Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kris Tatiossian, Ph.D., Founder of CRISPR Classroom, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
CRISPR Classroom is an education technology company that is bridging the gap between science innovation and education. At the core of the business is the commitment to making science education accessible, engaging, relevant, and fun for all.
Our company offers a range of innovative educational programs and hands-on activities that are designed to help students, educators, and lifelong learners stay up-to-date with the latest scientific developments and understand the potential impact of these advances on society.
In addition to individual users, CRISPR Classroom also serves educational institutions and organizations that are looking for innovative and engaging ways to teach about science and technology. With programs and activities designed specifically for use in the classroom, as well as professional development opportunities for educators, CRISPR Classroom ensures education & training keep pace with the fast-moving medical, biotechnological, and other high-tech industries.
Tell us about yourself
I had always been passionate about science and had dedicated my career to studying genetics and developing new treatments for a wide range of diseases. As a scientist, I was constantly seeking out new challenges and pushing the boundaries of what was possible. One of the most exciting projects I worked on was developing genetic medicines using CRISPR gene editing. This cutting-edge technology allowed me to make precise changes to the genetic code of living cells, opening up new possibilities for treating diseases such as HIV and sickle cell disease.
But for me, the most rewarding part of science was not the laboratory work itself but the communication and storytelling. I loved sharing my work with others and explaining the complex scientific concepts behind my research in a way that was accessible and engaging.
As a result, I decided to take a leap and step out of the laboratory to start my own education company. With CRISPR Classroom, I'm able to share my love for science and cutting-edge technology with many more people around the world, helping students, educators, and lifelong learners discover frontier knowledge.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Starting a business is a big undertaking, and it requires a significant amount of time, energy, and resources. It can be a daunting and intimidating process, especially for those who are just starting out. Despite these challenges, many people are drawn to entrepreneurship because of the freedom and flexibility it offers and the potential to build something truly meaningful and impactful.
My biggest accomplishment was simply taking that first step and getting started. This was the hardest part, as it required me to overcome fear and uncertainty and commit to the hard work and dedication that building a business requires.
And once that first step was taken, the journey became a little easier. With each subsequent step, I gained confidence and momentum, and today CRISPR Classroom serves thousands of learners across 45 different countries and numerous educational institutions.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Self-doubt. As a business owner, you are responsible for making important decisions and taking on significant risks, and it can be easy to second-guess yourself or wonder if you are up to the task. Self-doubt can be especially challenging because it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you believe that you are not capable of succeeding, you may be less likely to take risks or try new things, which can limit your progress and success.
However, it is important to remember that self-doubt is a normal and natural part of the process and does not have to hold you back. I use several strategies to combat self-doubt and build confidence as a business owner:
• Seek out support and guidance: Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of mentors, advisors, and peers can help you feel more confident and capable.
• Set small, achievable goals: By breaking your goals down into smaller, more manageable steps, you can build momentum and increase your confidence as you progress.
• Celebrate your successes: Don't let your self-doubt obscure the progress and accomplishments you have made along the way. Take time to celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and let them build your confidence.
• Pro tip – celebrate your successes publicly by keeping up an up-to-date Press Release section on your website. I treat this like a "business diary," celebrating my favorite business successes and sharing them with the world.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Follow the self-doubt practices above.
- Sell it as soon as possible, ideally even before you make it.
- Talk to your (potential) customers every day.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.crisprclassroom.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crisprclassroom/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisprclassroom/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crisprclassroom/
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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