We are a very unique after school program which combines the guidance of a mom with the homework assistance of teachers and the discipline of Martial Arts.
2. What makes business ownership worth it to you?
I like that I can mix my business & legal background to create a job where I can meet my own current responsibilities of raising young children and helping others with their children as well. As the owner of an after school program and a mom, I love that I can create and provide a program that I would want for my own children.
3. Describe your typical day.
It depends on the day. My business is only open weekdays from 2:30pm to 6pm. One morning per week, I work from home to handle the “office work” of running the program. The other mornings of the week, I am able to volunteer at my children’s elementary school and handle the responsibilities of running our household. In the afternoon of a typical day, the kids are picked up from the 4 different schools we service, they arrive at our location where they download about their day while they eat snacks and then they start their homework. Before we know it, homework is complete and the kids go to Taekwondo classes. After they are finished, they return to our space where they play & visit with friends until their parents arrive. After that, my own kids & I leave and head home for dinner with my husband. The best thing for everyone in our program is that homework is done and at least one of the kids’ extra curricular activities is complete so it allows for more quality family time.
4. Would you ever trade running your own business for a 9 to 5 job?
No, never. I am extremely proud of the business we created. I love that my kids have watched it grow from an idea to a thriving business. I love that I showed them they can do anything they want to do with hard work and effort. For me, owning my own business is essential to having a balanced family life. Even in the future when I go back to practicing law, I’ll only do it if I can have my own law firm.
5. What advice would you give to someone considering business ownership or entrepreneurism? Are there certain skills or traits they need to be successful?
My advice would be to jump off the cliff! Do it! Come up with a business idea, do your research, perfect the model and put in the hard work. It is worth it. The only skill or trait that is essential to success is to believe in yourself and your product and never give up.
6. Why do you think you’re successful? What does success mean to you?
I feel I am successful because I love what I am doing and the kids are happy. I think anytime you can provide a quality experience for children and allow their families more quality time together, it is definitely a success. Success to me means enjoying what I do and helping people. I did it while I was practicing law on a different scale and now I’m doing it for a bunch of really great kids!
Elizabeth has 15+ years experience in Public Relations, leading local, state and national accounts. Mother, reader, writer, marketer. Read more about me here.
