We recently connected with Katherine Herron and have shared our conversation below.

Katherine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How has Covid changed your business model?

In reaction to news from around the world in the early months of 2020, Hola HP proactively planned a virtual platform behind the scenes. When schools were released for Spring Break and told they would not return to in person learning. Hola HP moved 100% percent online. At the time, we were all hoping “flatten the curve” in two weeks and return to normalcy, but as a company we knew that our educational interface would be changed forever. Covid directly impacted my business model. What we have learned is that the virtual platform has a place in education. During the 2020-2021 school year, the virtual setting was critical to my business as well as our students. Our students could attend if they were quarantined or ill. Today, our weekly groups are in-person as well as streamed for those who cannot attend or simply prefer it. We all know students have busy schedules! Students get home late from their activities, and they are exhausted. However, they still need to prepare for school the next day. Sometimes we can do test reviews for students after a football game or band concert at 9:30 pm at night!

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 always wanted to teach, and I truly believe teaching is a gift. It is innate, and I believe teachers are born with the passion to watch others learn. After graduating from Highland Park in 2001, I attended the University of Texas where I eared a BA in Education and Spanish. I then received my Masters in Education at SMU as I began teaching at HPMS. After nine years of teaching Spanish and tutoring kids at my dining room table, I launched Hola HP. Our goal at Hola HP is for students to be successful and confident in their learning from Pre-K to adulthood. We provide small group learning environments for weekly instruction and preparation for upcoming assessments, but we also engage in meaningful interactions and discussions to help foster a love of and for learning. Our tutors create their own notes, handouts, and activities for the students in direct correlation with what is happening in their classrooms. I am most proud of the way Hola HP supports our community! From the earliest pre-k learners to our SMU college students, we have the privilege to walk with these families through their educational journey. It is an honor for me, Hola HP, and our tutors.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

For Hola HP, our reputation, brand, and name is everything to us. We have been successful because we are built on integrity. We are truly here to provided support for our students and community. We believe in working with our local schools and leaders to build an environment were everyone flourishes.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I can honestly say that growing our clientele has been a result of such positive feedback from our wonderful community. We are here to provide the services our clients want and need! And we do it well! Our growth has been so natural because the needs of our families and students are met, and they have been so gracious to support us!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.holahp.com
• Instagram: @hola_hp
• Facebook: Hola-HP

Image Credits
Omniplan