hristine Calabrese, founder of EmBOSSed Book Club. (Credit: Courtesy of EmBOSSed Book Club)

1,000 Stories

Her Club Gets Books into Prisons

Christine Calabrese’s EmBOSSed Book Club delivers self-development books to incarcerated readers.

December 1, 2025

By Victoria Flexner

When Christine Calabrese worked as a correctional officer at a men’s prison in Buckeye, Arizona, she saw firsthand how stagnant and mundane prison life could be. Calabrese noticed that inmates were often bored, and more likely to get into trouble simply because they lacked engaging, positive activities. This past year, Calabrese decided to leave her post at the prison and start-up EmBOSSed Book Club, to offer incarcerated men and women a more meaningful and constructive way to spend their time. Her book box subscriptions focus mainly on self-development literature, and for every book box purchased by a customer, a matching set is donated to someone in prison. Calabrese is working to spread the word about EmBOSSed far and wide, with the goal of bringing books to prisons across the country. 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

We are a for-profit/nonprofit: Our book box subscription is designed to deliver a book to someone in prison that matches the same book a subscriber purchased for themselves.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

Capturing the attention of a major news network. This past October, an ABC affiliate here in Arizona featured the book club in a story. Reporter Jordan Bontke interviewed me in service of sharing our mission with a wider audience. Seeing our story on the news was a huge milestone, and really helped us spread the word.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Creating the right partnerships, which I address by focusing on building genuine connections and continually reaching out to people who can help me connect those dots. In the end, it’s all about staying persistent, because those connections help the book club thrive.

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

I made the decision to leave my position as a correctional officer – an experience that really influenced how I approached my company, in that it taught me to align my business decisions with my personal values, as well as the real-life lessons I’ve learned.

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What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

Make sure your connections or entry points of sale are solid before you quit your job or make big investments.

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

I listen to inspirational videos daily.

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What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

Anything high-energy.

Who is your most important role model? 

Zig Ziglar. He was a spectacular sales trainer, and his insights on motivation and personal growth have profoundly shaped the way I lead and inspire. His legacy of positivity and service is something I strive to embody every day in our mission.

Facebook: @EmbossedBookClub
TikTok: @Embossed189

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Ruchi Kothari, founder of Ivybound Consulting. (Credit: Courtesy of Ivybound Consulting)

1,000 Stories

She Helps College-Bound Students Get Into Their Top-Choice Schools

Ruchi Kothari guides high school students through the college admissions process at her firm, Ivybound Consulting.

April 7, 2025

By Victoria Flexner

When Ruchi Kothari stepped away from her career as a jewelry designer to raise her three children, she became deeply invested in their educational journeys. As her kids were growing up, she took on an active role in the school PTA and served on her town’s Board of Education for six years – where she worked on federal and state education policy, school finance initiatives and curriculum development efforts for Pre-K through 8th grade. After helping her own children get into their top-choice universities – and navigating myriad adversities along the way – she began to guide other students through the college admissions process. In 2018, she established a business, Ivybound Consulting, to offer those services to a larger base. Today, the Closter, New Jersey-based mompreneur has helped students get into a number of Ivy League and other top U.S. universities – but she says it’s the bonds she forms with her students that inspire her most in her work. 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

I am my client’s “secret weapon” for college admissions. I provide clear, actionable guidance, ensuring students craft compelling applications, standout essays, and boast strong extracurricular profiles. And, I provide unmatched accessibility — evenings, weekends and holidays — because every student’s future deserves that level of commitment.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

I take pride in a 98% success rate in helping students secure admission to their top three college choices. Our students are 20 times more likely to be accepted into one of the top 25 U.S. universities. Our students have gained acceptance to prestigious schools like Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, New York University and more.

What I find most fulfilling though, are the lasting relationships I form with my students and their families. Even after they head off to college, they continue to stay in touch – always expressing their gratitude for the role I played in their journey and success.

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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

College counseling is an emotionally-charged field, as every parent believes their child is exceptionally gifted and destined for top-tier institutions. Many come in with preconceived notions, convinced they already know how to navigate the admissions process because they “heard something from a friend” or “read something on Google.” Many mistakenly view admissions strategizing and application crafting as tasks a tutor can handle, underestimating the level of expertise involved.

Also, when I first started, I was perceived as just another mom who helped her children gain admission to top colleges – and people assumed I could do the same for their children, and at lower rates. A particular challenge I face, especially within the South Asian community, is parents trying to negotiate my fees – yet they will readily pay a white male college counselor with a weaker track record without question. It took me years of hard work, dedication and unparalleled service to my students to change this perception.

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

Growing up in America in a family with traditional Indian values often meant navigating conflicting expectations. Education was highly valued, yet as a woman, leaving home to pursue a degree was not permitted. As a child of immigrant parents and an ESL student, I had to navigate the college admissions process on my own. 

