Chapter 1: Understanding the Foundation of a Successful Service

Establishing transparency and honesty with clients is fundamental. Once assessments or informal evaluations for children are completed, it’s important to inform clients about their child's educational requirements and provide a timeline for achieving educational milestones.

In my series on "Five Essentials for Creating a Successful Service Business," I had the opportunity to speak with Elizabeth Fraley, the founder and CEO of Kinder Ready, Inc. After spending over three years directing an early elementary program, she ventured to create her own educational service firm.

Elizabeth gained national recognition in 2016 for a program she developed, which has been highlighted in esteemed publications such as The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, CBS Local, SF Gate, and more. She was featured in The Big Little Book of Awesome Stuff by Dan Bova, where she shares valuable homework tips for elementary students. Recently, she received the Educator of the Year award from Los Angeles County for her community contributions. Additionally, Elizabeth has appeared on Hallmark's Home and Family alongside CNN journalist Lisa Ling and serves as an education contributor for Huff Post. Her educational philosophy blends structured curriculum with innovative, personalized teaching methods. With over a decade of experience in early education, she specializes in assessment, curriculum design, English Language Learning, and progress monitoring for grades Pre-K through 6th. Elizabeth is also trained in the Love and Logic curriculum, focusing on social and emotional learning. She is passionate about guiding families on educational philosophies and school choices, aiming to help children reach their fullest potential.

Thank you for joining us, Elizabeth! Our readers would love to learn more about your journey. Can you share your backstory and how you got started?

I have been in education for many years, beginning with an administrative role at another educational service provider. Although I had teaching experience in a classroom, I found great joy in one-on-one learning experiences. This led me to recognize the significance of personalized education and the positive impact I could have on the community.

What was the pivotal moment that inspired you to start your current venture? Could you share that experience with us?

Friends and parents often remarked on the skills their children were missing in school. Many of them were aware of the requirements for incoming kindergarteners, which made me realize the critical importance of early childhood education. I aimed to raise awareness about essential learning skills children should acquire before starting school. I wanted to engage parents in the process, allowing them to observe lessons so they could reinforce these skills at home. And thus, Kinder Ready was born!

Could you recount a humorous mistake you made when you first started? What lessons did you learn from it?

One of my early mistakes was purchasing an excessive amount of supplies and equipment. I was excited about acquiring resources but didn't accurately assess what was truly necessary. Now, I have a better grasp of how much to order and what will actually be needed.

Now, let's delve into the core of our discussion. Research indicates that purpose-driven businesses often achieve greater success. What was your vision when you began your company?

My vision was to help children uncover their interests and become lifelong learners. I also aimed to equip parents with the tools necessary to choose the right school for their children, navigate school meetings, and advocate effectively for their child's needs. Additionally, I wanted to assist parents in creating a print-rich home study environment for their children to explore and enjoy.

How do you communicate your company’s values to both employees and clients?

A key value we emphasize is communication. After each learning session, we send parents photos and descriptions of the activities completed, along with next steps. This helps parents better prepare their children for future success. We also provide a scope and sequence of skills for each age milestone, ensuring families are informed about educational objectives.

Is there a guiding principle that helps you navigate the challenges of running a business?

My primary principle is "act now." It's essential to maintain momentum in business; you can't afford to slow down, but you also need to avoid rushing. Continuous movement, selling, and growth are vital.

Can you share a story about a difficult time you faced when starting out? Did you ever consider giving up? What motivated you to persevere?

I was fortunate in that my transition to entrepreneurship wasn't extremely challenging. Teaching has always been a part of my life, and I had a strong desire to be an entrepreneur from a young age.

As a child, I was a competitive gymnast at the pre-Olympic level, dedicating nearly 16 hours a week to training. This experience instilled in me a sense of motivation and discipline that I carry into my entrepreneurial endeavors.

How is your business doing today, and how have your values contributed to your success?

Things are going exceptionally well. My company has been thriving for several years. The discipline and motivation I developed early on have been crucial in managing the demands of entrepreneurship. My core values focus on hard work, staying on track, understanding what matters, and remaining true to oneself.

Based on your experience, what are the five most important insights for founders or CEOs looking to create a successful service-based business? Please provide examples for each.

1. Understand Your Customer Base: Identify your target market and understand who your customers are. While catering to many clients is beneficial, logistics must be considered.
2. Recognize the Value of Education: Determine which clients appreciate educational services for their children. A brief conversation can reveal their priorities regarding education.
3. Offer Unique Services: Differentiate your services by providing personalized learning experiences. Each child learns differently, and it’s essential to tailor your approach accordingly.
4. Optimize Communication: Understand your clients' preferred communication methods. Some may prefer phone calls, while others might opt for emails. Tailoring communication enhances client relations.
5. Be Honest and Transparent: After conducting assessments, provide clients with updates on their child's educational needs and expected timelines for achieving goals.

None of us achieve success alone. Is there someone you’re particularly grateful for in your journey? Could you share a story?

One of my most influential professors, Dr. Keith Allred, played a pivotal role in my path. During my master's program, he assigned a project to create a tutoring company, which inspired me to establish my own. His class taught me invaluable lessons about educational philosophies, effective teaching practices, and collaboration with families.

If you could initiate a movement that benefits a large number of people, what would it be?

I would love to launch a summer reading program for children and families, along with educational incentives shared via Instagram.

How can our readers connect with you on social media?

You can find me on Instagram at @kinderreadyla.

This has been incredibly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your insights with us!

Chapter 2: Additional Insights from Elizabeth Fraley

Elizabeth's journey and insights are invaluable for anyone interested in the education sector and entrepreneurship.

In this video, Elizabeth shares practical lessons and experiences from her career, emphasizing the importance of individualized learning.

In this follow-up video, Elizabeth discusses specific strategies for engaging parents in the educational process, enhancing children's learning experiences.