Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi McDonald.
Kristi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have been an elementary classroom teacher and children’s yoga specialist for ten years. I have children’s books and albums published and I was involved in writing a children’s yoga training program. My passion has always been teaching. I love reading and I love yoga – teaching allows me the opportunity to combine both of those passions. The education system has been in the forefront of a lot of news stories lately. Regardless of your location, teacher burnout is at an all-time high and the education system we’re trying to function in, as a society, most certainly has some broken pieces. We do have some great teachers out there and I wanted to use this platform to connect those teachers, so we can all help and inspire each other and bring in the light to some of those broken pieces.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have been changes and challenges, but mostly, it’s just kind of all fell together. When there have been struggles, suddenly it becomes clear that what’s not working or has offered a road block was not meant to be – and an even better opportunity has appeared at just the right time. That’s how I know, I’m on the right path with this.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Haute Teacher Shop story. Tell us more about the business.
Haute Teacher started out as a blog and evolved into an online shop. Our online shop sells designer accessories at discounted prices. Then, a percentage of those sales goes back into the classroom through projects like Donors Choose. It has continued to grow and now we’ve recently been able to launch Haute Lifestyle as well. Haute Lifestyle is an amazing group of teachers, parents, and business owners that have connected to form an online lifestyle group. We offer style, wellness and coaching services. We literally have everything from handbags to yoga classes. We have handmade soap and we have children’s reading classes. We have it all, under one umbrella with the Haute Lifestyle Group.
Haute Teacher was designed to create a worldwide community of teachers and innovators connecting to help and inspire each other. We believe in being authentic and using our voice for good. We believe in giving back – which is why a percentage of each purchase goes back into the classroom through projects like Donors Choose.
With the introduction of our wellness section, we are proud to be partnering with Samadhi Banks (out of the Chicago area) to bring 100% pure, natural and handcrafted goodies designed for healthy vibrant well being.
Next up, we will be launching our coaching sessions. We will be giving teachers the opportunity to do what they do best – teach! 🙂
Since I am a reading specialist and an educator at heart, I am offering my services too! I am offering Reading Therapy Services, Reading Intervention, Personal Educational Coaching and Functional Coaching. Coaching will be available locally and online. My website for that is LouisianaReads.com.
There are many exciting changes and growth opportunities lined up this summer! We are also accepting vendors who would like to be a part of our group. We are accepting members, who just want to be along for the adventure. Our wellness guru has a yoga retreat and training planned for the summer and I’ll be launching Louisianareads.com.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
One of my favorite quotes is, “When God shows you what He’s doing, get up and join Him.” When there have been struggles, suddenly it becomes clear that what’s not working or has offered a roadblock was not meant to be – and an even better opportunity has appeared at just the right time. That’s how I know, I’m on the right path with this.
Contact Info:
- Website: hauteteachershop.com
- Email: hauteteacher@gmail.com
- Instagram: haute_teacher_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hauteteacher/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
