Karla Barcus shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Karla, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day in my life starts with precious mornings spent with my husband and daughter, enjoying quality time before we take our daughter to school at Awty International. After dropping her off, my husband heads to his law firm, Barcus Arenas, PLLC, while I settle into my home office to run Kscholastic Inc Tutoring Services.
Most of my day is dedicated to recruiting new tutors, engaging with parents, communicating with schools, and conducting interviews to find the best talent for our team. It’s a busy but fulfilling routine focused on growth, support, and ensuring our students receive the highest quality tutoring.
Come evening, our family connects again, sharing dinner and relaxing together before doing it all over again the next day. It’s a balanced routine filled with purpose, family, and a passion for making a difference in students’ lives.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I’m Karla Barcus, owner and founder of Kscholastic Inc., a Houston-based tutoring company dedicated to supporting students’ academic success and confidence. Every day, I work closely with parents, schools, and talented tutors to create personalized learning experiences tailored to each student’s unique needs. Our tagline “Personalized Guidance, Lasting Lessons” is a perfect explanation of what we offer.
What makes Kscholastic special is our focus on building not just academic skills, but also executive function, motivation, and resilience, empowering students to thrive both in and out of the classroom. We’re passionate about making a positive impact in our community and helping young learners reach their full potential.
Currently, I’m working on expanding our programs and strengthening partnerships with local schools to bring even more support and opportunities to our students. It’s rewarding to see the growth and confidence that comes from dedicated, personalized education.
What sets Kscholastic apart from the many tutoring companies out there is that we are Houston Based- Houston Owned- Houston Focused. Most of our competition is now franchised and/or in other cities. We are owned and operated by Houston educators, putting our entire focus into our Houston schools.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was in 5th grade when I ran a bake sale at school. Part of the proceeds went back to the school, and it was such an empowering experience. Having come to America from Venezuela at age 7, I was still learning English at the time. That moment revealed to me that the opportunities were endless and ignited my passion for helping others. It also sparked my dream of becoming an entrepreneur someday. That early experience showed me the impact I could have, and it continues to inspire me to this day. When you put helping others at the forefront of why you do what you do, everything falls into place perfectly and you’re more likely to succeed.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
As a business owner, I can honestly say it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve faced numerous challenges, both health-related and financial, and each time, I’ve had moments where I wondered if I should give up. But one thing about me is that when I’m backed into a corner, I come back stronger. Those moments of doubt don’t last long; instead, they often ignite a fire within me to push even harder and succeed even more. Resilience has become my greatest strength, and I believe it’s what keeps me moving forward, no matter the obstacles.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is my family, education, giving back to the community, and being the best example I can be for my 4-year-old daughter. I want her to grow up as an independent, strong woman who knows she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. Everything I do is driven by the desire to model resilience, kindness, and perseverance so she can carry those values into her own life.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Today, I’m focused on building strong relationships with schools, education centers, and our community. While these connections may not yield immediate results, I believe they will pay off in the long run by fostering trust, collaboration, and new opportunities for students and families. It’s about planting seeds now for a brighter, more connected future. Most of what I do does not pay off immediately. Running a business is all about putting in the work day in and day out and I’ve seen how that pays off in the long run, in our 14 years in business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kscholastic.com
- Instagram: @kscholasticinc
- Linkedin: Kscholastic Inc.
- Twitter: @kscholasticinc
- Facebook: Kscholastic Inc.
- Yelp: Kscholastic Inc.
- Youtube: @Kscholasticinc
Image Credits
Philip Emerson Photography
