Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in professional development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jocelynn Hubbard, Founder of Custom Teaching Solutions, LLC, located in Fort Mill, SC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Custom Teaching Solutions, LLC is an educational consulting firm that delivers comprehensive professional development and coaching to help teachers spark joy in the learning experience by using culturally relevant teaching practices to increase engagement, retention, and academic achievement because students are affirmed, welcomed, and celebrated through instruction.
Tell us about yourself
Starting my own business was the result of so many seeds being planted on my overlapping journey in education and regular life. As a classroom teacher, I saw the disconnect between the content being taught, the resources used to support that teaching, and what the students actually cared about. As a literacy consultant for a large publishing house, I realized teachers needed support in vetting appropriate resources and connecting to the diverse learners in their classrooms. One day, I shared all this with my mother, Laura Anderson, and she said, "Jocelynn, you know you can start your own business, right? You can create the support teachers need." That was the spark I needed to begin my journey as an entrepreneur.
Each day I am motivated by the change I want to see. Seeing the diverse people of the world celebrated, affirmed, welcomed, included, cared for, appreciated, valued, and respected.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My answer may be unconventional, but my biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the opportunity to lead by example. I am showing my children, my nieces and nephews, and anyone else watching that you can CREATE a career path that you truly love and enjoy. You can take an idea and make it a reality. When I hear my children talking about what "Mommy does," I am filled with so much joy. When they start sharing ideas about a business they want to start, I am so proud and honored by this opportunity.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a wife, mother of five, daughter, sister, and friend, the most challenging thing for me is balance. Being a business owner is incredibly rewarding but can also be all-consuming at times. There are days when I get in a zone with a project and find it challenging to stop because I am passionate about the idea and want to see it come to fruition. This is where having a strong community comes in handy. I surround myself with accountability partners and other business owners who can remind me that my passion for the project will still be there tomorrow, but unplugging to spend time with family and friends is important for keeping my passion for life sparked in the long run.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a really solid "why" to reflect on when you face a challenging day... or week.
- Get clear on who you serve and what they truly need, not just what you want to give them.
- Action produces clarity. You can not work out the kinks in your program, offer, or service until to take it for a test run.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Take every opportunity to hear different people's stories, ask questions to learn more about who they are, leverage what you've learned to challenge your own mindset, and develop authentic relationships.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://customteachingsolutions.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iteachcustom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelynnhubbard/
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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