After graduating from Coker University, Brittany Henderson stayed in Hartsville, SC, and transformed her personal challenges into an opportunity to serve her community.
Born and raised in Hartsville, Brittany’s path wasn’t always clear. Growing up, she desperately wanted to be a teacher like her mother. However, when she first began school at Darlington Tech after graduating from Hartsville High School, she majored in nursing, believing a nursing career would bring financial stability.
“I soon learned that nursing was not for me,” Brittany said. “I wanted to be a teacher.”
After transferring to Coker, she changed her major to early childhood education. She earned her degree in 2013 and spent a decade teaching second grade at North Hartsville Elementary. In 2016, she furthered her expertise with a master’s in literacy from Coker, envisioning a future in education beyond the classroom.
However, life had other plans. When her second child was born in 2019, Brittany faced difficulties finding reliable childcare. In response, Brittany left her job at North Park Elementary and transitioned to a stay-at-home mom.
“So here I am sitting at home with a master’s degree and 10+ years of teaching experience,” Brittany said. “I love being a full-time mom, but I miss the classroom. I miss the children. And my husband said to me - why don’t we check into seeing what it would take for you to open a daycare?”
Brittany broke ground in March 2020, right before the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States. Despite pandemic-related delays, Tiny Treasures Daycare opened its doors in March 2023 with just eight children. Today, it serves over 100 kids daily and is licensed for 177.
Tiny Treasures isn’t just a daycare; it reflects Brittany’s dedication to safety, flexibility, and community. The facility provides meals, operates year-round, and prioritizes security, boasting 64 cameras and well-planned emergency procedures. With a two-year waitlist, the need for childcare in Hartsville is undeniable, and Brittany’s work is filling a critical gap.
Beyond the daycare, Brittany remains deeply connected to her roots in Hartsville. She’s involved with Coker’s Cobra Club, teaches Sunday school at Kellytown Baptist Church, and serves on her church’s kindergarten ministry board. Her husband’s family owns Ace Hardware in Hartsville, SC.
Brittany is extremely grateful to Coker for her education. She believes her college experience properly prepared her to run Tiny Treasures and helped her fall even more in love with Hartsville.
This story is part of Coker University's Hometown Cobra series. If you know a hometown cobra who should be highlighted - someone who grew up in Hartsville, went to Coker, and then stayed in Hartsville - please contact Holly Poag at hpoag@coker.edu.
