Entrepreneur, business owner, and all-around dynamo, Allison Perkins-Caldwell has built a thriving empire that spans three daycare centers and two Edible Arrangements stores. Spirited and hardworking, Allison is passionate about giving back to the community that raised her and championing health, wellness, and positive change.
Q: What motivated you to start your business in Englewood?
Allison Perkins-Caldwell: There was a sentiment that Englewood wasn’t a great community to raise a family in. I was born and raised here, so I felt it was my obligation to return and create a business that would help our city’s youngest citizens.
Q: Who do you look up to as a role model?
Allison: “I have always admired Oprah.”
Q: What advice do you have for other women who want to start their own businesses?
Allison: “I’ll borrow Nike’s slogan: Just Do It! Find resources in your community, talk to leaders in the field you’re pursuing, and link up with organizations like the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC). Get a mentor, take care of your credit, and spend your money wisely—especially on a great attorney and an even better accountant. Stay positive because it won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.”
Q: You also run two Edible Arrangements stores. What inspired that venture?
Allison: “My daycare businesses are service-based, so I wanted to grow in a different direction—something product-based. I’m a registered nurse and have always valued health, so Edible Arrangements was a perfect fit: it focuses on health, community, family, and celebrating the good in life. It was a match made in heaven.”
Q: Can you share a bit about your experience working with Fifth Third Bank?
Allison: Karl Riley has been really patient with me over the years he has been an invaluable resource and friend. He has always tried to grow my business and give me real resources I could use.
Allison’s Businesses
Two Edible Arrangements Stores
Calumet Park, IL, Store #887
Gurnee, IL, Store #1673
Three Day Care Centers (Allison’s Infant & Toddler Center)
- North Campus (Englewood) – Opened November 2004 | 5522 S. Racine
- South Campus (Roseland) – Opened August 2007 | 234 E. 115th St
- East Campus (Park Manor) – Opened March 2010 | 440-442 E. 71st St
All three Day Care locations are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and hold a Gold rating from Excel-e-rate Illinois, the state’s quality rating system for early childhood education.
Originally published on March 13, 2018 on ChampagneandBeyond.com. Edited in April 2025 by Charlene Rhinehart for ChicagoSouthsider.com.
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