Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lydia Gallagher, Founder of The Reading Tutor LLC., located in Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

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

My business is The Reading Tutor LLC. It started out as a private dyslexia tutoring company with exclusively local clients and their elementary-aged children. In a very short time, it has grown and branched into a company that not only helps children and their families by providing individualized tutoring for students with dyslexia but also acts as a resource for teachers in the form of Mention Intervention.

Tell us about yourself

I have grown my company, The Reading Tutor, from one student after school to a full-time business helping students with dyslexia achieve their true potential.

The beginning of my teaching career was tumultuous. After only four years, I reached an indescribable level of burnout. In the midst of my career, feeling as though it was crumbling, I realized that my tutoring students were the highlight of my day. One student quickly grew to 2, then 3, until I was tutoring until 9 pm every night. I loved teaching, even if a traditional classroom wasn’t my place anymore. So I decided to create a career that was right for me, and I quit my job in October 2021. The first few months post leaving were filled with thoughts of “What the *** did I just do?” but quickly turned to “I am doing this!”. I went from working with that one student after school, now to a growing client list and even have a website dedicated to sharing my experience, instructional tips, and materials with teachers.

The Reading Tutor serves students with dyslexia, providing reading instruction tailored to their needs. The program I implement requires rigorous training and is not typically provided for students in public schools, leaving students with dyslexia without proper instruction. Helping these students is what drives me; the growth and confidence that shines through them when they realize that they can succeed are inspiring. I’ve received emails saying, “I cannot praise you enough… he is actually reading and refuses to allow us to help … he says he can do it. I could cry every time I hear that.” and it only solidifies that I am doing the right thing with my career. I honestly cannot wait to see where it takes me, and I hope that sharing my experience and work can help other teachers make the same impact.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner right now is that I created a business that provides support to improve children's lives. I can't imagine a life without reading, and I'm so happy that I can help children and families who are struggling. The positive feedback that I receive from families and teachers motivates me every single day.

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

I'd say the most difficult thing is holding all of the responsibility. For me, this has its positives and negatives. I absolutely hate being told what to do, so being my own boss feels amazing. However, it puts a ton of weight on my shoulders. I'm learning as I go, and it can be tough, but the fact that I am the happiest I have ever been in my career while still in such a growth process makes it worth it and also makes me so excited for the future.

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

  1. Determine your niche - there's something that you're good at, something you can share, or a product that you can create that will appeal to a specific group. Find your audience and tailor your business, products, or marketing to them and only them from the start; it can be easy to get overwhelmed and try to do too much.
  2. Find your motivation - find a role model or mentor who emulates what you want in your life or business and learn about them. Find a book, podcast, or video from them and incorporate it into your day-to-day. Even if you're just listening to it in the car, that bit of daily attention can keep you focused on what you strive to achieve.
  3. Take the leap - there's never going to be a right, good, or even easy time to make a big change or get started, but if you're willing to commit and dedicate the time and work necessary to grow, you'll find a way to get through the rough spots. I'm still working through the rough spots and figuring things out as I go. You might even see that if you look at my website, it's up and running but still majorly under construction. Everything does not need to be perfect; it just needs to get started.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mentionintervention.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thereadingtutorLLC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mention_intervention/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-gallagher/

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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