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Rural Unrecognized
“Rural, Unrecognized is a podcast in which we showcase the inspiring stories of small business owners from the Flagstaff Region and beyond. We dive deep into the journeys of these entrepreneurs who have turned their dreams into a reality, and hear about the struggles, successes, and lessons learned along the way.
Each episode, we will feature a different small business owner and discuss their unique experiences in starting and running their business. From brick-and-mortar shops to online stores, we'll cover a variety of industries and share valuable insights and advice for anyone looking to start or grow their own business.
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just interested in learning more about the small business community, "Rural, Unrecognized" is the podcast for you. Tune in and get inspired by the amazing stories of these passionate and dedicated individuals who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.”
Rural Unrecognized
The Busy Bees Early Childhood Learning Story
Joanne McMahon has been a pillar in early childhood education in Flagstaff County for over 30 years, but when the pandemic hit, she tried something new: she brought her enthusiasm, experience, and spark to the screen. What started as a way to connect during COVID became Busy Bees Early Childhood Learning, an online program connecting families through playful, developmentally rich learning sessions for preschoolers, and their parents.
In this episode, Joanne shares how she built Busy Bees from the ground up with the support of Flagstaff County’s Entrepreneur Empowerment and Mastermind programs, overcoming business fears like pricing and structure while staying rooted in her true passion: helping kids thrive through play.
She explains the deep value of play-based learning, the science behind songs and nursery rhymes, and the magic of watching a child light up when “Joanne said…” becomes part of their everyday vocabulary. Her vision? To bring Busy Bees across Canada, from farming communities in Alberta to living rooms in Newfoundland, and to help families everywhere feel connected, supported, and ready for kindergarten.
Joanne’s warmth is contagious, her sessions are packed with meaning, and her mission is clear: bloom where you’re planted, and help kids grow—one song, story, and pair of scissors at a time.
To learn more about Busy Bees Childhood Learning
Website: www.busybeeslearning.ca
Instagram: Busy Bees Learning
Facebook: Busy Bees Facebook
To learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.ca
To learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda Wagner
This episode was produced and edited by JCE Films