Through both personal and professional challenges, I have learned that rejection, discrimination and obstacles are inevitable. The key is to not let them keep you down for too long. Instead, find ways to pivot, adapt and continue growing. My journey to succeeding in two vastly different industries despite cultural and familial barriers is proof of that. My mission is to inspire and empower others — especially women and immigrants — to recognize their potential and chase their dreams, regardless of their age, life stage, or where their journey may lead.

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

Life as an entrepreneur is challenging, lonely and incredibly demanding. You wear many hats, and constantly find yourself questioning every decision you make. My advice to any entrepreneur is to tune out the doubters and ignore the naysayers. And, do not be intimidated by the success of others in your industry. 

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How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

I find strength in my children and their unwavering belief in me. I have guided two of them through the college application process (to Yale and Stanford), and am currently supporting my youngest. They are deeply grateful for the opportunities and futures I’ve helped create for them. I see that same appreciation in the students I work with. When I feel discouraged, I remind myself of their smiles, and the impact I have in shaping their futures. This incredible opportunity gives me purpose, inspiring me to keep moving forward no matter how difficult the journey.

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

“If You Believe” by Patch Crowe and Strive to Be.

Who is your most important role model? 

My mother. She persevered through life under British rule in India, embraced the challenges of immigrating to the U.S. in the 1970s with optimism, and later adapted to living in different countries like Thailand. She mastered multiple languages, including Hindi, English, Spanish and Thai.

From her, I have learned the power of adaptability in the face of any challenge. She has shown me how to embrace every moment with joy, resilience and passion — at any stage of life. Most importantly, she has taught me the value of unconditional love for family, the joy of motherhood, and the ability to reinvent oneself while finding fun along the way!

Instagram: @IvyBoundConsulting
Facebook @IvyboundConsulting

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Alena Sunavska, founder of the London Language Studio. (Credit: Courtesy of London Language Studio)

1,000 Stories

She Helps Language Learners Discover the Key to Fluency

Alena Sunavska founded the London Language Studio to help students learn how to learn a new language.

December 17, 2024

By Victoria Flexner

When Alena Sunavska first started teaching foreign languages, she noticed that most of her students were facing the same challenge: They struggled to understand the fundamentals of how to effectively acquire a new language. Sunavska began to think about how foreign languages are taught, and decided to come up with her own teaching methods, ones that would make learning a new language feel less intimidating and more approachable. In 2008, she launched the London Language Studio. In the 16 years since Sunavska launched, she and her team of tutors have helped hundreds of students build confidence and develop strategies to understand the psychology behind learning languages – including clients like the U.S. Embassy in London. Today, the London-based founder is continuing to grow her business, even as AI and technology-based language learning apps are on the rise. 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

We don’t just teach languages – we teach how to learn languages. Before our students dive into their lessons, we equip them with universal tools and strategies to unlock their learning potential. These tools can be applied to any language, at any age, anywhere in the world. By empowering students to take charge of their own learning, we flip the traditional model — our tutors become a guide, not the sole source of knowledge.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

For me, success isn’t defined by a specific milestone or an external award, but by the countless transformations I’ve witnessed in the students we’ve worked with over the years. When a student who once felt discouraged or unsure about their language skills suddenly becomes fluent enough to navigate life in a new country, land their dream job or have meaningful conversations in a new language – that is success. 

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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

The unrelenting pace of running a business and managing multiple responsibilities simultaneously. Running a language school means constantly balancing between administrative tasks, coordinating lessons, ensuring student satisfaction, and growing the business. And let’s not forget that life outside of work doesn’t pause! For a long time, I struggled with fitting everything into the 24 hours I had each day. It took me far too long to realize that there was no way I could handle it all alone. The solution was twofold. Delegating tasks to my team has been crucial. And, I’ve also accepted that perfection isn’t always achievable – that sometimes, good enough is just fine. 

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

Covid marked a pivotal moment in my personal and professional life. The inevitable shift to online learning was both a challenge and an opportunity. While technology allowed us to continue reaching students, it also amplified a growing concern I had long observed: The increasing reliance on impersonal, app-based language learning tools and AI. These tools, while useful in many ways, can’t replace the human connection that is essential for effective language learning. Language is about communication, connection, and cultural exchange — none of which can truly be replicated by an algorithm. 

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

When you’re starting out, it’s easy to believe that you need to do everything yourself—that no one else can execute your vision quite like you can. But I’ve learned that this mindset can be a major roadblock to growth. The key to scaling a successful business is delegation. As soon as possible, build a team you trust and give them the freedom to take ownership of their areas of responsibility.

