We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shakea Miller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shakea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
When I think back to how this all began, it started with a crisis that turned into my calling. I was running a staffing agency at the time when MasterBrand, a major company in Auburn, Alabama, suddenly closed its doors without warning. Many of the hardworking people showed up to work that morning only to find themselves locked out and unemployed. I remember the phone calls, the confusion, and the tears. People didn’t know how they were going to feed their families or pay their bills.
I couldn’t sit back and watch. I opened my food and clothing pantry to the community and started helping people find new jobs. My staffing agency quickly grew because word spread that we were helping people get back on their feet. Then, we landed a contract with a doctor’s office and a wellness clinic, and that changed everything. The demand for qualified phlebotomists and medical assistants was overwhelming. We had more job openings than we had trained people to fill them.
That’s when the light bulb came on. As a medical assistant myself, I realized I could train people to step into those roles. When I reached out to the community college system to partner or refer students, I was shocked by how expensive and inaccessible their programs were for most people. It didn’t make sense to me that hardworking people were being priced out of opportunities that could change their lives.
That was the moment I decided to open my own college. I wanted to create an affordable, flexible, and career-focused school where people could gain real skills, real credentials, and real opportunities without going into debt. I knew it would work because I had already seen the need firsthand. Every person we placed through my staffing agency proved that there was a gap between education and employment, and I wanted to be the bridge.
What excited me most was knowing I wasn’t just creating a business. I was building a movement that could empower people to take control of their futures. I wasn’t just solving a problem; I was rewriting the path to success for people who had been overlooked or left behind.
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?
My name is Shakea Miller, and I am the Founder and Dean of 1 on 1 Technical & Theological College, a two-year degree-granting institution built to make higher education accessible, affordable, and life-changing. I am also a community leader, author, and advocate dedicated to empowering individuals through education, entrepreneurship, and service.
My journey into education began with a deep desire to create opportunities for others. As a certified medical assistant and entrepreneur, I saw how many people had the potential to succeed but lacked access to training, support, and guidance. I built 1 on 1 Technical & Theological College to close that gap. The college offers healthcare, business, and technical programs that prepare students for real careers without overwhelming financial burdens. We focus on flexible learning, practical skill-building, and personal mentorship that meet students where they are.
What sets my institution apart is our heart-centered approach. We believe in individualized learning, affordable tuition, and flexible payment options that make education attainable for everyone. Our students are not just numbers; they are future professionals, parents, and leaders who are rewriting their stories through education.
In addition to leading my college, I serve as the 2nd Vice President of the NAACP Phenix City–Russell County Unit #5050, where I help lead community outreach, youth engagement, and voter empowerment initiatives. I am also actively involved with the Junior League of Columbus, the Urban League Young Professionals, and my nonprofit Fight for Our Children Inc., which provides scholarships, school supplies, and community support to families in need.
I am most proud of the impact my work has had on others. Seeing our students graduate, launch careers, and transform their lives reminds me daily why I do what I do. Education is more than academics to me; it is a vehicle for empowerment, confidence, and generational change.
For those just learning about my brand, I want them to know that everything I create is rooted in service, excellence, and integrity. 1 on 1 Technical & Theological College is not just a school; it is a movement built to inspire, uplift, and equip individuals to reach their full potential. My mission is to continue building bridges between education and opportunity so that no dream is out of reach.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Yes, there are several resources that have deeply influenced my leadership and entrepreneurial philosophy as a woman. One of the most impactful books for me has been “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown. It taught me the power of leading with vulnerability, courage, and authenticity. As women, we are often expected to lead perfectly, but this book reminded me that true leadership is about connection, empathy, and creating spaces where people feel seen and valued.
Another resource that shaped my mindset is “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. It helped me structure my goals, prioritize what matters most, and manage both people and purpose with balance and integrity. It reinforced my belief that success begins with discipline, vision, and the willingness to grow personally as much as professionally.
I also draw inspiration from videos and interviews featuring women like Michelle Obama, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and Lisa Nichols. Each of them speaks with grace, resilience, and confidence about overcoming challenges, leading with faith, and creating impact through service. Their journeys remind me that leadership is not about control but about influence and inspiration.
These resources have shaped how I lead my college, my nonprofit, and my teams. They taught me to lead with heart, listen with intention, and build organizations that empower others to discover their own greatness. For me, leadership is not just about directing people; it is about developing people.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What helped me build my reputation within my market is how personal and hands-on I am with every part of my organization. I believe leadership is about service, and that means showing up for people at every level. I don’t separate myself from my students or my staff because of my title. If someone reaches out with a question, I respond. If a student wants to enroll, I personally walk them through the process. I answer emails, take phone calls, and even encourage students one-on-one when they need motivation. I attend career and health fairs, just like any other staff member.
I think people recognize genuine care, and that is what sets me apart. I built my reputation by being approachable, reliable, and consistent. Whether it’s helping a potential student understand a program or celebrating a graduate’s success, I make it a priority to stay connected. My goal is to make every person who interacts with our college feel valued and supported.
At the heart of it, I believe that being a good leader means never forgetting what it’s like to be the person seeking help or opportunity. That personal touch and authentic communication are what have allowed my reputation and my college to grow the way they have.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1on1tntc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1_on_1_tntc?igsh=MW1oZGg0aHBjZWFleg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FoqqpNrus/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/1-on-1-technical-and-theological-college-phenix-city
