Meet Erica and Jennifer, the innovative educators and moms behind Thrive Educational Services, a company dedicated to empowering students who may struggle in traditional classroom settings. Their journey from educators to entrepreneurs is not just about starting a business, it’s about making a difference in the lives of students who need a tailored approach to learning.

Erica and Jennifer’s partnership began organically, rooted in their shared passion for helping students succeed. Having met while working at the same school, they recognized that their strengths complemented each other perfectly. However, it wasn’t until Erica started a consulting business while homeschooling her own children that the idea for Thrive Educational Services truly took shape.

Initially focused on helping parents navigate the complexities of homeschooling, Erica’s consulting business laid the foundation for what would become Thrive. Jennifer joined forces with Erica, bringing her expertise in tutoring to the table. Together, they began tutoring students while also providing consulting services to homeschooling families.

The pivotal moment came when they realized the potential to offer a more comprehensive solution. After witnessing a student’s difficulties in a traditional school setting, they proposed an alternative: providing personalized homeschooling under Thrive’s guidance. This innovative approach not only addressed the student’s needs but also opened doors to new possibilities, including forming small, customized homeschool learning pods for other students.

Transitioning from educators to entrepreneurs required a shift in mindset. Erica and Jennifer understood that providing quality education meant embracing diverse learning styles and adapting their approach accordingly. Their focus on neurodiversity and individualized learning sets Thrive apart.

“Every child is different and the way you go about helping students mastering skills isn’t always the same,” said Jennifer. “There are so many ways to provide a good, quality education.”

Despite their expertise in education, Erica and Jennifer faced challenges when it came to the business side of Thrive. Recognizing the need for guidance, Erica turned to the Small Business Center at Rowan-Cabarrus for support. Through counseling sessions with Meg, they gained valuable insights into various aspects of running a business, from marketing to legal considerations.

“Meg has helped us avoid rabbit trails and stay focused on our end goals for our business,” Erica said.

Meg’s guidance not only helped them navigate unfamiliar territory, but also connected them with experts in relevant fields, ensuring that Thrive had a solid foundation for growth. They established essential processes, such as setting up contracts, addressing potential liabilities and mitigating risks as they expanded their services.

Erica and Jennifer credit the Small Business Center for playing a crucial role in Thrive’s success. Without that support, navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship would have been far more challenging. Through ongoing counseling sessions and access to resources, they gained the confidence and knowledge needed to propel their business forward.

As Thrive Educational Services continues to evolve, Erica and Jennifer remain committed to their mission of empowering students and transforming education. Their journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.

“I know that if I’m struggling with my children, there are professionals who exist to help them,” said Erica. “What about parents who don’t have connections or know who to reach out to? That’s why Thrive exists.”

In just a year since its inception, Thrive Educational Services has become a beacon of hope for students who dare to dream differently, proving that with the right support and determination, every child can thrive.

To learn more about Thrive, visit their website at www.thrive-educational-services.com/  or connect on Facebook at Thrive Educational Services, LLC and Instagram at @thrive_educational_services.