Well, hi everyone! Today I’m going to be doing something I’ve been wanting to do for a loooong time now. I’m launching the iScribe Creative ‘Creative Corner’ series. *cue cheers*
Once a month I’ll be sitting down with a fellow creative and/or small business owner and/or someone I think deserves a little recognition for the awesome work they’ve put into reaching their goals.
Joining me today is someone I’ve worked with remotely in the past who I bonded with over a mutual love of Harry Potter. Though we’ve never met in person, we keep in touch via social media channels and I love seeing updates about how her education-based business is flourishing. She has built her business from the ground up, creating educational resources for students and teachers all across the globe.
Everyone, meet Kit…
Kit, you were born and raised in Manilla in the Philippines. What prompted your move to Melbourne, Australia?
My partner is from Melbourne so that’s the reason why I live here. Given the choice, I would prefer to live in NSW where most of my relatives and friends are or QLD because I am a tropical girl at heart.
Oh, I feel that! I definitely miss living in QLD. The weather up there is fabulous. Now, as someone who creates educational resources, you’d have to have a bit of a background working in the education industry, right?
So, I’ve been working within the education industry for over 13 years now! I’ve studied too – I graduated from a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts in Guidance & Counseling and Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management. In 2011 I finished my master’s degree in Guidance & Counseling as well.
Holy heck, that’s a super impressive qualification list. It’s no wonder you decided to build your own business doing what you do best. Why do you think education was something you were drawn to?
Ever since I was young, people always seemed to confide in me and tell me their concerns. As it turns out, they came to me because I am a good listener and can empathise well. When I realised this, it prompted me to take Pyschology and Counseling as my Majors in my University and Post Graduate studies. Teaching and counseling roles tend to go hand in hand, so when I was offered a school counselor job, I knew it was something I would be passionate about. My school counselor job was not just to counsel and guide students but to also teach in the classroom, so I was able to experience the best of both worlds. I was very lucky to have worked there for 13 years.
That’s so lovely to hear! It’s awesome when people find jobs they truly enjoy. Was this role the catalyst to you starting your own business?
Yes, actually. I used to create activities for my lessons which my students really enjoyed. That led to creating this small business. I always wanted to reach other educators and students with my lessons. My sister who works as a special education teacher in California suggested I should put my created resources online. So, I took a leap of faith and I did it!
How did you feel about starting your own business in the beginning and how do you feel about it now?
I was anxious and hesitant to put my resources online internationally. Even now, I am still doubtful every time I put a resource online. Fuelled by my passion to help others (teachers and students), I stepped out of my comfort zone and started creating more resources. Lo and behold, people started to buy and started giving me good feedback. I cried when I first made a sale and received a fantastic review. Currently, I am still working to create more resources and saving up to build my own website. I love what I do and it’s always a wonderful thing to see how my work can help teachers and students everywhere.
Ugh, you’re the best kind of person. I can definitely relate to that fear of putting your work out there, and I’m sure a lot of people reading this can too. If you had one piece of advice for anybody thinking of starting their own business, what would it be?
Starting your own business is really tough. Be brave; it’s not for the faint-hearted. Do your research, make sure it is something you are passionate about and be willing to commit long term. Find a mentor who could help you and make time for professional development.
Awesome advice and some I will definitely be following myself!
Thanks so much for chatting with me, Kit. I wish you nothing but the very best!
If you’re interested in checking out Kit’s learning resources, you can find her work via the following links…
Website: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/A-Plus-Learning
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/APLUSLEARNINGKIT/
☕ Coffee is good. Sponsor Kit’s next cuppa Joe here: http://www.ko-fi.com/iscribecreative
If you have any questions that weren’t covered in this chat, pop them in the comments below. I’ll be happy to follow up with Kit and track down an answer for you 🙂
Stay tuned, there will be more Creative Corner features to come!
Katelyn
