We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Susan Nwokedi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Susan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My mission as an educator, filmmaker, and writer is deeply rooted in my desire to make a tangible impact on the world around me. Education, storytelling, and writing are not just professions for me; they are vehicles through which I can impart knowledge, inspire change, and foster growth in others.

As an educator, I believe in the transformative power of knowledge. I see education as a tool for empowerment, allowing individuals to unlock their full potential and pursue their dreams. By imparting knowledge and nurturing critical thinking skills, I aim to equip students with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex world.

Similarly, as a filmmaker and writer, storytelling is my medium for sparking empathy, challenging perspectives, and igniting social change. I believe in the power of narratives to bridge divides, amplify voices, and shine a light on untold stories. Through my films and writings, I strive to shed light on important issues, provoke thought, and inspire action.

Ultimately, my mission is deeply meaningful to me because it allows me to serve others and contribute positively to society. I am driven by a sense of purpose to use my talents and gifts to make a difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s through the classroom, the screen, or the written word, I am committed to helping individuals become the best versions of themselves and fostering a more compassionate and enlightened world.

In essence, my mission is not just about what I do, but why I do it. It’s about using my skills and passions to leave a lasting impact and create a better tomorrow for generations to come.

Susan, 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?

What we do: CCC provides academic and enrichment education services for students in grades PK-12. We specialize in tutorials for core content subjects (Math, Science, Reading, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Test Preparation). Our robust reading and writing program promotes the joy and love of learning in children. Our use of the “one size” does not fit all approach to teaching is a tried and tested approach that works. We have extensive experience working with students in need of academic intervention. Our teaching methods are research-based and align with state and national standards.

Why CCC:
Our program is very important because we bridge the learning gap by helping students fill their academic and enrichment education needs. Our main objective is to provide our students with lasting memorable experiences while engaging them in fun learning activities. We offer top-quality tutoring classes using highly qualified teachers, and research-based strategies that have been tried, tested, and are effective. We use the “one size” DOES NOT fit all teaching methods and our academic program boasts a low student-to-teacher ratio. Our service days and hours ( Wednesday to Sunday) during the school year, allow busy students and parents the flexibility to meet on the weekends. Our rates are very competitive for the quality of our education services. Our summer camp schedule (Monday through Friday) makes it easy for students to take one session or multiple sessions. Students receive discounts for taking multiple sessions. At CCC, we spark the students’ interest, capture their attention, engage them in active learning, and help them excel. CCC is a fun way to learn.

How it all started:
Industries: Education and Entertainment

How I got started in film: I have been fascinated by stories, the arts, and the entertainment industry since early childhood.
I started acting in Hollywood films as an extra and in small roles in high school. I studied theater in college and went on to get a master’s degree in Film, Education, and Technology. I have written, produced, directed, and starred in several movies. I have received several awards and recognitions for my work in the film and entertainment industry. I tell stories to impact lives and effect change in society. I will keep going until I am an international household name with the influence to advocate for those who are unable to do so for themselves.