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How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

Nature has an incredible ability to reset your mind and spirit. Listening to the rustle of leaves, absorbing the feeling of sun on my skin, or breathing in fresh crisp air— all of these reminders of nature’s simplicity and resilience ground me in the fact that even in chaos, there’s harmony.

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

“Otan Exo Esena” by Greek artist Dimitris Mitropanos. It translates to: “When I have you,” and it’s a masterpiece! Music has an amazing way of lifting your spirits, and for me, this one is like a personal anthem – it reminds me of my past, my journey, and why I started this business in the first place.

Who is your most important role model?

I draw inspiration from many people in different ways. I’m constantly inspired by individuals who demonstrate resilience, intelligence and creativity in overcoming challenges and finding innovative solutions. There’s a quiet power in those who rise above difficulties and use their experiences to improve the world around them.

Facebook: @LondonLanguageStudio

The post She Helps Language Learners Discover the Key to Fluency appeared first on The Story Exchange.

Helen Underwood, founder of Underwood Training. (Credit: Courtesy of Underwood Training)

1,000 Stories

She Offers First Aid Training That’s Adaptable to Any Setting

Helen Underwood launched her first aid training course to provide life-saving skills to people who work in all kinds of settings.

December 4, 2024

By Victoria Flexner

Helen Underwood spent years working as a physiotherapist in pediatric and intensive care settings within the United Kingdom’s National Healthcare Service. But eventually, Underwood found herself burning out from the long hours and intense stress. Around the same time, the Leeds, England-based entrepreneur was taking a year-long program in outdoor first aid. One of the instructors suggested that she might look at becoming a first aid trainer herself, which helped Underwood realize that first aid training would be a great way to use her existing skill set and knowledge to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds. In 2006, Underwood launched Underwood Training, and for the last 18 years has been offering tailor-made first-aid training to schools, offices, construction sites and sports facilities. 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

We customize our classes to fit the requirements of the clients’ specific working environment – that way, the first-aid training can be adapted for remote settings, sports settings, construction sites, a busy school or an office. I am passionate about sharing life-saving first-aid knowledge with my entire community. I’ve also created a virtual course for parents and caregivers, so that I can spread this information even further. 

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

Two weeks ago, I launched a virtual course: “Big Sick, Little Sick?!” It’s a life-saving first-aid skills and knowledge course for parents. I hired a studio, filmed my own content and learned how to use the latest editing software. I believe every parent should have the opportunity to access first-aid training.

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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Balancing work and life, as a business owner and a mum. I hired an office assistant to help with the business administration and paperwork that comes with both bookings and the certification process. I delegate to my small team where possible, and have started blocking out time in my diary – some for work, and some for my personal life. 

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

I have dyslexia, so I often doubt myself when I am completing forms (including this one). Sometimes, I find I procrastinate due to a lack of confidence – but I’m working on strategies to overcome this. 

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What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

I wish I’d consulted an human resources advisor when I first started employing staff. I now have an amazing external HR consultant who I bring in ad-hoc.

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

I make a list. My mantra is: “Just do one thing.” I complete one task from the list, and then cross it off when it is done. Focusing on just one task at a time often helps me to get going. 

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

“Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson.

Who is your most important role model?

My amazing friend, Claire.

Facebook: @UnderwoodTraining
LinkedIn: @UnderwoodTraining
YouTube: @UnderwoodTraining

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Amy Richter, founder of Music Workshop. (Credit: Courtesy of Music Workshop)

1,000 Stories

She’s Bringing Music Education to Kids Across the Globe

Amy Richter shares free music curricula with teachers throughout the U.S. and beyond by way of her nonprofit, Music Workshop.

September 3, 2024

By Victoria Flexner

Amy Richter believes in the transformative power of music. In 2012, after seeing music programs cut from her own childrens’ school, Richter decided to launch Music Workshop, a nonprofit providing free music curricula to teachers. Over the years, Richter has struggled to balance running a nonprofit and raising a family. But the Portland, Oregon, founder says that seeing the positive impact of Music Workshop inspires her to continue her work. “Knowing that we’re helping kids discover their talents and create positive connections … is incredibly rewarding,” she adds.

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry? 

We provide a comprehensive, inclusive music education program that brings the power of music to K-8 students. And unlike traditional programs that might focus solely on music theory or performance, we integrate diverse cultural traditions and emphasize social-emotional learning as well. 

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

The transformative impact we’ve had on more than 6 million students worldwide. When I first started this journey in ten local schools, I couldn’t have imagined that we would grow to reach students in 14,000 schools across the U.S., and into 102 other countries beyond our borders. Our influence now reaches lives in Africa, Asia, North America, South America and Australia. We are incredibly proud of our global reach.

