We were lucky to catch up with Twa’lea Jordan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Twa’Lea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
My parents did so many things right, but one of the greatest things they did was put tools in my hands that fueled my curiosity and nurtured my entrepreneurial spirit. When I was young, they bought me a little mobile blue V-Tech computer that looked like a typewriter, and I took it everywhere. I would pretend I was processing customers, managing my own business, and running the world—before I even knew what that meant. That small tool was more than a toy; it was an early lesson in possibility, showing me that I could create, lead, and build something of my own. I would also take that computer along with school supplies, and pretend I was a teacher teaching the kids in the neighborhood.
Beyond that, they instilled in me a strong sense of financial responsibility. They taught me how to manage money wisely, emphasizing the importance of being fiscally responsible from an early age. My dad would write down his bills on the back of an envelope and explain to me the importance of paying bills on time. He also paid cash and put things on lay-away. He taught me not to value immediate gratification, but rather to value living within my means. These lessons weren’t just theoretical—I was given opportunities to practice. At just 12 years old, my parents supported me in opening my own babysitting business, where I managed schedules, fees, and client relationships. It was my first taste of running something independently, and it planted seeds for the business-minded person I am today.
My parents also saw and affirmed my strengths. They praised my communication skills and my ability to build strong arguments, which led me to believe I would make a great lawyer. But more importantly, they allowed me to advocate for myself and others. They allowed me to ask them “why”. They encouraged my participation in debate projects and me challenging the status quo. They modeled advocacy for me when injustice peered its head in our world. That sense of agency and confidence has shaped not only my aspirations to be a lawyer, but also my approach to leadership, mentorship, and service.
All these lessons, entrepreneurial thinking, financial stewardship, self-advocacy, and confidence, have played a direct role in my journey toward becoming an educator that advocates for education equity for students. Today, as I work to empower others through education, literacy, and leadership, I recognize that so much of my foundation was laid by parents who saw my potential, nurtured it, and gave me the space to grow into it.
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?
I am a literacy specialist, parental coach, and nonprofit founder dedicated to empowering families and communities through education, advocacy, and legacy-building. My journey into this work is deeply personal and rooted in both my professional expertise and lived experiences as a mother, educator, and advocate.
My passion for literacy and education began early, but it was truly solidified through my own daughter’s learning challenges. Navigating the education system as her advocate opened my eyes to the gaps in literacy support for children, especially those who struggle with reading, and the critical role parents play in their child’s success. This experience led me to specialize in the science of reading and evidence-based literacy practices, ensuring that parents are equipped with the tools they need to support their children at home.
Through my parental coaching services, I work directly with families to demystify literacy education, break down complex concepts into actionable strategies, and build parents’ confidence in guiding their children’s academic growth. I believe that literacy is a foundational skill that opens doors to opportunity, and I am committed to helping families create a strong learning environment that leads to lasting success.
In addition to literacy coaching, I am the founder of Seed to L.E.A.D., a nonprofit dedicated to breaking generational barriers to wealth-building through education, talent development, and legacy-building initiatives. We provide resources and programs that empower families, small businesses, and individuals to develop their skills, achieve their goals, and create lasting change in their communities.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach which consists of blending education, advocacy, and financial empowerment to create sustainable impact. Whether I am coaching parents, designing curricula, or developing nonprofit programs, my goal is always the same: to uplift and equip others with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed.
I am most proud of the lives I have touched, whether it’s a parent who finally feels confident in helping their child read, an entrepreneur who gains the financial literacy to grow their business, a lawyer that advocates for those who need representation, or a community member who discovers new pathways to success through our programs.
For those looking to work with me, I want you to know that I am deeply committed to this mission. I bring not only expertise but also empathy, because I have walked this journey myself. My work is not just about education. It’s about empowerment, legacy, and creating a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Have you ever had to pivot?
For me, pivoting has never been just about circumstances. It has always been about obedience. I am deeply driven by faith, and every major shift in my life and career has been a response to God’s direction.
One of the biggest pivots I had to make was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like so many others, I faced uncertainty, but I knew that if I remained open to God’s plan, He would make a way. And He did. During that season, He opened a door for me to take my talents to the federal government’s Department of Defense Education Activity in Japan. I spent three and a half years serving military families overseas, helping to shape the literacy development of children in a unique and impactful way. That opportunity stretched me professionally and spiritually, allowing me to serve in a new capacity while broadening my perspective on education, family engagement, and community building.
Then, just as I had settled into that chapter, God began stirring something in me again. He made it clear that it was time to pivot once more. This time, it was back to California. Though it wasn’t an easy transition, I trusted Him, and in doing so, I saw doors open for me to rekindle the flame for my business. Returning home reignited my passion for literacy coaching, parental empowerment, and legacy-building. I realized that everything I had learned during my time abroad was preparing me for this next phase of impact.
I remain sensitive to what God is telling me when it comes to my clients, my business, and my life. I don’t move unless He says move, and I don’t stay unless He says stay. That level of faith-led decision-making has not only shaped my career but has also allowed me to walk in purpose, knowing that each pivot is a step toward something greater than I could have imagined.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
For me, financial freedom is key, not just in life but in business as well. From the very beginning, I was intentional about how I funded my business. I’ve always prioritized stacking capital, ensuring that I had the resources to invest in myself without relying on loans or debt. I run my business on a cash basis because I value flexibility and the ability to move as God leads me, without financial burdens holding me back.
Every dollar I put into my business has been earned and reinvested with purpose. Whether through strategic saving, disciplined budgeting, or reinvesting profits, I have always made sure to build a solid financial foundation before expanding. I also had the opportunity to receive a business grant, which was a blessing that further fueled my mission and allowed me to grow in a sustainable way. This approach has given me the freedom to make decisions that align with my vision without the pressure of debt. It also allows me to pivot freely.
My journey has reinforced the importance of being intentional with money, and I encourage other entrepreneurs to build businesses in a way that aligns with their values, goals, and financial health. When you invest in yourself wisely, you position yourself for long-term success and impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.unconventionalconcepts.com
- Instagram: @unconventionalconcepts
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