, I was in public education, working long hours and living paycheck to paycheck. Once the pandemic hit, I was pushed to my limits like many other educators and knew I needed to find another way. For so long, I had put my skills into a box; I thought the only way to make a difference with my skillset was to work within the broken public school system. I decided to create my own reality and started a private school.
AZF: How do you feel best supported?
MS: My favorite way to receive support is through acts of service. Taking something off of my plate, even if it’s small, helps me feel seen and loved.
AZF: What motivates you to keep going amidst the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur?
MS: My campers and their families bring all the motivation I need! Hearing a parent express the impact I made in their child’s life or seeing smiling faces in the morning at camp warms my heart and reminds me that I am in the right place. It is all for the kids.
AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday morning.
MS: Waking up without an alarm to a day without any engagements or meetings. I love sitting outside with my dogs, sipping coffee and enjoying the morning.
AZF: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?
MS: Go for it! You don’t have to have it all figured out. It’s okay to not have the right insurance, the best space, or the right branding. The most important thing to do is to start. It’s not the best that make it, it’s the persistent. I would also recommend getting your hype team assembled. If you’re like me, you live in self doubt. I depend on my hype team to remind me that I am a badass and I can do this. When I get knocked down or experience a set back, they rally.
AZF: What excites you most about being an entrepreneur?
MS: Solving problems is my jam. It is so rewarding to offer a solution that helps parents. My “it takes a village” mentality is infused into my business. When I learned that I could not have my own children, I knew I wanted to support my community with raising the next generation.
Follow Becoming You Summer Camp on Instagram and visit their website for more information.
About the Foundress
The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold and Lindsey Holt, owners of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together.
Every Friday AZF will spotlight a member of The Foundress and her business in the online series Foundress Fridays. Learn more about The Foundress and join the community at www.foundress.co
