I became a teacher because I wanted to help people and make a difference in the world. I never saw myself as a business owner because, to me, business felt 'icky'—like pushing people to buy things they didn’t need. Teaching felt noble, and I loved the idea of shaping young minds.

But over time, I realized that teaching didn’t give me the flexibility I needed for my family. I had no control over my schedule, and balancing work with my personal life became overwhelming. I started looking for a way to have more time while still making a difference.

That’s when I had a mindset shift: I realized that the whole time I was teaching, I was actually selling. According to Daniel Pink the author of “To Sell is Human”, selling is actually moving people to do something. I did this every day as a teacher. I had to ‘move’ or motivate my students to do the work of a class that for the most part they did not want to be in. Business is no different. We are trying to move people to take action.

The best businesses don’t just sell things—they solve real problems. The businesses that truly succeed are the ones that serve their customers. This changed my entire perspective on entrepreneurship. I saw that, as a business owner, I could help even more people while also creating the lifestyle I wanted for my family.

​If you're a teacher thinking about starting a business, you might have similar doubts. But the truth is, the skills that make you a great teacher—problem-solving, communication, and a desire to help others—are the same skills that will make you a great entrepreneur. And the best way to start your business? By learning about the people you want to help.

Before creating products or services, you need to understand who you are helping and what they need.

Before you create a business, take time to understand your ideal customers. What struggles are they facing that you can help with? What outcomes do they want to achieve?

​Here’s how to do it:

When I started my business, I assumed nonprofit leaders wanted personal development courses. But after conducting surveys and talking to potential clients, I realized they weren’t interested. This insight completely changed my business direction and helped me create offers that people actually wanted.

Once you understand what your audience is struggling with, start creating content that speaks to their pain points and desired outcomes.

Your goal is to position yourself as the guide who understands their challenges and can help them find a solution.

Facts and advice are helpful, but stories are what truly move people to action. Stories make your message more relatable, emotional, and memorable.

As a teacher transitioning to entrepreneurship, you might worry about feeling 'salesy' or pushy. Here's how to build a business that aligns with your values:

By staying true to your values and offering genuine solutions, you'll naturally attract the right customers and build a business that feels authentic and rewarding.

If you’ve ever felt like business is 'icky,' remember this: the best businesses are built on service. Your job as an entrepreneur is not to push a product, but to solve real problems.

When you build a business that aligns with your values and truly helps people, you’ll attract customers who appreciate what you do. And when your business is built on service, you’ll feel more energized, more fulfilled, and more confident in what you offer.

Business isn’t about selling—it’s about serving. And as a teacher, you already have everything you need to create a business that changes lives.

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