BUSINESS
Kent
SMALL BUSINESSES
WITH A NATIONAL FOCUS ON EDUCATION AND HOMESCHOOLING , JESS MARSHALL PROFILES THREE ENTREPRENEURS FOCUSED ON CHILDREN AND EDUCATION .
Kent Maths Tutor
Oxford graduate Kat Zielinska started ‘ Kent Maths Tutor ’ in 2019 after leaving her in-house teaching job , and deciding to take the plunge into her own full-time tutoring business . Her new venture allowed her more time and energy to focus on the most important aspect of her job , working and inspiring children . ‘ One of the best parts of my job is the many opportunities to show young people the joy of learning . Seeing the spark of understanding in their eyes is the most rewarding part of being a tutor and I can make a huge difference to the way children feel about learning .’ Though being a one-on-one tutor during the Covid-19 crisis certainly hasn ’ t been the easiest thing , Kat has used it as an excuse to jump head first into the online side of tutoring , trying to see it more as an opportunity for her business rather than a threat . For the remainder of 2021 Kat aims to start offering online courses in the history of mathematics and to start working with more home educated students . When we asked if she had any advice for fellow small business owners she said ; ‘ I would recommend connecting with other people who already run a similar enterprise , they will be happy to share their experience .’
kentmathstutor
Kent Guitar School
Kent Guitar School was born after Joe Bailey ’ s lifetime love of playing guitar , and an early introduction into teaching , came together to create a music program for children and adults alike . After getting his degree in music he rushed back to Kent to begin teaching music professionally , and after the initial success of Kent Guitar School he branched out to employ more teachers and into a commercial space . Joe began his business to allow students ‘ An environment that nurtured the student and opened them up to new musical experiences .’ The school offers interactive lessons , ‘ jamming ’ sessions and puts on regular concerts where students can perform in bands . The start of the Covid pandemic proved difficult for Kent Guitar School , but like our other small businesses they used isolation as a way to adapt to the current circumstances and now offer the entire school over Zoom . The continued classes offer a place for students to gain a sense of normality in their lives . When starting a new business Joe advises ; ‘ Your mindset is everything and will affect every decision you make , it ' s how you deal with challenges that will determine your success .’
www . kentguitarschool . com kentguitarschool
Poppekins
After the arrival of her first child , Carla van der Meer decided to give up life as a fashion designer to become a stay at home mum , and slowly , after experimenting with illustrations for her new baby , Poppekins was born . Starting with whimsical drawings of animals and cartoons , she slowly branched out to other products including snack trays and learning prints like ABC and 123 wall hangings . After Poppekins took off and in need of more space , Carla converted her basement into a studio just in time for lockdown 1.0 ; ‘ Lockdown has really made me focus on what my brand stands for ; optimism and happiness , I want to give my customers a pop of colour and a smile , when everything around us is so miserable . I ' ve also started adding instant downloads to my online shop .’ Owning and operating an independent business has allowed Carla the freedom to work around her family , giving a more sustainable and enjoyable work-life balance , while allowing her to insert colour and joy into children ' s lives everywhere .
www . poppekins . com www . etsy . com / uk / shop / poppekins
154