A dynamic leader and visionary in early childhood education, Natasha Shaikh committed to creating nurturing, inspiring environments for young children. As the Co-Founder & CEO of Kinder Castle Nursery and the Founder of Rainbow Valley Nursery and Kids Unlimited, Natasha has made a significant impact on the industry. Her passion for holistic development, coupled with her dedication to empowering both children and educators, has led to the successful launch of multiple nurseries, preschools, and a kids’ fitness centre.
Shaped by her experiences as a mother of four, Natasha has become a trailblazer in fostering community engagement and driving innovation in education. In an interview with Business Frontier, she reflects on her transformative journey, sharing her insights on the evolution of early childhood education and the values that have fuelled her success.
Q. What are some important facets of your life and professional journey that you wish to highlight?
My journey as a leader in the education sector is deeply rooted in three core aspects: passion, innovation, and empowerment. Being a mother of four has profoundly shaped my perspective on early childhood education. It has given me a unique understanding of what families need and how important it is to create environments where children feel safe, loved, and inspired to learn.
When it comes to professional growth and entrepreneurship, I’ve had the privilege of managing multiple successful nurseries, preschools, and a kids’ fitness centre, which have taught me the importance of blending educational excellence with strong operational management and innovative programs. I’ve also embraced marketing and community-building strategies to create lasting impacts.
I’m passionate about empowering educators and staff; building strong teams and firmly believe in educating the whole child—fostering their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. I also firmly believe that women can excel as leaders while balancing family life and want to inspire other women to pursue their ambitions without fear of limitations.
Q. What led you to foray into the field of early education?
My educational journey has been both personal and professional, deeply influenced by my experiences as a mother and my passion for nurturing young minds. I began my career with a strong belief in the transformative power of education and a desire to create a lasting impact on children’s lives.
What truly led me to foray into early education was witnessing the formative nature of the early years in shaping a child’s development. As a mother of four, I’ve observed firsthand how crucial those years are in building a foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and creativity. This understanding inspired me to take the leap into the field, where I could combine my love for children with my drive to create environments that inspire curiosity and growth.
Additionally, I realized there was a gap in providing holistic education that nurtures not just academics but also social, emotional, and physical development. I wanted to fill that gap by building programs and centres that empower children to explore their potential in all areas. My journey has been about bridging that vision with practical innovation, ensuring every child in my care receives the best possible start in life.
The field of early education allows me to blend my entrepreneurial spirit with my passion for community building, making it the perfect space to make a meaningful difference.
Q. What are the key roles and responsibilities you shoulder as the CEO of Kinder Castle Nursery?
As the CEO of Kinder Castle Nursery and Rainbow Valley Nursery, my roles and responsibilities extend across leadership, innovation, and community building. At the heart of my role is ensuring that every aspect of our organization is aligned with our mission to provide high-quality early childhood education and care.
- Strategic Leadership: I oversee the vision and direction of all my nurseries, ensuring that our goals align with best practices in early education while fostering growth and sustainability.
- Curriculum Development: I work closely with educational experts to implement innovative, age-appropriate, and holistic curriculums that cater to the diverse needs of our students.
- Operational Management: From managing budgets to ensuring regulatory compliance, I ensure the smooth functioning of our centres without compromising on quality.
- Team Empowerment: This I feel is the most important as I lead and mentor a team of passionate educators and administrators, creating a supportive environment that promotes professional growth and collaboration and as our business is dominated by women, I spend a lot of time empowering our team and supporting them in their role as their leader.
- Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with parents, local organizations, and stakeholders is crucial to maintaining trust and a sense of belonging within our community.
Q. What are the most significant professional milestones you have achieved throughout your professional journey?
My professional journey in the field of early childhood education has been both rewarding and transformative. One of the key highlights has been launching and managing three thriving nurseries and preschools. These centres have become trusted spaces where children and families feel supported and valued. Another pivotal achievement was expanding into kids’ fitness with the opening of a dedicated fitness centre to promote health and wellness for children. I have also focused on empowering educators by building strong teams and fostering a culture of professional growth and collaboration. In addition, developing meaningful relationships with parents and local communities has been instrumental in our success. Being recognized as an emerging leader in the education industry is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and innovation I’ve poured into my work.
Q. On a personal note, how do you define success, and what role has your family played in shaping your journey?
Success is often measured in numbers, growth, and achievements, but for me, true success is reflected in the pride in my husband’s voice when he speaks about my journey and the admiration in my daughters’ eyes when they say they want to follow in my footsteps. As a woman entrepreneur, balancing the demands of running multiple businesses while nurturing my family has been both challenging and fulfilling. The most rewarding milestone isn’t just professional growth—it’s inspiring my daughters to dream big, believe in themselves, and know they, too, can achieve anything. There’s no greater contentment than knowing that the work I do today is shaping their vision for tomorrow. This feeling is priceless.
Q. What is your success mantra, and how has it guided you throughout your professional journey?
My success mantra has always been centred around three principles. First, passion with purpose: I am deeply passionate about early childhood education, and everything I do is driven by the purpose of making a positive difference in children’s lives. Second, adaptability and innovation: The education landscape is ever-changing. I’ve embraced change by staying ahead of trends, incorporating innovative practices, and continuously learning. Third, empathy and collaboration: I believe in leading with empathy—whether it’s with children, parents, or staff. Building strong relationships and fostering a sense of collaboration has been key to overcoming challenges and achieving success.
Ultimately, my milestones reflect the collective effort of everyone involved—families, educators, and the communities we serve. My journey is fuelled by the belief that when we invest in the early years, we’re shaping not just individuals but the future of society.
Q. How do you foresee the early education landscape evolving in the UAE by 2025, and what key trends will shape the industry?
The early education landscape in the UAE is set for exciting changes by 2025, driven by innovation, inclusivity, and preparing future generations. Key trends include the integration of technology, with AI and interactive tools enhancing children’s learning experiences while complementing traditional methods.
There will also be a stronger focus on holistic development, emphasizing emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and physical fitness alongside academics. Inclusion and diversity will continue to drive initiatives, creating equal opportunities for all children, while sustainability in education will become more prominent, with eco-friendly practices and environmental responsibility integrated into curriculums.
Parental involvement will be crucial, with more collaboration through digital tools and workshops. Mental health support for both children and educators will also gain importance. Increased investment in early years education will lead to better facilities and innovative programs.
In conclusion, the future of early education in the UAE looks promising, with a growing emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration to create environments that help children reach their full potential.
