Today we’d like to introduce you to Samira Ibeawuchi
Hi Samira, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Since a young girl, I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I would always play “school” with my sisters. I would be the teacher and they were my students. Many of my Saturday mornings were spent creating a perfect little space set up with workbooks and school supplies.
As I entered high school, many people talked me out of teaching. They said I wouldn’t make any money and that I was too smart to be a teacher. I pursued Business in college but I wasn’t satisfied with the path I was on. There were a few experiences that led me right back to my passion of working with kids. I soon changed my major to Psychology and decided to get my Masters in Teaching.
I spent 11 years as a classroom teacher and I absolutely loved it. But, towards the end of my teaching career, I felt like I should be doing something more. My husband played a huge part in encouraging me to start my own tutoring business and in January of 2020, I finally embraced the call. I had professional pictures taken, created a logo and a website, and made the perfect little nook in my dining room where I would be teaching.
In March of 2020, I remember sitting on my living room couch, watching the news to find out we wouldn’t be returning to school after spring break. The disease of COVID 19 had reared its ugly head in the state of Texas and furthermore throughout the country. I became very anxious about following through with my vision, being that the whole country was about to go into lock down. After analyzing every reason not to move forward, something awoke inside of me. This was the perfect time to start a tutoring business. I could be the the support system for so many families dealing with such uncertainty in education. I decided to take a leap of faith and proceed. I launched my website and began spreading the word to parents I knew from many years of teaching. After tutoring in my home office for 2 years, I went from 1 student to 25 students. In 2022 I resigned from teaching and began the journey of entrepreneurship.
Fast forward, it’s been five years since I started this journey. I stepped out of my comfort zone, trusting God that all things would work together. I started out tutoring 4 students at my dining room table and now I have a brick and mortar location! I have always enjoyed teaching children, but now I am able to establish a deeper connection with my students by giving them individualized attention, and bridging the gaps that so many of our children have experienced during this pandemic. I have received confirmation over and over again that this is exactly where God wants me to be. Every time I would doubt myself, I would receive an email or a phone call from a parent desperate for help for their child. I even had a parent cry during a phone call, feeling hopeless because her child had fallen so behind. I knew there was a call and I needed to respond. After years of working with kids in many different capacities, I know that all of my experiences have thoroughly prepared me for such a time as this. I am thrilled to say that as of March of 2025, we will be celebrating 5 years of business and 2 years at our location!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
At the beginning of launching my business, I was definitely overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation. Over the past 2 years, we have had a steady flow of students and I couldn’t be happier with my staff. My brand is strong and we continue to receive 5 star reviews. This past year has been a little more difficult. In addition to running the tutoring business, I now have the responsibility of marketing and trying to run an after school care facility. With more responsibilities, it has been more demanding of my time and energy.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We offer a wide range of services to support students from elementary school through high school.
We offer both in person and virtual tutoring to students in grades K-12. Our students begin with an assessment and then a personalized learning plan is created specific to their unique needs. What sets us apart from other major franchised tutoring facilities is that we personalize every lesson for every child. We don’t use the same curriculum for every child. Our students work with the same tutor each session, fostering strong connections and boosting their self-confidence.
Additionally we provide after school care services for students in grades K-6 and a variety of enrichment classes including classes like Junior STEM, Robotics, and Art.
My greatest accomplishment is seeing the results of our efforts. I love to hear when a student has raised their grade, passed a test, or seeing their self confidence greatly improve!
What does success mean to you?
Although success looks different for everyone, I believe there are some key factors that stand out, For me, success happens when you step out of your comfort zone, overcome many obstacles, and reach your goal, no matter how big or small.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tutorwithsamira.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutorwithsamira?igsh=MmY2YTV0MzNsenlz&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AvegB9LiF/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samira-ibeawuchi-m-a-t-66172744?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Jill Mahoney Photography
