Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Timothy Freitas, Co-Founder of The Garden of English, located in Uxbridge, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Garden of English is an educational consulting business that works with school districts, teachers, and students to meet their professional development, training, and/or academic needs.
Tell us about yourself
The GOE originally started when I began calling my first classroom the Garden of English. The simple classroom name that was meant to break up the monotony of the school day for students. In my mind, they'd no longer have to go to "English Class." They would go to the GOE.
Jennifer, my wife, has a passion for media and is a social media expert, so she wanted to see if we could turn The Garden of English into something more so she could put her superpowers to work as well. Noticing the need for strong English content support on the internet, Jennifer convinced me to start a YouTube channel, which eventually led to us supporting students and teachers around the globe on the platform!
My wife and I fully believe that at the GOE, we don't teach English (or any other subject for that matter); instead, we teach students: living, breathing, thoughtful humans.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
There are a few elements to mention here: The Garden of English YouTube channel provided a platform for our work to become more well-known, which was part of why I was asked to be a co-author for the AMSCO Language and Composition textbook. Jennifer and I were also asked to make the Garden of English Ultimate Review Packet for AP® Lang students because of the following we built on YouTube, and that has been quite an experience that let us both show off our strengths. And finally, all the encouraging and grateful comments, messages, and cards keep us going and let us know we are doing something right.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time management, especially when I work a full-time job and my wife and I parent five children (who almost all play sports)!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take the risk and follow your business passion.
- Have clear plans and goals for the future.
- People change, and so does your audience, so adapt to the needs of those you are looking to serve (even if that means rebranding).
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
We are a husband-and-wife duo who are just looking to do what we love while raising our kids. It's our hope that our work is a testimony to what we believe in, and we hope it will continue to encourage students and teachers across the world for generations to come.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thegardenofenglish.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGardenofEnglish/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegardenofenglish/
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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