We are excited to not only celebrate Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., as a the Executive Director of the company she founded, Learning Essentials; but, also to celebrate the launch, during this auspicious month, of her new website, www.LearningEssentialsEdu.com, designed, developed and just launched by our agency for her company.
As with so many of the women we respect as owners of small businesses, Wendy Taylor, like both me and my business partner, is a mother who is passionate about the business she started. She is part of a growing statistic — one of more than 9.1 million women owned firms that, as reported by the National Association of Women Business Owners, employs nearly 7.9 million people, and generating $1.4 trillion in sales as of 2014.
We asked Wendy about the birth and incredible growth of her company whose mission is “to guide students and instill study habits that assist learners of all abilities to attain, if not exceed, their goals.” She writes on her website that, “every student is capable of success both in and out of the classroom, but [I find] that many students lack the strategies to achieve success. That is why [I] founded Learning Essentials.” Wendy has extensive experience working with students of all ages and abilities; her company focus is tutoring those with learning differences and disabilities.
Why did you decide to start your business?
After gaining valuable experience as a classroom teacher and educational diagnostician, I wanted to apply my expertise in a position that would be professionally fulfilling–and yet flexible enough to allow for a mother’s hectic schedule. There were seemingly few positions that out there that met those requirements, and ultimately, I decided to make my own way. I started as an independent tutor, but as new opportunities emerged and word got out, Learning Essentials started to grow into the company it is today.
What has the experience been like? Had you ever owned a business before?
Exhilarating, extemporaneous, exciting and exhausting. In the beginning, as a first-time business owner, I just threw myself out there and relied on my own ideas and ideals. I knew I had the experience to help students learn, but I wanted to do more. I wanted to empower these students, and their families, to get the most out of their education at every level. I wish I could say I had the perfect business model planned in advance, but the truth is, my business has grown in fits and starts as I have found the energy, inspiration and dedicated team to bring my vision of specialized education to life.
What does being an American Business Woman mean to you?
I think to be an effective businesswoman, especially in my industry, I need to be empathetic and compassionate to families and intuitive and creative to meet the diversity of student demands. Yet, I must also have the proactive pluck and perseverance to reach out to professionals, school staff and the community. There are many hats to be worn, and I have to be able to grab the right one as I head out the door—and wear it well! I am an educator, an advocate, an entrepreneur and a boss. Some days I have to focus on the bottom line, and other days, I need to set the numbers aside and be the world’s best listener. It’s all about balance and perspective.
Do you believe that you are setting an example for your sons?
First and foremost, I am a mom, and that shows in my work. What I want for my students is I want for my own kids—for them to be confident, motivated and successful in their own ways. Through my work, it is my hope to grow my children to be the best version of themselves. I also want them to know that purpose, persistence and patience are important not only to growing a business, but to all aspects of life.
Do you have any advice for women who may want to own their own business one day?
You have to believe in yourself and your expertise and know how to communicate your value to your target audience. Then build a team of smart, experienced and committed professionals who can maximize your business. Always be ready to build your product or line of services to broaden your reach and extend your client base. And, even though it can be hard, you have to continually reinvest in yourself and your company. It takes a lot of confidence to build for future growth, but you can do it and achieve more than you ever thought possible.
Some additional statistics:
- Women-owned firms (50% or more) account for 30% of all privately held firms and contribute 14% of employment and 11% of revenues.
- Over the past seven years, the overall increase of 8.3 million (net) new jobs is comprised of a 9.2 million increase in employment in large, publicly traded corporations, combined with a 893,000 decline in employment among smaller, privately held companies.
To check out the new and fabulous Learning Essentials website, go to this link.