How I got started in education: I became pregnant with my youngest daughter in the final semester of my undergraduate program. I was planning to continue my education by going to law school. I was working at one of the largest law firms in downtown Houston as a paralegal. I clearly understood the rigor of law school and knew that if I was to succeed, I had to study day and night. I had friends who were already in law school and saw firsthand how they lived. Planning to go ahead with law school at the early stage of my pregnancy, I took the LSAT and did fairly well. I also knew it would probably be challenging to continue working as a paralegal while attending law school full-time, especially as an L1 student. So I took real estate classes, sat for the RE license exam, and obtained my license to practice real estate in Texas! I was on the right track of going to law school and doing real estate on the side to support my growing family. I continued working as a paralegal until 2 days before my daughter came. I worked that Friday and on Sunday she was born. However, after my child came, I took one look at her and realized I could not leave her at daycare and with babysitters for hours while I studied law. I had my first child at a very young age and went back to school 3 weeks after she was born. I also did not breastfeed her and decided I would not only breastfeed my second child, but I would breastfeed her exclusively. So I pivoted to a career that would be more newborn and family-friendly, and this was education! My husband was already in education and I saw that he had a lot of off time and was able to come home much earlier than I did from my paralegal job. I spoke with him, prayed to God, and one day while on a leisure drive, I made up my mind to forego law for education. I enrolled in an alternative certification (ACP) program. This was a one-year teacher program for people with an undergraduate degree. While enrolled in the ACP, I continued working part-time as a real estate agent to supplement my income. To make sure I wanted to be a teacher; I know I loved kids but teaching is on a level of its own, as several parents learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, I applied for a TA position with my local school district. I wanted to be in an elementary school as I felt it would be a good place to start. I interviewed for several positions with good prospects and received several offers; I liked the offer from a school as a Special Ed Aide-Severe the most. The school was about 7 minutes away from my home; this was a dream distance from my 50-minute commute to and from my downtown paralegal job. Now the pay was nothing to write home about, especially compared to my high-paying position with an AV-rated law firm. I told myself the TA job was a step in the direction and besides, I have my real estate side hustle to supplement my income. So I took the job and continued my ACP program. I also enrolled my now 3-month-old baby in a daycare only 4 minutes away from my job. I negotiated with my supervisor to let me combine my 30-minute lunch with my 15-minute break into a 45-minute break so I could go to my daughter’s daycare to breastfeed her and pump during that time. It was great. Time flew by and I completed the program, studied, and took the SBEC exams (content and pedagogy). I passed and in less than one year after becoming a TA, I was offered a classroom teaching position as a kindergarten teacher by my campus principal. This was the beginning of my journey as an educator. I went on to get a master’s in education and Texas Principal Certification. I told myself when I started in education I would only work for 7 years and when I left I would go back to law full-time. I served at the same elementary school for 11 years. I had both memorable and challenging times as a classroom teacher at a Title I school, but I loved my time at the school. I enjoyed my students and I know they enjoyed me too. I did my best to impact them and they impacted me very much. I also started an education service company called Children Come Click Education and Technology Center, (CCC), right after my first master’s degree. I wanted to implement my new knowledge that integrated arts, technology, music, and film into education beyond what the school system allowed at the time. After leaving the classroom, I took my years of experience and went full force into my business.

Now we partner with various school districts and counties to provide enrichment and academic education services to students across Houston metro area and after-school and weekend classes to students at our learning center in Missouri City and Sugar Land, Texas area. Children Come Click is a PK-12 grade academic tutoring and enrichment education service company. We have been providing services to students and their families for over 10 years. Our main objective is to bridge the gap in learning by providing a learning program that is both fun and high quality. Our teachers are passionate about what they do and love helping their students achieve academic success. We spark students’ interests, capture their attention, engage them in active learning, and help them excel. Visit our website at https://www.childrencomeclick.org to learn more about our education program, join us, enroll in our fun summer STEAM camp, and take advantage of our early bird special. Summer camp begins June 3!

CCC has allowed me the opportunity to integrate my two passions; education and entertainment. While I’m no longer in the traditional classroom as a classroom teacher, now I visit several classrooms. I conduct walkthroughs, campus visits, and teacher observations. I train other educators and I still teach. I teach public speaking on the weekends. One thing I say to all my students and mentees, regardless of their age is to do what they love. When you do what you love, getting paid feels so nice. You will have a lasting career.

I continued to participate in the creative aspect of my career by co-producing, executive producing, acting, and writing screenplays for various movie projects. I also participated in theater productions. In 2022 I published my book Oma and The Prince, African Fairytale—A story of love, inner beauty, and going after your dreams. The book is available on platforms where books are sold and also at the Houston and Fort Bend County Libraries. I also adopted the book into both stage and screenplay. I am looking forward to producing the stage play in the coming year. Please visit my website www.susannwokedi.com to learn more about me and my projects.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

In late December 2010, in Abuja, Nigeria, during the late morning, I was in Nigeria filming my first film in the region, “Mind of the Enemy.” Serving as the writer, Executive Producer, and one of the lead actors, I, along with the director, Director of Photography (DP), and other key production members, were en route to a filming location. Despite our relentless filming the previous day, our tape was not full, still leaving about 7 minutes of recording space.

