Move2Grow by Jessica Walsh: Harper College

Instagram: instagram.com/move_2grow/

In most classrooms, movement signals a break from learning. For Move2Grow Founder Jessica Walsh, it’s the very path to learning. Research backs her up, showing that purposeful movement supports attention, memory, and overall cognitive growth. Walsh also knows this from experience, informed by her dual perspective as a teacher and occupational therapist. She saw firsthand how restless energy could derail a lesson or, when channeled through intentional movement, enhance it. From that insight grew a simple but powerful guiding principle: movement matters.

As a school-based therapist, Walsh’s approach is child-led and play-based, emphasizing hands-on, meaningful activities that spark development and engagement. Having experienced how movement enhances learning and overall well-being, she’s passionate about creating opportunities for kids to move, explore, and thrive throughout their day. During her sessions, Walsh regularly incorporates sensory pathways, a series of decals placed on the floor to form a guided path. These pathways lead students through basic but purposeful motor movements, tapping into their sensory systems. “Kids experience cognitive and learning benefits, including addressing regulation of attention, concentration and behavior through the day, as well as improving visual sequencing skills and working memory skills,” Walsh explains.

The idea for Move2Grow came directly from this experience. While movement pathways were effective, traditional vinyl decals were designed for hard-surface floors, limiting where they could be used. Walsh found that most schools she worked in were carpeted, making these decals impractical in many settings. Instead of giving up on the idea, she improvised, drawing on her professional understanding of motor planning, sensory processing, and real classroom needs.

Walsh designed small Velcro-backed shapes to create movement paths directly on the carpet. The shapes were simple and easy to use, and could be placed, moved, and reused without damaging the floor. Each piece was made from durable material that sticks securely to short-fiber carpet without lifting or shifting. New paths could easily be arranged and made shorter or longer as the space allowed.

The response to Walsh’s product was immediate. Students enjoyed engaging with them, teachers appreciated their simplicity, and administrators saw their value during transitions and throughout the day. What began as a classroom solution soon grew into Move2Grow, a brand dedicated to making movement accessible, meaningful, and practical for different spaces.

The importance of this work is underscored by a broader reality facing schools—and society—today. According to the 2023–2024 National Survey of Children’s Health, only 25% of children ages 6–11 meet the minimum recommendation of being physically active for at least 60 minutes per day. “This has serious implications on development for children,” Walsh states. In an increasingly sedentary school model, educators are actively seeking practical ways to incorporate movement for all students.

While her product vision was clear, turning that vision into a sustainable venture was less straightforward. While searching for guidance, she discovered the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Harper College and attended a live seminar titled, “Starting a Business.” The session offered realistic insight into what starting a company truly entails and helped her think more concretely about next steps. Turning a classroom challenge into a scalable business required creativity, resilience, and a willingness to learn, qualities Walsh embraced as she stepped into entrepreneurship.

A few months later, Walsh officially launched her Move2Grow products and returned to the Illinois SBDC at Harper College for more individualized support. With questions around pricing, marketing strategies, and how to scale, she sought guidance that would help her move forward.

After reviewing advisor bios, she selected Sarah Cervantes to begin the conversation. Her initial meeting proved especially helpful. Cervantes took the time to brainstorm ideas, offer thoughtful feedback, and help Walsh strategize how to move her fledgling company forward. Just as importantly, Cervantes encouraged her to take advantage of the full range of expertise available at the SBDC and connect with additional advisors.

From there, Walsh met with advisors Jennie Johns and Cheri Kretsinger. Each brought a unique perspective and area of expertise, offering encouragement, practical tips, and actionable next steps. Instead of overwhelming her with information, these conversations broke down larger business questions into manageable sections. Together, the advisors helped Walsh strengthen Move2Grow’s Etsy presence, build brand awareness, and implement effective marketing strategies. “Their insight helped me feel more confident navigating the bigger questions of how to keep going with my creative vision,” she says.

Walsh is especially grateful to Kretsinger for encouraging her to consider networking and make in-person connections, which led her to attend an entrepreneurial networking event at her local library. “This experience gave me practice talking about my product and connecting with other like-minded folks in the community,” Walsh says. “It sparked additional connections and meaningful conversations.”

Walsh enthusiastically recommends that small business owners explore the resources and services offered by the Illinois SBDC at Harper College. “The advisors provide personalized guidance, practical tools, and encouragement that can make a real difference. It’s a great resource for gaining confidence as a business owner just starting out.”

Today, Move2Grow is a growing business with a primary focus on elementary school environments. Looking ahead, Walsh plans to expand her online marketing efforts, grow awareness of the brand, and introduce additional products. A long-term goal is to give back, with plans to donate one pouch to a Title I school (a school that receives federal financial assistance) for every two pouches sold.

For those just starting their entrepreneurship journey, Walsh’s advice is grounded in honesty and resolve. “Remember, if it were easy, everyone would do it,” she says. “Social media can make success look instant, but real growth takes patience and persistence. Don’t give up!”

By combining lived experience, purposeful design, and the guidance of trusted advisors, Walsh illustrates how small business owners—like movement itself—can gain momentum step by step, creating meaningful impact along the way.