Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alyssa Althouse, Founder of Learn with Alyssa, located in San Rafael, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I run a small, independent tutoring business and support struggling readers in 3 ways:

  • One-on-one and group tutoring for both personal on online students. My lessons are highly targeted to promote student growth and accelerated learning. I use a multisensory approach and follow the science of reading.
  • I provide academic coaching for teachers and parents looking to support their children through structured literacy. I offer student assessments and diagnostic testing to pinpoint a child's areas of need and help determine why they are struggling. I provide parents and teachers with an action plan.
  • I support schools by working with them on meeting determined literacy goals. This involves improving literacy instruction, policies, and practices at their sites, which benefits all students and gives them what they need to read and succeed.

Tell us about yourself

I have been working in education for a long time. It is my passion and area of expertise. As a reading specialist, I saw the need for more student support when the pandemic hit. I transitioned from working at one school to owning my own business and having the ability to help students worldwide.

Seeing struggling students' confidence build is my why that motivates me daily. I provide them with the skills and strategies they need to succeed, and the outcomes are advantageous. I know I am making an impact.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Transitioning from a teacher and an employee to a business owner is no small feat. Getting all the ducks in a row, from marketing, sales copy, and networking to invoicing and discovery calls, was a steep learning curve. I now have tremendous automated systems to support the business's demands. This has been a significant accomplishment for me!

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things that have come with being a business owner and solopreneur is that it can be pretty isolating and lonely. Being a one-woman show can make it hard to keep going and hold yourself accountable.

You can get in your head and let imposter syndrome take over. It takes the right mindset to put yourself out there, promote yourself, and ask for what you are worth. And sometimes, you try something new and fail. It takes work. You have to find ways to stay positive and keep going.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Make a list of your ideal schedule, clients, location, values, income, etc. Keep working towards that until you have what makes you feel good. It is YOUR business, and you can make it look, feel, and sound however you want. When you start, it is tempting to serve everyone and do anything. Only take the offer if it is helping you reach your goals and feels right. Otherwise, you'll end up resentful, and that serves no one.
  2. Network, network, network. Email your former colleagues and co-workers, aunts and uncles, old high school classmates, and anyone who will listen and let them know what you are up to. Share your elevator pitch with them and ask them to share it with others. Some of my best clients and contracts have come from my tenacious networking.
  3. Surround yourself with others rooting for you and cheering you on. If you need that community, go out there and create it. It will feed your soul. How isolating building a business and entrepreneurship can feel, especially when you are first starting and might feel a little lost or overwhelmed. That is why I created The Tutoring Table with another business owner. It is a virtual hub for collaboration, connection, and networking. We support and mentor other tutors looking to start, run, and grow their businesses. Connection and community are essential.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.learnwithalyssa.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnwalyssa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssaalthousetutoring/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-althouse/

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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