We recently connected with Laurie Michelle Lee and have shared our conversation below.

Laurie Michelle, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

My life-altering journey began several years ago. At that time in my life, was a single mom with four amazing girls, one of which was an infant. I wanted a better life for my daughters and to show them that they could do anything; they had the power to shape their own futures. It was all about teaching them resilience, resourcefulness, and having the courage to take risks, even when things get tough. Never, ever give up on your dreams. I also wanted to prove to myself once and for all that I had what it takes inside of me to be successful, and reshape my destiny- even at almost 40 years old!

Now, I’ll be honest with you—I didn’t have any experience as an entrepreneur or a fancy business degree. But you know what? I believed in myself, and I believed that my passion, determination, and faith would lead me to success. It was a MAJOR risk, but, it was also a chance to prove to my daughters the incredible things that can happen when you follow your heart and chase after what you love.

Deep down, I wanted to break free from the limitations of my old job and create a better life for my family. I wanted to be in control of my own destiny, have the freedom to spend time with my girls, and make a real impact by helping students through tutoring.

Let me tell you, venturing into entrepreneurship was no walk in the park. It meant facing the unknown, overcoming all sorts of obstacles, and relying on my resourcefulness to build up a successful tutoring business. It pushed me to my limits, but you know what? I grew so much as a person during that time. I learned to embrace the challenges that come with chasing your dreams, and to create my own opportunities.

Looking back, I couldn’t be prouder of the risks I took and how those risk set me on the path to my purpose. It was a major turning point that shaped me into the person I am today. Not only did those risks give me the freedom to pursue my passions and dreams, but they have also inspired other moms to believe they can reach their dreams too.

Stepping into the world of entrepreneurship was driven by my deep desire to create a better life for my family and leave a lasting legacy for my girls. This chapter in my life has taught me the incredible power of belief, resilience, and the ability to overcome any obstacle that comes your way. I’m so grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and the growth I’ve experienced along the way. Being a ‘risk-taker’ has shown me that I don’t have to be afraid of the unknown, because taking calculated risks can actually set you on a path to success.

Through my journey, I really hope to inspire others to believe in themselves, embrace their unique talents and passions, and have the courage to take risks in pursuit of their dreams. Because let me tell you, when you go after what you love with all your heart, amazing things can happen.

Today, as I reflect on my decision, I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. I’ve built a successful tutoring business, supported my family, and become an advocate for the power of education. My journey as an entrepreneur has been a testimony of the transformative power of taking risks and embracing the unknown.

I share this story not only to showcase my own journey but also to inspire others who may be facing similar crossroads. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and sometimes the biggest risks lead to the greatest rewards. I hope that my story serves as a reminder that with faith, passion, perseverance, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible.

Laurie Michelle, 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?

“Hello! My name is Laurie Michelle Lee and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share my story and passion with you. I am an entrepreneur in the education field, dedicated to providing exceptional private tutoring and test-prep services that make a positive impact on my students’ lives.

My journey into this industry began 2 years ago when I fired my 9-5, took a leap of faith, and officially founded Lee’s Tutoring Academy. I had already been tutoring unofficially since 2017 working full time in the banking industry. Once the pandemic hit, there became an even greater need for educators, but it also caused so many students to fall behind on their learning. The pandemic even closely affected my children, causing them to struggle to keep up with academics like they never had. That’s when I knew I could no longer ‘passively’ tutor. I felt called to help. Being a private tutor ignited a fire within me to pursue my true calling and make a difference in the lives of others. Since then, I have poured my heart and soul into developing a brand that not only offers top-notch, personalized private tutoring, mentorship, and academic transformations but also solves the unique problems and challenges that my students and parents face.

Let me tell you my story and what sets me apart in the tutoring industry. I have always had a passion for education and helping students succeed. As a single mom of four, I wanted to show my girls the power of belief and inspire them to pursue their dreams. That’s why I decided to embark on this journey and establish Lee’s Tutoring Academy.

One of the things that makes Lee’s Tutoring Academy unique is the personalized service I provide. I understand that each student has their own unique learning style and needs. That’s why I tailor my approach to suit their individual requirements. Whether it’s boosting grades, building confidence, or mastering challenging subjects, I am dedicated to providing the customized attention and support necessary for their academic success.

