Gain Knowledge Beyond the Classroom

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shannadora Hollis, Founder of Back On Course Educational Services, located in Sacramento, CA, USA.

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

Approximately one in four U.S. jobs require some level of science knowledge, but companies are struggling to find and retain employees with the skills they need—especially science skills, like math and programming. Back On Course Educational Services is a solution to this problem. We provide personalized educational support for adults who want to thrive in a career in the science workforce. Our experts deliver a variety of engaging supports, including one-on-one training sessions and workshops, have hands-on experience in science fields, and specialize in working with adults that are disproportionately and historically underrepresented in the science workforce. We know what it’s like because we’ve been there. We’ve helped our clients gain new skills, earn certifications, and more!

Tell us about yourself

I recall my first day of class as a Chemical Engineering student very vividly. One of the first things I noticed when I stepped into the room was that there were very few people of color. This was a glimpse into a much bigger issue. According to the National Science Foundation, African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders make up less than 24% of the science workforce—combined. Despite feeling lonely at times, I earned my degree. I had some awesome experiences, including roles as a scientific researcher, academic instructor, and college success manager. This would not have been possible without a support system. Sadly, I saw the same thing I observed on my first day of class in college throughout my career—certain groups are significantly underrepresented in the science workforce. This lack of representation was a major catalyst for me to create Back On Course Educational Services.

Another catalyst was my work as an academic instructor at a learning center. It was one of the most impactful professional experiences I’ve ever had. In this role, I had the opportunity to combine two of my favorite things, science, and education, and help others gain skills to reach their goals. While at the center, I worked closely with the franchisee, and I got an up-close and personal glimpse into entrepreneurship as she navigated the day-to-day operations of the business. Seeing her in this role empowered and motivated me to start private tutoring as an independent contractor. As a result of these experiences, I fell in love with working with adults in a nontraditional learning environment. I saw firsthand the personal and professional impact that educational support can have on someone’s life, and it inspired me to create Back On Course Educational Services!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment to date for Back On Course Educational Services was registering the business with the Secretary of State. Although this is a seemingly fundamental step, it was one of the most intimidating steps for me. Registering the business was a representation and declaration that I was taking my idea from conception to execution. Being a business owner can be exhilarating and rewarding. It can also be very challenging. One way I stay encouraged is by listening to candid stories from reputable entrepreneurs on business podcasts. The host of one of my favorite business podcasts, Nicaila Matthews Okome, summarizes the pep talk I gave myself before registering the business best: “Get out of your own head. Take a hard look at the unconscious and conscious fears that you are allowing to hold you back from even starting. I see many people just stuck on the corner of Indecision Street and What If Avenue, not willing to cross that street. Ask yourself. What is the worst that could happen? Ask what is the smallest step I can take to get started, and then just do that step. Just start.”

Full transparency—I wrote the business plan for Back On Course Educational Services four years before I registered it officially as a business in September 2020. It took me a while, but when I did it, it was such an exciting moment! I had mustered up the courage and wherewithal to harness my gifts and bring my dream to life.

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

I don’t think that there’s anything that could’ve truly prepared me for the amount of time and energy that building a business requires. My biggest challenge along the way has been distributing my time. I’d like to dedicate more time to developing and executing a digital marketing strategy for the business; however, it has been tough to do this while tending to other key business activities consistently. As the team and business grow, this will give me the leverage to delegate, contract, and outsource some of the business’s administrative and marketing activities.

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

Start—even if you don’t feel ready. Your persistence and momentum will carry you through.
Keep a close eye on your cash flow. This applies to both your personal and business expenses.
Seek mentors and subject-matter experts for the areas that aren’t your strengths. You’ll thank yourself now and later.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.backoncourse.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getBackOnCourse
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get.backoncourse/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getbackoncourse/

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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