In Canada, childcare has evolved beyond service. It is the backbone that allows families, especially working mothers, to participate fully in the economy. Yet, for Black women entrepreneurs in the sector, barriers persist: from accessing growth capital to finding qualified, culturally competent staff.
Mary-Noah Ndateramye is meeting those challenges head-on. As the founder and director of Les Petits Yogis, a francophone daycare in Edmonton that integrates yoga and mindfulness into daily learning, she’s built a business and a community where children and educators can thrive.
From a Promise to a Purpose
Les Petits Yogis began with a deeply personal vow. “It started with a promise I made to my daughter, Adassa Esther Craig, when she was just 11,” Mary-Noah shares. “She loved French, practised yoga with me, and believed in movement, breathing, and inner calm.” After Adassa’s passing, Mary-Noah channelled her love into action. “I wanted to create a daycare unlike any other, a living tribute to her, where children could grow with kindness, confidence, and respect for their rhythm.”
With over 13 years of teaching experience, certifications in yoga and mindfulness for children, and training in Mental Health First Aid, Mary-Noah blended her skills with her vision. Support from Futurpreneur’s Black Entrepreneur Program, including a loan that furnished and equipped the centre, helped bring that vision to life.
Building a Team You Can Trust
Strong teams are the foundation of quality childcare, but building one hasn’t been without its hurdles. Her first challenge was finding people who genuinely understood and valued mindfulness as a tool for children’s well-being. “In some cultures, there’s still stigma around yoga and mental health,” she explains. The second was recruiting qualified French-speaking educators dedicated to positively impacting children’s lives, not merely filling a position.
These lessons have shaped her hiring philosophy:
- True team players.
- Respectful and teachable.
- Natural leaders who want to make an impact.
“I ask questions like, ‘When do you feel at your best?’ or ‘If money wasn’t an issue, what would you be doing next month?’”, she says. You can’t fake your way through those answers.
Expanding Impact Through Coaching
As Les Petits Yogis grew, so did Mary-Noah’s vision for impact. “Navigating childcare rules, regulations, and health and safety requirements was overwhelming at first,” she recalls. That experience inspired her to offer coaching and consulting for women who want to open daycares in Alberta. “I want to see more Black women leading in this field, building spaces where children feel seen, safe, and supported,” she says.
Inspiring Others
Mary-Noah’s story reflects a larger truth: when Black women entrepreneurs receive the right support, they create ecosystems of care, leadership, and opportunity. “This work is personal,” she says. “It’s about well-being, emotional intelligence, and harmonious growth for every child who walks through our doors.”
Learn how Futurpreneur supports young Black entrepreneurs with loans, mentorship, and community at futurpreneur.ca.
