Charlene Friggieri, a determined entrepreneur and single mother of three, has spent the last 12 years building a childcare business that goes beyond just providing a service - it is a lifeline for working mothers.

As the owner of The Playhouse, Charlene understands firsthand the struggles that mothers face, particularly single mothers who must juggle financial independence, childcare, and societal expectations. Her personal journey has shaped the mission of her business, making The Playhouse not just a childcare center but a pillar of support for families.

Charlene founded her childcare business at just 21 years old, long before she knew she would become a single mother. However, as she navigated the challenges of raising children on her own, she realised how vital reliable childcare is; not just as a business, but as a necessity for many parents.

"Childcare was my salvation," Charlene shares. "Going through the transition of becoming a single mother and facing abuse, I truly understood how important it is to have support. It really does take a village."

Recognising that childcare is not optional for parents who need to work, she made the bold decision to invest further in this sector. While she previously owned an institute, last year she chose to forgo renewing its license to focus entirely on expanding her childcare services. To her, providing a strong foundation for single mothers and working parents is far more than just a business- it is a calling.

As a woman entrepreneur, Charlene faced numerous challenges in building The Playhouse. The business world, she notes, can be deeply misogynistic. Certain industries are still viewed as male-dominated, making it difficult for women to gain the support and recognition they deserve.

However, childcare is an industry largely run by women, something Charlene believes is an advantage. "We understand parents, and we give service from the heart," she explains. Yet, despite the strength of women in this field, navigating government regulations remains a significant hurdle.

"Authorities often create regulations that are not practical, and sometimes we don’t have enough support. This impacts the services we can provide," she says.

On a personal level, balancing business, education, and parenting was another immense challenge. To keep everything running smoothly, Charlene had to invest in a full-time nanny - an investment she considers essential for her lifestyle. "Many people don’t understand it, but having a helping hand allows you to invest in yourself. Once I overcame these challenges, I was able to truly focus on my business. You are your own person. At the end of the day, children want to see their mum happy and thriving. I want to give my children the ability to see that things can be done differently."

At The Playhouse, Charlene prioritises personalisation. Unlike many childcare centers that operate on rigid schedules and high fees, she ensures that parents have flexibility.

"Children are not just a number here," she emphasises. "We adapt to their needs and those of their parents. The Playhouse offers low registration fees and no minimum required hours. Apart from that, we do not take any charges for sick days and we also offer flexible babysitting services after hours. We are also very understanding and provide support for mothers who are temporarily unable to pay.’’

By focusing on real-life needs rather than strict policies, Charlene ensures that The Playhouse remains a place of genuine support for parents.

Juggling entrepreneurship and parenting is no easy feat, and Charlene is no stranger to the struggle. Her biggest piece of advice for other women in similar situations is to be kind to yourself and step out of your comfort zone.

"Fight for your dream, and don’t let others’ judgments hold you back. Everyone is unique, and you should do what is best for you," she advises.

One of the biggest barriers to women’s success, especially single mothers, is stigma. Charlene is adamant that this must change.

"The idea that single mothers shouldn’t invest in themselves is harmful," she says. "If you’re not happy, you can’t create a happy environment for your child." She advocates for policies that provide real support to single mothers, such as loans specifically for single parents, tax incentives for working mothers and more financial benefits and childcare assistance.

However, she believes that eliminating stigma is the first step.

"We need to be able to talk about single motherhood without shame. Many people don’t understand what being a single mother means - it’s not just about whether the father is present. A single mother is a mother who is unmarried, widowed and divorced. If the responsibility isn’t shared equally, that woman is also effectively a single mother."

For Charlene, being a single mother is not a weakness - it is a strength. She uses her experience as motivation to create a better life for herself and her children. "My kids are my driving force but I also needed to invest in myself so I could support them properly."

Looking ahead, Charlene is focused on officially opening her second childcare center. She also plans to expand her services to include workshops, after-school clubs, and special events for parents.

"We want to provide even more support for parents. Whether it’s during holidays like Carnival and Easter or just giving parents a break after hours, our mission is always to help families."

Her commitment to flexibility and adaptability remains at the core of her business. "We’ve been doing this for 12 years, but we always aim to improve. Our goal is to cater to real needs, not impose rigid procedures."

Charlene Friggieri’s journey is one of resilience, empowerment, and determination. Through The Playhouse, she is not just providing childcare, she is creating a support system for working mothers, particularly single mothers who need it most.

By challenging stigmas, advocating for better policies, and continuously adapting her services to meet parents’ needs, Charlene is paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive future for mothers in business.