Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Meenakshi Singh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Meenakshi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

My Journey: From a Parent’s Need to a Community Resource

As a parent, I was searching for a learning center that would offer my 8-year-old daughter the right mix of after-school STEM enrichment, a nurturing environment to complete her homework, and opportunities to build social skills. When I couldn’t find a place that checked all the boxes, I decided to create one myself—right here in Frisco, Texas.

Teaching has always been my passion; turning that passion into a career felt like a natural next step.

During that time, I was a regular contributor to a popular South Asian children’s radio show, “Smarts at 4,” on Fun-Asia Radio, where I joined as a science expert to share fascinating facts and insights related to each week’s theme. That experience inspired me to create the acronym S.M.A.R.T.S, which stands for Science, Math, Art, Reading, Technology, and Social Studies—the pillars of our enrichment programs.

What began as a small initiative quickly gained popularity. By Fall 2012, I had outgrown my initial setup and moved into a commercial space to accommodate the growing demand. That same year, I founded the Frisco Chess Club, offering USCF-affiliated tournaments and structured chess instruction. Our Robotics team continuously won awards at the state and national levels in the FIRST Lego League, Jr. Lego League, and The Future City competitions. SMARTS conducted the North Dallas Spelling Bee, which attracted approximately 200 participants from neighboring cities till 2020.

To meet the needs of even more families, I partnered with various programs and Independent School Districts (ISDs) across Plano, Flower Mound, Murphy, and McKinney. Our commitment to quality education was recognized in 2013 when we received the “Best of Frisco” award. We again won the Best of Frisco Award in 2021 for the continued support that SMARTS provided to the community kids during the difficult times of COVID-19

Since 2012, we’ve expanded to thriving locations in Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Murphy, and Flower Mound across the DFW area. Post-COVID, we closed our locations and continue to provide the same service online. We also started with College Counseling services, through which we handhold the families of high school students through the college application process.

What started as a solution for my child has blossomed into a vibrant community hub where children can grow academically, creatively, and socially.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an educator, entrepreneur, and college counselor passionate about empowering students through holistic learning experiences that blend academic excellence, creativity, and real-world readiness. My journey as an entrepreneur in education was deeply personal—it began when I searched for an after-school STEM enrichment program for my daughter. When I couldn’t find a place that combined academic rigor, social development, and a nurturing environment, I built it myself.

That’s how our learning center was born in Frisco, Texas. What started as a home-based initiative quickly expanded due to high demand from local families. By 2012, we moved into a commercial space, and soon after, We’ve grown to three thriving centers across the Dallas-Fort Worth area and received the “Best of Frisco” award in 2013 and 2021 for continued support to the community during COVID-19.

The heart of our educational philosophy is captured in the acronym SMARTS—Science, Math, Art, Reading, Technology, and Social Studies. These pillars guide every program we offer, from K–12 enrichment and test prep to public speaking, coding, creative writing, and advanced math.

As a certified Texas educator and seasoned college counselor, I specialize in guiding students and families through the complex college admissions process—especially those aiming for competitive programs, scholarships, or Ivy League schools. I provide personalized coaching on building standout applications, writing compelling essays, creating strategic college lists, and developing extracurricular profiles that reflect authentic student interests and leadership potential.

What sets me apart is the blend of real-world entrepreneurship, deep classroom experience, and a parent’s perspective. I understand what today’s students need not just to succeed academically, but to thrive emotionally and socially. That’s why our work doesn’t just focus on grades or test scores—we help students discover their passions, sharpen their voice, and build confidence to pursue ambitious goals.

At the core of all my entrepreneurial endeavors is a belief beautifully expressed by Albert Einstein:
“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.”
This quote is my guiding vision and mission—to create environments where students are not just memorizing information but learning to think critically, creatively, and independently.
I’m most proud of the hundreds of students we’ve helped shape into independent thinkers, problem-solvers, and compassionate leaders. Through our mentorship, many have earned admissions to top-tier universities, landed prestigious scholarships, or found clarity in their career paths.

At the end of the day, I want potential clients and followers to know that my work is rooted in purpose. Whether you’re looking for after-school enrichment, academic support, or strategic college admissions guidance, I’m here to help your child grow in both intellect and character.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments of my entrepreneurial journey—and a true test of resilience—came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other business owners, I faced an emotionally, physically, and financially challenging period. As the founder of a learning center and after-school enrichment program, I had to act quickly to adapt, not just for the survival of the business but also to continue serving the families who relied on us.

Almost overnight, we transitioned all our in-person programs to virtual platforms. This meant retraining our teachers, exploring new audio-visual tools, and redesigning our curriculum to keep young learners engaged through a screen. We introduced weekly online yoga sessions combined with storytelling, origami projects, and STEM activities to keep students stimulated and connected, even when they couldn’t leave their homes.

Understanding that each child learns differently, our teachers worked tirelessly to modify lessons, introduce accommodations, and deliver sessions that were still creative, collaborative, and fun. We launched fully online summer camps, public speaking workshops, robotics and coding classes, and even USCF-affiliated chess sessions—turning a crisis into an opportunity to innovate.

What I’m most proud of is that we were able to retain most of our students, maintain the quality of our programs, and continue being a trusted resource for families during such uncertain times. In Fall 2021, we reopened our physical storefronts with full CDC compliance and had zero COVID-19 incidents—a reflection of our commitment to safety and service.

That same year, we were honored with the Best of Frisco Award for 2021, a recognition that meant more than ever. It was a testament to our team’s grit, adaptability, and unwavering focus on delivering meaningful education, no matter the obstacles.

This experience reminded me that resilience isn’t just about surviving a storm—it’s about rising to the challenge, leading with creativity and compassion, and emerging stronger on the other side.

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

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” – Theodore Roosevelt.

For me, the best source of new clients has consistently been word of mouth and referrals—a result of our commitment to genuine service, goal-driven results, and deep trust with families.

I’ve always believed that families notice when you care deeply about each student’s journey—academically and as a whole person. They remember how you made them feel, went the extra mile, and helped their child succeed. That’s not something marketing can replicate.

One parent once told me, “You didn’t just help my daughter get into a top college—you helped her find her confidence and her voice.” That moment stuck with me because it captured exactly what we aim to do. It wasn’t just about admissions—it was about transformation.

Many of our new enrollments come from current and former clients eager to refer friends, family, or even colleagues. We’ve had families move across cities but continue to enroll online—and recommend us in their new communities—because they trust our process and see the long-term impact on their children.

In a world full of quick fixes and one-size-fits-all programs, our transparency, candid communication, and 100% commitment to each student’s growth have helped us build an ecosystem of trust. That ecosystem has become our strongest marketing tool—and the most meaningful one.

Contact Info:

• Website: www. collegeprepcoach.net
• Instagram: @collegeprepcoachhub
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmartsClub
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenakshi-singh-phd/