Talitha Chestnut's career began with a passion for nurturing young minds. She worked as a childcare director, then transitioned into public education, becoming a beloved K-5 teacher, specializing in second and third grade. Her dedication to education led her to pursue a Master's in Leadership, opening doors to roles as an assistant principal and later, a school principal in Bradford County, Florida. Seeking to make a broader impact, she accepted a position as a consultant director of instructional support for a non-profit education organization, working with school leaders across the United States. This dream job, funded by a Gates grant, allowed her to travel and improve schools nationwide. Then, in 2020, the pandemic hit, and the grant ended. Talitha's secure world of education was suddenly uncertain.
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Before 2020, Talitha had already started a small online business, selling accessories. She named it "House of Dazzle." She began this venture to provide financial support and flexibility while her daughter faced health challenges. This side hustle proved to be a lifeline when her consulting job ended. Talitha recognized the potential of House of Dazzle and decided to dedicate herself fully to growing it. She saw it as an opportunity to use her skills in a new and exciting way.​

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Talitha decided to open a brick-and-mortar store for House of Dazzle in a local mall. She saw this as a strategic move, knowing that people still desired personal shopping experiences. She transformed her boutique into a welcoming space where women could find confidence and style. Through live shopping events on social media and personalized styling sessions, Talitha created a unique retail experience. Her focus wasn't just on selling products, but on building relationships and empowering her customers.

Talitha's entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch another business: GC Carpet Tile & Grout Cleaning, a partnership with her mother. Leveraging her family's existing cleaning business, she diversified her portfolio and capitalized on a new opportunity. Even with her growing businesses, Talitha maintained her connection to education. She continued to offer tutoring and consulting, demonstrating her commitment to her lifelong passion.
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Talitha understood the importance of networking. She joined the Chamber of Commerce and various women's business groups, building connections with other entrepreneurs. She made it a point to attend events and set up one-on-one meetings, fostering genuine relationships. This commitment to networking turned House of Dazzle into a community hub. Customers and local business owners alike valued her insights and welcoming presence, creating a strong network of support.
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Talitha's journey demonstrates that teachers have valuable skills for the business world:

Leadership and Management Skills:

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

Assessment and Evaluation:

Organizational skills:

Start Part-Time:

Use your teaching skills:

Start with What You Know:

Embrace Adaptability and the growth mindset you wanted for your students:

Prioritize Relationships

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone:

Talitha Chestnut's journey is a vibrant testament to the untapped potential within every educator. She's proven that the skills honed in the classroom—the leadership, the communication, the unwavering dedication—are not confined to school walls. They are powerful tools, ready to build thriving businesses and create new avenues for impact. Her story isn't just about her success; it's a mirror reflecting the possibilities within each of you. It's a reminder that your experience as a teacher is your superpower, a foundation upon which you can build a business that not only sustains you but also fulfills your deepest aspirations.