Empowering women is Dr. LaTanya Wilkins’ passion.

She’s starting it early, too, with this weekend’s grand opening of Oooh La La Nursery, an early education daycare for girls age 18 months to pre-kindergarten.

Wilkins said her parents nurtured her aspirations at an early age. From reading her mother’s nursing books in elementary school, to pointing out places on her father’s globe, Wilkins has always had big dreams.

“As a woman, you have so many facets,” she said. “You can be whatever you want to be.”

Wilkins is a mother of three (two middle-school-age boys and a 3-year-old girl) and most recently taught in the public school system. But she felt like it was the right time to redirect and realize her dream of opening a daycare. Wilkins got right to work, and has handled every detail herself, giving the nursery personal touches.

She also wants to make sure the meals served there are healthy, with products coming from local providers, as well as environmentally friendly.

Wilkins said she envisions Oooh La La to have a learning environment that encourages creativity — with focus areas in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and stories of female leaders.

“It’s about being proud of what women represent,” she said. “It’s never too early.”

She said she knows there may be misconceptions about her nursery, but it won’t be all sparkles and pink tutus. The goal is for the girls to explore what they want, whether that means playing in the kids’ kitchen or building with blocks.

“I don’t want to be like every other daycare,” Wilkins said. “I think, when people come in, they’ll fall in love. … It’s not dealing with gender stereotypes at all.”

Just as her parents taught her, Wilkins said she wants to teach other girls that they can achieve their dreams no matter what.

Oooh La La Nursery will be ready for drop-off care on July 25, operating Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

By giving them the tools to succeed early in life, Wilkins said she hopes to grow strong women who are ready to take on the world.

Oooh La La Nursery’s grand-opening tea party will be Saturday from 2-5 p.m. The nursery is located at 111 Avon Ave., Washington. For more information, visit www.theooohlalanursery.com.