With Big Risk Comes Big Rewards

Tennille Waggoner knew it was a big risk when she quit her full-time job to start TUMBLEBUS, but she knew big rewards would come from it. Tennille knows you have to work hard to make your dreams come true, but she knows it’s worth it. Get on board this bus as we chat with this “driven” entrepreneur.

Name: Tennille Waggoner

Business Name: TUMBLEBUS Tampa

Business URL: www.tumblebustampa.com

Where are you from: Illinois

Where do you live now: Tampa

HappyCrawlers (aka kids with ages): 0

HC: Tell us about how your business fulfills you and your dreams. 

Tennille: One thing I learned from working for others is that I was not in a position to make the decisions that I felt needed to be made in a timely manner and have a positive impact on others.  As one of the owners of TUMBLEBUS Tampa I have both the ability to make decisions and impact the lives of young children.

HC: Tell us about your lifelong dream.

Tennille: At a young age, one dream was to live in Florida and live near the beach.  I moved to Tampa in September 2008, accomplishing both of those goals. I am still working on my other lifelong dream…having a happy family one-day!

HC: Most difficult obstacle you had to overcome to do what you love?

Tennille: Making the decision to quit my full-time job to take the risk to start a new company.

HC: Advice to others who might find themselves in similar situations?

Tennille: Go for it! If there is something you think about on a daily basis, you have a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, nothing is impossible.

HC: What’s the most rewarding aspect of your professional life?

Tennille: To see a child’s face light up when they accomplish a new skill!

Tennille: HC: How do you balance family and work?

Tennille: The TUMBLEBUS Tampa is a family owned business, which allows me to spend more time with my family. 

HC: What motivates you to work harder?

Tennille: The potential to build a successful business that has a positive impact on children by helping them create healthy lifelong habits.

HC: Tell us about a role model in your life?

Tennille: One of my role models is Carrie Wildes, a local photographer (www.carriewildes.com). I had a chance to work with her for almost a year. I met Carrie when she was making the decision to quit her full-time job and start her own photography business. I was able to talk with her about the process she went through and see how rewarding it was to build a successful business. She works very hard but loves what she does. I was able to see her determination and hard work pay off.  I knew that if I put my mind to it I would be able to do the same thing.

HC: Tell me about a role model who you have yet to meet?

Tennille: Jacob Cass. He is a graphic, web and logo designer from Australia but currently lives in New York City. I have followed his blog for almost 3 years and have learned design, marketing and blogging through his posts. He has been inspirational because he writes a very raw and informational blog that is connected to his community.  He is also a successful entrepreneur at a young age.

HC: Favorite story about a little happy crawler (aka kid)?

Tennille:  There is a “little happy crawler” at one of our daycares who has to come say “Hi” to the TUMBLEBUS with his dad before going into the school.  He recently was able to double his hang time on the monkey bars from 3 seconds to 6 seconds.  Quite a feet for a toddler! We (Noah, parents and myself) were all very excited!

HC: That is so precious!

Is there someone who motivates and inspires you? Who would you like to see profiled on the HappyCrawlers’ blog? Email us at: hello@HappyCrawlers.com with your recommendations. Happy travels!