We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Phaidra Wright a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Phaidra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

Connect. Empower. Transform. Connecting with our young people is the most essential part of our mission. Our goal is that every child we interact with knows that we see them and love them for who they are. We want to pour into our youth so much that they are empowered to face the world knowing they have us as a support system. We want our young people to be transformed into well-rounded individuals who make positive contributions to society.

Phaidra, 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?

How did you get into your industry/business/discipline/craft, etc.? I am a homeschooling mompreneur. I had already been out of the corporate world when my first child was born. Once he was born, I knew that I wanted to stay home with him. The birth of my second child solidified my commitment to that desire. However, having children is expensive so I began exploring income-generating options that would afford the flexibility I sought.
As I mentally sifted through my bag of skill sets and interests I decided upon tutoring. Ironically, teaching is one career field I vowed I would never enter. My mother is a retired teacher, so I got a sneak peek into that world and was unimpressed. However, my gift is teaching. So, at Greater MPower Tutoring I get to use my gifting as a teacher to connect, empower, and transform lives.

What type of products/services/creative works do you provide?
At Greater MPower Tutoring we provide:
-Tutoring
-Homeschool Classes & Activities
-Language Classes
-After-School Programs (2022-2023)
-Learning Seminars
-Camps

What problems do you solve for your clients?
If you have asked any of the following questions, we have the answer.
My child needs academic support, where can I go for help?
Where will my child be poured into, given individualized instruction, and not just be another client?
I want to homeschool, but am unsure of how to proceed. Who can give me some direction?
Homeschooling has been a challenge for me. Where can I connect with other local homeschool families? Where can I find teachers to teach certain classes to my homeschooler?
Where can I learn a foreign language taught by a certified, native speaker?
Who offers holistic after-school care near me?
Who offers camps for entrepreneurship, foreign language, and math during spring and summer breaks?

What do you think sets you apart from others?
We are locally owned and operated. I’m a Georgia Peach who has returned home after living in various places in the US and abroad. My travels, love of learning, academic background, and an assortment of interests create a unique atmosphere at Greater MPower Tutoring. We are not a one-trick pony. Our programs appeal to those seeking an outlet for not just academic improvement, but cultural appreciation, technical know-how, career readiness, and artistic expression.

What are you most proud of?
I am proud of every client that pulled their grades from an F to an A/B. I am proud of the student who was voted most improved in her school. I am proud of the student who raised his SAT score to get into his university of choice. I am proud of every child that has put in the work to be and do better.

What are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work?
I take my job seriously. I love working with kids and want to see them shine in their unique ways. We are not here to babysit. We are here to connect, empower, and transform.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

It was important to my parents that my sisters and I got a good education. Both parents had a hand in trying to help us achieve our best academically. So, even though I did not perform as well as I should and could have in school, I picked up some of my parents’ teaching philosophies on how schooling and learning should happen. Then, I had kids and that changed. I have two BOYS and homeschooling them has reshaped my approach to teaching kids. I had to unlearn looking at learning and schooling in such a rigid way. I had to learn how to teach them in a way that resonates with them instead of teaching in the way that I think they should learn. I had to unlearn the notion that all children will sit still at a desk for hours and focus on completing their tasks. While we do have structure, goals, and expectations, I had to unlearn expecting my boys to do things and understand things the way I do.
I carry that understanding with me as I tutor. Each child is different, and I try to connect with them on a personal level by including things relevant to their lives in our sessions. Unlearning has allowed me to learn more as I get to see and understand concepts from my student’s perspectives.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

My kids and I were on assignment to visit a black-owned bookstore one day. So, we headed over to the Greenbriar Mall to visit Medu Bookstore. It was a lazy day, we were in no rush to return home, so when my oldest son randomly asked to take the escalator downstairs, I obliged him. We rode the escalator down, a gentleman was behind us. As I watched him head toward the leasing office the Holy Spirit told me to go into the office as well and inquire if there was an area I could sublease to offer in-person tutoring. I did inquire and the mall had no such space but they connected me with a gentleman they said could possibly assist me. That man was Mr. Creed Pannell and that connection led to a collaboration between BDI (Business Development Initiative) and Greater MPower Tutoring. We have joined forces to carry out their legacy of providing entrepreneurial programs for youth along with the programs that we offer.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.GMPTutoring.com
• Instagram: gmptutoring
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMPTutoring
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phaidra-c-wright-8578919/
• Twitter: @GMPTutoring
• Youtube: Greater MPower Tutoring
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/greater-mpower-tutoring-atlanta-2