We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Letoile recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
If I could go back in time, I would have started my business sooner. I initially started LEtoile Educaiton, LLC in 2020 but then took a full-time job, which meant I couldn’t fully dedicate the time to grow the business. At times, I feel behind in the process.
When I started the business, I was already well-established in my career, having held various roles such as classroom teacher, school principal, professional development director and consultant, These experiences gave me a solid foundation, but starting sooner would have allowed me to focus fully on building LEtoile Education without the split attention of a full-time job. Even though, the FT job as a Learning Management System Administrator and Instructional Designer gave me the additional skills I needed to fully launch the business.
Looking back, I see the benefits of having had more time to develop and expand my skills and services; however, most days I wish I had started sooner.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
For those who may not have read about me before, my name is Nicole L’Etoile, and I am the founder of LEtoile Education (French translation: Star Education).
My journey into this industry has been a fulfilling one, rooted in a diverse and extensive career in education. I began my career 23 years ago, taking on various roles such as Business and Computer Teacher, Induction Coach, Academic Dean, Assistant Principal, Principal, Professional Development Director, Consultant, LMS Administrator, and Instructional Designer. These experiences have given me a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape and the challenges educators and schools face.
I founded LEtoile Education in 2020 with the goal of supporting K-12 schools, higher education institutions, departments of education, and educational consultants. I specialize in designing collaborative, interactive, and accessible online courses within Learning Management Systems (LMS).
I offer an audit of existing courses and the LMS to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, particularly in terms of accessibility and engagement.
What sets us apart is our commitment to accessibility and engagement in Learning Management Systems. We strive to create immersive learning experiences that captivate adult learners while offering flexibility and ensure the content accessible for all learners.
One of the problems we solve for our clients is the challenge of creating high-quality online courses that meet diverse learning needs. We help individuals, organizations, and institutions transition to online learning environments, providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed.
I am most proud of my work around accessibility and ensuring WCAG standards compliance. Making online content accessible to all learners, regardless of their abilities, is a cornerstone of our mission, and I take great pride in adhering to these important standards.
The main things I want potential clients and followers to know about LEtoile Education are our dedication to quality, our expertise in instructional design, and our passion for making education accessible to all.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Word of mouth and my established credibility in the education space. I have not relied on paid ads or extensive marketing. Instead, the trust and satisfaction of our clients have brought new and retained clients. When organizations and individuals see the tangible improvements in their online courses and Learning Management Systems, they naturally share their positive experiences with others. This organic, word-of-mouth marketing has been invaluable.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Absolutely. “The Genius Zone” by Gay Hendricks. This book delves into how to discover and operate within your unique area of genius, which is where you find the most fulfillment and create the greatest value. By focusing on activities that align with your innate talents and passions, you can significantly enhance your productivity and effectiveness as a manager and entrepreneur. The principles in “The Genius Zone” have helped me understand the importance of leveraging my strengths and delegating tasks that fall outside my zone of genius, leading to more efficient and successful outcomes in my professional endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://letoile-education.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letoileed/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559654314948
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleletoile/
- Twitter: https://x.com/DrNicoleL
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNTXsW0IjjN6co4QO-gxqDg
Image Credits
I own all images. The running photo is taken at the Boston marathon 2022 by Marathonfoto. I purchased the photo.