I can also solve a variety of problems for both students and parents. For students, I provide expert tutoring that’s broken down in a way that’s easy for them to understand, and guidance so they feel empowered to help their child to excel in their studies. I believe in creating an engaging learning environment that sparks curiosity and fosters a love for learning. I help my students to overcome challenges, boost their grades, and unlock their full potential. I enjoy creating and discovering ways to make learning fun! ( I guess that’s why they call me the ‘Fun Tutor’)

For parents, I can offer them peace of mind. They can trust that their child is receiving the highest quality education and individualized attention. I collaborate closely with parents, keeping them informed about their child’s progress and providing ongoing support and guidance. In fact, I believe that it’s the collaboration with families that delivers the biggest results.

What’s my secret? I believe it has been my commitment to excellence and my personal journey as a single mom turned entrepreneur. As I mentioned, I started Lee’s Tutoring Academy with no prior experience as an entrepreneur or a degree in business, but I had the passion, resourcefulness, and faith to believe I could make a difference. This is why I left my 9-5 job as a financial advisor for one of the largest banks in the country to pursue my dream full-time.

What I am most proud of the positive impact I’ve made in my students’ lives. Witnessing first-hand their growth, improved grades, and increased self-confidence fills me with joy and fulfillment. It’s what drives me to continue my mission of empowering students and helping them realize their full potential. I will admit that I’ve cried a few times when some of my former students or parents have come back to tell me and thank me for how I helped change their lives for the better.

In addition to my tutoring services, I am also developing a personal brand with a mission to help 1 million moms monetize their dreams. Through comprehensive mentoring, coaching, and marketing strategies, I aim to empower moms to turn their passions into profitable ventures. This endeavor is an extension of my commitment to education and empowerment.

I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that I am dedicated to their academic excellence!! I provide personalized tutoring, create engaging learning experiences, and offer convenient and flexible options to accommodate busy schedules. I am not just a tutor; I am a mentor, a guide, and a supporter. With me, their education is in capable hands.

Whether you’re a student seeking academic improvement or a mom looking to monetize your dreams, Lee’s Tutoring Academy is here to support you every step of the way. Join me on this journey of growth, empowerment, and academic excellence. Together, we can achieve great things.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building a solid reputation in my market has been a result of a few key things. First off, my unwavering commitment to delivering results that families are looking for, and by providing a personalized experience for each student has been a game-changer. I carefully adapt my tutoring style to fit their unique needs and learning preferences, and that’s helped students achieve some seriously impressive academic growth.

Another big factor is my dedication to never stop learning, and continuously improving my skills. I try my best to keep up with the latest teaching methods, educational trends, and subject-specific knowledge, and tech. This way, I can give my students the most effective strategies and resources to help them succeed. And trust me, when parents see their kids making real progress, they become my biggest cheerleaders, spreading the word to everyone they know.

Being an active part of my local community and educational networks has also played a big role in building my reputation. I enjoy getting involved in educational events, volunteering my time, and connecting with other pros in the field. It’s not only a chance to showcase my expertise but also to build credibility and create valuable relationships.

Last but not least, delivering top-notch customer service and keeping things professional has been a major key. I strive to always communicate clearly and promptly with parents, giving them regular updates on their child’s progress, and offering ongoing support. Going the extra mile has helped me build trust and a loyal client base.

So, in a nutshell, my reputation in the market has been built on helping families to achieve the academic results they need, customizing their learning experiences, and most of all, serving in my community in any way that I can. I realize it’s not all about me, but more about making the biggest (positive) impact using the talents and gifts that God has given me.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clientele for me has been word-of-mouth referrals. When satisfied students and parents share their positive experiences with others, it creates a ripple effect that brings in new clients. Hearing about the results and improvements achieved by their friends or family members instills trust and confidence in my services. This organic form of marketing has been incredibly powerful in generating new business. Additionally, my online presence through my website, social media channels, and online directories has also been instrumental in attracting new clients who discover my services through internet searches or recommendations from others. The combination of word-of-mouth referrals, and a strong online presence has been the winning formula for consistently bringing in new clientele. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/leestutoringacademy
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leestutoringacademy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leestutoringacademy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-thZHNE4n7L0HHta_O1EGw
• Other: I do have a website that is currently being revamped but it is still functional. I believe the Linktree will showcase more of what I have to offer in a more concise way. www.leestutoringacademy.com