Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Burns, Owner of H.O.P.E. Education, located in Saint Petersburg, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I own H.O.P.E. Education which equips and empowers primary grade teachers with doable solutions to simplify and organize their busy teacher lives. Much of my products are based around organization and literacy - reading and writing resources - with ideas and support through my podcast, The Teach Joyfully Podcast. For teachers who want more targeted help, I provide personalized coaching services.
Tell us about yourself
I have been in education for more than 20 years and am still passionate about helping kids and teachers be the best they can be and be joyful doing it. After working in Resource Teacher and Reading Specialist roles, I realized I could support even more teachers with products and training based on systems and printable resources I had created and for my own use as a teacher. Teachers are hungry for better solutions to help their students. I love helping educators with just the right resource at the right time that also simplifies their lives. When a teacher emails my team and tells us how much they loved one of our products or services and how it helped them, it makes me want to do even more!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Helping thousands of teachers with solutions that have given them back their personal time and sanity, so they don't just stay in education but teach joyfully every day.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Balancing your personal life and business is truly one of the most difficult parts of owning a business. Both my business and my family and friends are important to me. Learning to shut down and walk away from all the things related to my business to be fully present for those I love was a lesson that took time for me to learn.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a plan and narrow down who you will serve. You can't help everyone.
- Create systems and procedures for everything and write them out. It will make life easier for you and so much easier to hire and train an assistant when you are ready.
- Find a mentor. Find ways to learn and grow, to keep your mind open to new ideas and possibilities. It will keep you passionate about your business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Taking care of ourselves can take a back seat when we're growing a business. Don't let that happen. I plan my downtime first when I am filling out my calendar because self-care makes me better at everything I do!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.hopeineducation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopeineducation
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa_j_burns/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-j-burns/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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