Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Karen Doll, a freelance writer and owner of Grace Homeschool Consultations, located in Hellertown, PA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a freelance writer, and I own Grace Homeschool Consultations, allowing me to spend my days putting my passion into words. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of homeschooling and can talk about it for hours or days at a time. As a veteran homeschool mom for 16+ years, counting the preschool years, I write mostly within the homeschooling and parenting niche, so both of my businesses serve the homeschooling community, which is made up of parents and grandparents who are either considering homeschooling or are currently homeschooling.
The beauty of homeschooling is having abundant freedom to create a personalized educational plan for your kids. So, during our homeschooling years, I incorporated a wide variety of books, materials, and curricula as well as project-based learning, interest-led, strength-based learning, living books, and online and co-op classes to provide my kids with quality, individualized education. We went on many field trips to help authenticate topics we were studying and regularly discussed how our lessons connected to real life.
Also, I homeschooled a college-bound child and a non-college-bound child, two very different paths, indeed. Homeschooling gave us the flexibility and the freedom to customize both students’ learning experiences to better match and prepare them for their future paths. While one took Latin, an online SAT prep course, and took college-level classes through the dual-enrollment program, I worked with the other to create unique classes such as Introduction to Agriculture and Animal Behavior which complimented volunteer work with animals and livestock.
Being a homeschooling mom has blessed me with such a diverse experience and serves as the foundation on top of which I’ve built my businesses.
Tell us about yourself
I was a stay-at-home mom, and eventually, I homeschooled both of our kids from preschool age all the way up through high school. In both roles, I was always creating fun, educational activities for my kids. During our homeschooling years, when I couldn't find what I was looking for or wanted to match my kids' interests and needs better, I created my own curricula and lesson plans. This just naturally evolved into writing articles about home education and parenting.
Even though my two kids have long since graduated from our humble homeschool, I enjoy keeping active in the homeschooling community because homeschooling is my passion. I strongly believe homeschooling is the best way to give your kids quality and individualized education.
I’ve been on every part of the homeschooling journey from beginning to end. I vividly remember our first year when everything was new and scary and wonderful all at the same time. I remember all the bumps in the road and the many victories we celebrated along the way. And I will always remember watching my kids walk across the stage at their homeschool high school graduation ceremonies and having the honor of placing their high school diploma into their hands.
So, it brings me great joy to share any gems of wisdom I’ve gained from my homeschooling journey with parents and grandparents who are seeking help and advice, a reassurance that they’re doing what’s best for their kids, inspiration, and a reminder to cherish every moment.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being a contributing writer for The Epoch Times, a conservative, international newspaper.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
In my freelance business, the hardest thing is getting and keeping a good, well-paying long-term client. The publishing world is changing, and many high-paying print publications are closing. Also, because I now have extensive experience in the home education niche, I need to be my own advocate and negotiate for a competitive pay rate every time I pitch to a new editor or a publication.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start with something you're passionate about. Then, brainstorm ways in which you can put that passion to work for you.
- Always strive to be the best at what you do, and word of mouth will do the advertising for you.
- Learn from the challenging moments and days, focus on moving past them, and be intentional about positive self-talk.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://athomewithkarendoll.wordpress.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.doll.55/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karendoll55/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KarenDoll55
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenadoll/
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.
