Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nelly Kaakaty, Founder of Learning with Dr. K, located in Dallas, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Hi! I'm Nelly Kaakaty—I specialize in executive functioning support for middle, high school, and college students. I work 1:1 with students and adults to help them overcome organizational and time management struggles and find long-lasting success in and out of the classroom. I also offer comprehensive educational evaluations that provide insights into how people learn and ways to support their learning.
My customers are often parents of struggling students--these are students who are bright but not meeting their potential, disorganized, missing assignments and having a hard time keeping up with the demands of school. I also serve adults who are looking for support in managing their time and finding balance in their work and personal lives.
Tell us about yourself
I have always loved learning and loved school. I grew up believing that working hard automatically translated to success--better grades, more money, and improved life. It wasn't until my younger brother came along that I realized learning does not come easily to everyone, and there can be invisible barriers to accessing education.
My younger brother really struggled in school. What started out as a kid who was curious and charismatic turned into a kid who was seen as disruptive and problematic. There were failing grades, suspensions, repeating 8th grade, and eventually dropping out of high school. I've seen firsthand how academic struggle can affect an entire family.
That's what motivated me to do what I do today. I always knew my brother was smart, that he was capable. He just never got the support that he needed in school to believe that he was actually smart and capable. He received an ADHD diagnosis later in life, and it's hard not to wonder about how the trajectory of his life could have turned out differently had he received support earlier. I spent the last ten years working in schools as a reading interventionist and learning specialist.
At one point, I worked for a literacy intervention program that turned away kids who were considered to be "too far" behind in reading, and I knew it was time to leave. I set off to graduate school and did research in schools, and specialized in writing interventions. After earning my Ph.D. in educational psychology, I spent six years working as a learning specialist.
I taught small classes and continued my intervention work, and focused on executive functioning skills. That's when I saw huge gains from those who were considered "behind." Then, I started my best job yet, being a busy mom of two. I knew I wanted to build a career around my family, so I started my own business, Learning with Dr. K, to continue to support kids and families but with the flexibility to care for my own too.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Just being here! I think the biggest obstacle I have faced on this journey is believing I could even do it. It took a lot of time, work, and the support of people who believed in me to help me see that it was possible.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think the hardest thing is knowing that, on some level, you are solely responsible for the success or failure of your business. It all falls on your shoulders, so every choice you make can either help or hurt you. I have always worked in schools where there is a team of people to share the burden, but when you are a solo entrepreneur, it's all on you, for better or worse!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take baby steps and know that it is OK! I think the general narrative can be "drop everything and chase your dreams!" and for most of us, that's just not realistic. Start small. Work at a job and build your dream on the side until it can become a full-time reality. Tiny steps do add up!
- Find your people. Being a solo entrepreneur can be lonely if you don't work to find people to collaborate with and learn from. A support system is critical, not just for networking or referrals, but for your own personal growth!
- Learn to rest instead of quitting. There are too many times when it's easy to give up. If this is what you really want, keep pushing, keep trying new ideas when things aren't working, but don't give up. Lean on those who care about you, stay hydrated, and move forward. You can do it!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://learningwithdrk.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learningwithdr.k/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nellykaakaty/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.