Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in child development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Colleen Markowitz, owner and director of CLASS Academics, located in Huntington Beach, California, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Creative Learning and Smart Solutions (CLASS) Academics was created almost ten years ago to provide remedial and tutoring academic services to children of all ages, specifically in the area of reading, math, and writing. We provide a customized learning experience that is multi-sensory, meaningful, and engaging! We have helped many striving learners build the skills and confidence they need in order to thrive.
Tell us about yourself
Working with children to make a positive impact in their lives is what keeps me going each day. I love to teach reading and first became a classroom teacher, but I decided to open my business in order to work with children in a 1:1 setting and hone in on their needs. I have since become a reading specialist and have had training in specialized reading programs (such as Orton-Gillingham and LiPS) in order to help children with severe reading challenges. Some of these children have dyslexia, have ADD, or ADHD. I'm also proud to say that we have been helping many children recover and close the learning gap that they have experienced through the closure of schools due to COVID.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Not only have we been able to carry our students through COVID successfully, but I was able to run my business (also thanks to my amazing team), be a mother of two young children, and successfully complete my master's program during a pandemic.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Coming to terms that your "to-do" list will never be done, and that's okay!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Schedule breaks and days off for yourself. You need to recharge in order to do your best work.
- Set boundaries between yourself, staff, and clients. (i.e., Don't answer emails after a certain time, don't always say "yes," and trust your staff!)
- Always be willing to learn and grow and accept mistakes as learning opportunities.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Believe it or not, your clients can also be your teacher. Be willing to listen and be humble while also making good executive decisions based on your professional expertise.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.classacademics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CLASSacademics/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/classacademics/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
