Nurturing Children, Empowering Community: A New Home for Unique Kids Childcare Center

What started as a way to balance motherhood and career has grown into a thriving small business in Smyrna, Tennessee.

Dominique Gill opened Unique Kids Childcare Center in 2020 with a mission to create a nurturing environment where children can grow and thrive—while also caring for her own young son at the same time. With a lifelong passion for early childhood education, Dominique now dedicates her days to working with children from infancy to age five.

For years, she rented space for her daycare, all while envisioning a place to call her own. Every day, she passed a building she hoped could one day be the permanent home for Unique Kids. In 2025, thanks to a referral to Pathway Lending and the guidance of her realtor, that vision became reality. Dominique purchased the building, laying a strong foundation for the next stage of her business.

Today, Unique Kids serves 53 children, employs 17 team members, and is preparing to expand to serve up to 99 kids—creating even more jobs and providing caring support for working families in the community.

“Owning our own building is a dream come true. We’re making the space our own—a place where we can welcome more children and support more families in our community. Pathway Lending helped make that possible.”

Dominique’s story is a powerful example of how small business ownership fuels local economies, supports families, and builds long-term prosperity. Pathway Lending is proud to be part of her journey, providing funding to help her vision to grow.

If you are a small business looking for funding, learn more by clicking here.