As we approached our destination, the DP spotted a convoy that would enhance our film’s production value. Despite our film not being low budget for Nollywood standards, the DP opted to film the convoy guerrilla-style, without consulting me or the director. Hanging out of the moving production van’s window, he captured shots of the impressive convoy ahead.

Initially, everything seemed fine as he continued filming, albeit with my concern for his safety mounting. Suddenly, one of the vehicles in the convey, a Toyota Hilux directly in front of us, abruptly braked, nearly causing a collision with our van. Within moments, four soldiers armed with AK43s surrounded our vehicle, pointed their guns at us and seized the camera containing our precious footage from the previous days.

The soldiers quickly retreated, disappearing with our camera as the convoy continued on its route. Determined to retrieve our footage, we embarked on a tense four-hour chase, shadowing the convoy through traffic. Despite the uncertainty of their destination or the convoy’s occupants, we persisted, with the production manager ultimately cancelling filming for the day, unaware of the unfolding events.

A politically affiliated crew member managed to obtain the convoy’s license plate numbers, revealing it to be transporting the Nigerian Supreme Court Chief Justice, a high-profile figure under tight security following a recent assassination attempt. Eventually, the convoy halted at a rest stop, where we attempted to negotiate the return of our camera.

Recognizing our director, a renowned Nollywood celebrity, one of the Justice’s aides intervened, though our camera remained elusive. With the Justice departing for Christmas vacation and my departure from Nigeria and back to the US imminent, retrieving the camera became increasingly uncertain. Despite exhausting all avenues, including seeking assistance from local government authorities, I left Abuja Nigeria without my film footages.

Despite this setback, we persevered, securing another camera rental to complete the film and eventually obtained the seized camera and our footage. Irrespective of the challenges, “Mind of the Enemy” premiered to acclaim two years later, a testament to my resilience and determination. Reflecting on the ordeal, I often joke that the experience itself could be a compelling movie.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

To kickstart my business venture, I took a strategic approach to save the initial capital, opting for self-funding as the primary source. With a steadfast commitment to my entrepreneurial vision, I embarked on a journey of financial discipline and prudent decision-making.

Rather than diving headfirst into full-time entrepreneurship, I opted to maintain my regular job while dedicating spare hours to nurturing my new business. This dual-income strategy allowed me to steadily accumulate capital, one paycheck at a time, without the financial strain of relying solely on the success of my venture.

In addition to my full-time job, I sought part-time opportunities that complemented my entrepreneurial endeavors and put all proceeds back into the business. Every dollar earned became an investment in my vision to make it a possibility.
However, I believe the most crucial aspect of my funding strategy was living below my means. Embracing a frugal lifestyle, I made conscious choices to prioritize business reinvestment over personal indulgence. Luxury purchases took a backseat as I opted for practicality, trading in flashy cars for reliable vehicles that served their purpose just as effectively.

The decision to drive a humble Honda or a Nissan over a flashy BMW or other “premium/luxury” vehicles wasn’t just about financial prudence; it symbolized a broader commitment to the long-term success of my business. By forgoing immediate gratification in favor of prudent financial management, I ensured that every penny was allocated toward building a strong foundation for my business venture.

Through self-funding, diligent saving, and a steadfast commitment to living below my means, I laid the groundwork for my business’s success. This initial capital injection, coupled with unwavering determination, set the stage for future growth and prosperity, empowering me to turn my entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.childrencomeclick.org
• Instagram: @iamsusannwokedi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Susan-Nwokedi-100063835835272/?paipv=0&eav=AfYYbHeoFbQ90uarjKIYPwF9vBSCoVvbTYAVM1HaR2Qb3zP1ykQJV_04-_OKAuop7M8&_rdr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-nwokedi-m-ed-25157920/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamngozi?lang=en
• Youtube: YouTube channel is being revamped at the moment.
• Other: www.susannwokedi.com, https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/oma-and-the-prince

Image Credits
My personal photographer – Bruce Bell of Bruce Bell Media