We recently connected with Zarie Baker and have shared our conversation below.
Zarie, 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?
I started my business Miss Baker’s Kindergarten Prep after one of my mentors asked me to help prepare her daughter for kindergarten. In prepping for our sessions, I created a binder full of activities for us to work on during our sessions. I later decided to turn that binder into my first independently published book, Miss Baker’s Accelerated Pre-K Learning Guide: A dual language activity book that teaches early literacy and math skills in English and Spanish. I also started promoting my tutoring services more. Three years later, I’m here with two books independently published and a growing tutoring business.
In working with early learners, I am part of helping many children as they embark on their educational journeys & I am thankful for the ability to help make learning that seems so impossible ….easier to comprehend. It’s fulfilling!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I would also like to help other beginning educators as they enter the field by sharing tips that I wish someone would have given me at the beginning and by offering a place for them to complete trainings, coursework, and other requirements that they need to be successful in their educational craft.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
At the start of my business, I had two students in-person. COVID hit and I had to change my game plan. We started utilizing Zoom a lot at my workplace, so that gave me experience and the idea to add virtual sessions. In doing so, I gained more students in spaces outside of my local area. I was so excited. From there, things have continued to progress. I also travel with my learning books for vendor events and author’s visits. My family is always there with their helping hands, love, and support. I couldn’t do it without them. It’s truly amazing to think back on how much Miss Baker’s Kindergarten Prep has grown in just 3 years.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
There is no limit or one lane to success. When I was younger, I would say “I can’t wait to grow up, so I can be successful.” Little did I know that I was already on the path. During my first year, I was vending at a bully campaign event and a patron came up, introduced himself, and asked me what do I do. I said “well, some of everything, but I am here selling my books today.” His response was “you should stick to one lane & just grow there.” I could’ve clapped back but that wouldn’t have been professional. I love when I am underestimated or told that I can’t. I felt challenged which always sparks me to prove people wrong. My motto now is “control your lane, then take over the whole highway.”
Contact Info:
- Website: missbakerskprep.com
- Instagram: missbakerskindergartenprep
- Facebook: Miss Baker’s Kindergarten Prep LLC