We were lucky to catch up with Christina Sylvia recently and have shared our conversation below.

Christina, appreciate you joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

I started Nspire Learning Center in March 2022. Since then, we’ve worked with over 30 students across Duval County schools. We’ve seen some great progress and have many success stories. However, on Wednesday September 6, 2022, I experienced the best feeling of gratitude yet!

I’ve made it a goal to infuse mentorship and tutoring. I believe it’s imperative to build a connection with these kids before we can teach them anything. I schedule each session for 90 minutes to allow time for us to do just this.

You never know if what you’re doing is working…if it’s making an impact. I can look at improved grades and progress reports, but how can I tell if we are truly ‘connecting?’

This is how I knew…

This year, we took the summer off. I had a new baby and needed that time to really focus on building a strong foundation of support before jumping back into in-person work. Some of my students attended summer camps and others sought other tutors. I wasn’t sure if they’d come back.

When I announced our return, I was ecstatic to hear that many students would be returning! After Labor Day, we kicked off our re-opening. I patiently waited for the first set of students to arrive. They were returning students. We worked together the entire 21-22 school year, and we haven’t seen each other in almost three months. I missed them, but did they miss me? Were they excited to be back?

All my questions were wiped away as soon as they walked in the door. They dropped their bags and ran over to hug me with the biggest smiles on their faces! In that moment, I felt like more than their tutor…I felt like family. They were excited to be reunited…with their tutor! Imagine that! Students excited about tutoring! THAT is why I do it. THAT is how I know it’s working. THAT is kindest thing anyone has done…show pure, genuine excitement to learn from me!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Having studied Human Development and English at Boston College, I’ve always found myself drawn to positions where I’m developing people’s skills and improving their communication. I’ve managed operations for a number of corporations, and have held training and development positions for entry-level employees to management. I’ve had a really successful career; however, I’ve always felt like something is missing. I love training, but this wasn’t fulfilling.

I’ve always had a passion for youth development. Despite my professional career, I’ve worked with kids, in some capacity, since I was 15 years old. I LOVE working with kids. I just didn’t know how to turn that passion and purpose into profit…until I had the idea to start Nspire Learning Center.

At a previous job, I got to see first-hand how badly Florida students were struggling with reading, and I had the opportunity to do something about this! Through my connections, I had a space available and access to supplies. This allowed me to set prices at an affordable rate. I got to work and started Nspire shortly after. Unfortunately, we were abruptly stopped due to Covid. Our grand opening was delayed and we didn’t get started until the summer of 2020.

Since then, we’ve been working to improve more than just reading and writing. We work on builder better communication skills, comprehension, critical thinking, and confidence. We mentor and we tutor. I’m proud to run an organization that kids WANT to come to!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing clientele has been creating experiences that people want to talk about! Word of mouth has been our biggest contributor to increased enrollments. Our billboards are the students walking around more excited about school and learning!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I was blessed to be able to use funds from a lay-off to get Nspire started. I set a $5,000 budget and made a list of all the items I would need…tables, chairs, printing materials, computers, etc. I reached out to my network for donations. Tapping in to your network is major. You never know who can help!

I was able to secure all the basics to get started. I took a leap and started promoting. I knew that my passion for helping these students would come across when talking to any parents, and that’s where I put my hope! I knew this is what I was set out to do. Once I realized that success would mean helping even just ONE student, I stopped focusing on the fear of it all!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nspirelc.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/nspirelc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/nspirelc
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/christinasylvia
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/nspirelc