ABQ Homeschool Connection

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kristen Himm, Founder of ABQ Homeschool Connection, LLC., located in Albuquerque, NM, USA.

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

ABQ Homeschool Connection offers a variety of programs, classes, clubs, and events to local families in Albuquerque. We primarily serve families who homeschool but have offerings available outside of the regular school day and available to all as well. We seek to bring people together over shared interests and a love of learning.

Tell us about yourself

I dreamed of being a teacher from the age of 14 and even had the idea of opening my own school. Before starting college, though, I decided that business ownership was likely not for me and that I would prefer to focus on teaching and would do so in public schools.

I knew schools had a lot of issues but wanted to be there for the students who needed good teachers the most. While I found a lot of value in the education styles of Montessori and Waldorf, I still felt pulled toward helping students who may not have the advantages of private schools. And I felt compelled to work in a system that I knew was broken but thought I could help fix.

I worked for public schools for 17 years, teaching every grade from Kinder-8th grade at some point. My final year in the public school setting was as an interim administrator. I took that position with the encouragement of a mentor who advised I could make the greatest positive impact as an administrator.

It was in that position, as an administrator, that I began to realize that our public education system does not align with my beliefs and core values as an educator, parent, and human. Additionally, I began to recognize that it is likely broken beyond repair. I decided to revisit my childhood dream of opening my own school. My motivation is knowing that there are better ways to learn than the model our public schools offer and that other options need to be available for others.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I view nearly every aspect of owning my business as a big accomplishment. I have learned so much over the last year and a half and will continue to learn and grow as I move forward. From learning how to make my own website to setting up the physical space, every step has felt like a step in the right direction. Each time someone new signs up for a class or program, I feel accomplished!

The best part of owning my business, though, is building relationships. I build relationships with my students and their families. Even those I may have known before, I get to know in a different way now. I build relationships with partner teachers as I get to know them and their passions or hobbies they come to teach about. And I build relationships with other business owners as I use their services and find ways to promote one another!

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

Probably the hardest thing about being a business owner has to juggle so many different aspects of the work. In addition to preparing and holding classes and programs of my own, I also do all of the billing, bookkeeping, website maintenance, clerical work, cleaning, and on and on. As I grow the business, I know I will be able to bring in others to do some of this work for me, and I look forward to it when that time comes!

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

Stay true to your core values.
Don't be afraid to adjust and make changes as needed.
Keep a healthy work/life balance...however, that looks for you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.abqhomeschoolconnection.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ABQHomeschoolConnection/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abq_homeschool_connection/

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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