Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Orrin Cowley, Owner of Math Thrive, located in Hendersonville, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is called Math Thrive. I tutor math, make math videos, and make math content. My customers are typically Praxis 5003 test candidates, but I also tutor K-12 students in math.
Tell us about yourself
I've been tutoring well before I even became a teacher on various platforms. Then, in 2020, I decided to start my own tutoring business to be more accessible to help people. I also got into freelance writing math content for textbook companies, worksheets, video scripts, and alt texts.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is how much it has changed my family and my life financially. As a teacher full-time, working any other regular job would not make enough to match what we've been about to achieve through curriculum writing and tutoring.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing for me currently is to be patient with the process. I can't say to myself, "I want more customers," and expect them to come at a snap of a finger. I can't expect a new curriculum writing project to fall into my lap when I need it. I have to be patient and continue creating free content on my Math Thrive YouTube channel or work on my Praxis 5003 online course. Everything should continually benefit the business, whether it's actively making money or not.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- If you don't know what to do, look for needs that you can fill. The greater the need with minimal competition leads to patient success.
- Do what you enjoy. Make sure you enjoy what you're doing because whenever slow times arise, you will keep moving forward.
- Be patient. Success is a snowball that starts as a tiny pebble.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://maththrive.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maththrive/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFqxGyXxXw830_8p1cHv2_g/
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.