We recently connected with Trina Horton and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Trina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I came up with the idea for I Care 4 Teachers during one of the most challenging times in my life – the pandemic. Like so many others, I was overwhelmed by the uncertainty, but something really stood out to me: female educators, in particular, were drowning in it. I saw it up close– the sleepless nights, the anxiety of trying to juggle virtual classrooms, family life, and somehow still take care of themselves. It was a mess, and I couldn’t help but feel this tug in my heart to do something about it.

Talking with my fellow educators, it became clear: we were all struggling, trying to keep everything together for everyone else, but no one was keeping us together. No one was really talking about self-care for us, the ones holding it all together. It hit me like a ton of bricks — we needed to start taking care of ourselves in a real way, not just as an afterthought.

That’s when I Care 4 Teachers came to life. I knew that if educators, especially women, were going to continue giving their all, they had to start giving something to themselves first. This wasn’t just about pampering, though, it was about real, meaningful self-care that could make a difference in their everyday lives. I knew that if I could create something that spoke directly to these women, who give so much and get so little in return, it would resonate.

I wasn’t just solving a problem that others had overlooked — I was addressing a need that was screaming to be filled. The more I thought about it, the more excited I got. This wasn’t just a business idea; it was a movement. A community for female educators who deserved to feel seen, cared for, and celebrated. It was about helping them fill their own cups first so they could keep pouring into others.

This wasn’t just something I thought might work; I knew it would. I had lived it, seen it, and felt it deeply. I Care 4 Teachers was about creating a space where women in education could prioritize themselves without feeling guilty. And I believe that’s what makes this so special – it’s not just a brand, it’s a way to finally take care of the people who take care of everyone else.

Trina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi! My name is Trina Horton, and I’m the founder of I Care 4 Teachers and a proud special education teacher. This brand is so much more than a business to me – it’s a passion project born out of my own experiences and a desire to help female educators thrive. As a special education teacher, I’ve walked in the shoes of the women I created this brand for. During the pandemic, I saw educators being stretched even further than usual. It felt like we were expected to be superhuman, juggling virtual classrooms, supporting families, and navigating our own personal challenges. That’s when it hit me: while we work so hard to care for everyone else, who’s caring for us? And more importantly, how can we start caring for ourselves? That realization led to the creation of I Care 4 Teachers, a brand centered on self-care and wellness for female educators. Our mission is simple but powerful: to help women in education reclaim their time, energy, and joy.

With I Care 4 Teachers, my goal is simple: to remind educators, especially women, to take care of themselves first. I know firsthand how hard it is to carve out time for yourself when you’re constantly juggling a hundred things. That’s why everything I offer is designed to make self-care feel possible — even in the busiest of seasons. With I Care 4 Teachers, you’ll find tools like journals and planners that help you stay organized while encouraging mindfulness, and coloring books that celebrate women practicing self-care with inspiring affirmations. Our drinkware, shirts, and sweatshirts combine practicality and style to remind educators that self-care isn’t selfish. We also offer self-care services, including virtual packages, strategy sessions, and wellness events, all designed to help educators recharge and prioritize their well-being.

If you’re a female educator, this brand is for YOU. I created I Care 4 Teachers to remind you that your well-being matters, and it’s okay to put yourself first. You deserve to feel cared for and appreciated not just for what you do, but for who you are.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

At the age of 50, I made one of the biggest and boldest decisions of my life: I left my stable job working in city government to follow my heart. For years, I had felt this pull toward something more meaningful, something that aligned with my passion for helping others and making a real impact. I always had a love for working with kids, and I knew deep down that my purpose was tied to making a difference in their lives.

So, I took a leap of faith and went back to school to earn my master’s degree in special education. At a time when most people are thinking about winding down, I was gearing up for an entirely new chapter. It wasn’t easy starting over, especially at my age, but I was determined to turn my passion into my profession. Becoming a special education teacher allowed me to do exactly that, and it’s been one of the most rewarding choices I’ve ever made.

But I didn’t stop there. Along the way, I realized I had another dream — becoming an entrepreneur. I wanted to create something of my own that combined my experiences as a teacher with my belief in the importance of self-care and wellness, especially for women like me who give so much to others. That dream became I Care 4 Teachers, and it’s allowed me to use my journey to inspire and support other educators who are navigating their own challenges.

My story is proof that it’s never too late to start over and pursue what sets your soul on fire. At 50, I found my purpose, and I’m so proud of the path I’ve taken. Every day, I’m reminded that following your passion, no matter when or how, can lead to incredible things.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I decided to launch I Care 4 Teachers, it felt like stepping into the unknown. I had a vision: a brand dedicated to self-care and wellness for female educators. But building something from the ground up, especially while balancing my work as a special education teacher, wasn’t easy. There were countless moments when I questioned if I was in over my head.

Starting a business is a lot like starting a new chapter in life—it requires patience, persistence, and a belief in your purpose. I faced obstacles I never anticipated, from learning how to market my ideas to figuring out how to stand out in a crowded space.
But what kept me going was the reason behind the brand. I knew there were educators out there who needed exactly what I Care 4 Teachers had to offer: a reminder to take care of themselves and a community that understood their struggles. Every time doubt crept in, I thought about the teachers I wanted to help and how much they deserved to feel seen, valued, and cared for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://icare4teachers.com
• Instagram: @icare4teachers1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/icare4teachers