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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Starting a nonprofit came with a huge learning curve. I had no prior experience in running one, so understanding the legal and organizational aspects was challenging. Financial hurdles were significant, too, as we began with no initial funding. Many people gave their time and talent voluntarily to get the organization started. Waiting years for grants to materialize added to the difficulty. Balancing work and life was tough also, especially while raising young kids. The support of family and friends and a deep passion for our mission have helped me navigate these many challenges.

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

Balancing motherhood while starting a nonprofit! Grit became my superpower. Learning to prioritize, delegate and stay flexible has helped me keep everything on track. 

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

Use your naysayers’ doubts as motivation. When people tell you it can’t be done, let that fuel your fire to prove them wrong. Persistence is key — setbacks can be lessons and opportunities for growth.

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How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

Through my kids, and seeing the impact that Music Workshop has on youth around the world. When exhaustion and stress seem overwhelming, I think about all of my children, and the bright future I want to create for them. 

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

“SUPERBLOOM” by MisterWives.

Who is your most important role model?

P!nk and my mom are two of my most important role models – each of them embodying authenticity, resilience, and dedication. P!nk’s fearless expression through music, and her ability to balance a successful career with family life, is incredibly inspiring. Similarly, my mom exemplifies these qualities in her own way. Though not a musician, she has balanced her life with work, family and friends, while always standing up for what she believes in. 

Instagram: @MusicWorkshopedu
Facebook: @MusicWorkshopedu

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Amy Maan is an educator by trade who worked as an in-school French teacher prior to the onset of Covid. When she became pregnant with her first child, she knew she wanted to stay home with her son – and that she wanted to raise him to be bilingual. It was during a Mom & Baby Yoga class that the idea for her business fully came to her. She had found the experience of learning something while simultaneously caring for her baby to be wonderful – what if she could teach French to both parents and their children? Soon after her moment of inspiration, Maan launched her education company, 123 Petit Pas. Today, the Ottawa, Canada-based mompreneur teaches virtual French classes to adults and their young wards across the globe through her company – all while working from home and caring for her own kids. 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

I believe I am the only virtual French-language program that teaches both parents and children at the same time. I think this is such an important way to learn a new language for a family, because the practice can continue beyond class.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

Having taught over 5,000 households to date. I find it absolutely incredible to know that there are so many children who are now growing up to be bilingual because of 123 Petits Pas. Several parents have expressed that they would not have had the support or resources to learn French had they not found 123 Petits Pas – that is a wonderful feeling!

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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

I’m learning how important it is to not just create educational programming, but to learn the ropes of marketing my business as well, in order to spread the word. I have enrolled in several marketing education programs in order to strengthen  that skill. I am quite proud of how far I have come.

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that affected your business decisions? 

Having baby number two. I created 123 Petits Pas after the birth of my firstborn, so this was the first time I was juggling running a successful business throughout pregnancy and the post-partum period.

There was a lot of preparation required in order to ensure everything continued on smoothly.And, I had to make several decisions that were not necessarily best for the business, but were best for my family and mental health. Now that my youngest is 2 years old, I can say proudly that I did a great job keeping the business going without sacrificing family time during the early days with my two babies.

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What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

I wish I had learned to say “no” sooner, so as to not spread myself too thin. That was a very hard lesson to learn in the beginning. It’s important to honor what it is that you truly want to do, rather than catering to everyone else’s needs.

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

I have a folder where I keep all my favorite notes from clients. Whenever I’m feeling down, I read my “awesome emails” to pick myself up before I continue helping others!

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

“Don’t Worry be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin. I grew up listening to it with my parents when we had tough days. I still find myself singing it whenever I need to!

Who is your most important role model?

My parents are my role models. They are not business owners, but they are both incredibly caring, intelligent people who can always see situations from multiple perspectives. They taught me how to be the fun, loving, caring mother and educator that I am today. And, I continue to be inspired by the love they put out into the world.

Instagram: @123petitpas
Facebook: @123petitpasinc
YouTube: @123petitpas

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The post Her Business Helps Youngsters Learn French Avec Leurs Parents appeared first on The Story Exchange.

When Tiffany Yu was 9 years old, she was disabled in a car accident that also took the life of her father. Looking back, Yu can see how her “own internalized ableism” made it impossible to come to terms with the realities of that traumatic event. Even a decade after the accident, she still “wasn’t showing up as myself, and I was harboring a lot of shame around my disability,” she says. In 2009, Yu decided to host an event for other disabled people in her area, to foster a sense of community among a group that is often isolated from our society. The event was a huge success, and led to the founding of Diversability, a community which hosts events around the U.S. and online to elevate disability pride, later that same year. Her company provides support and fosters a sense of inclusion, Yu says. As of 2023, Diversability has hosted over 100 events for a community that is over 80,000 members strong. 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

We are unique in that we are entirely run and led by disabled people. We prioritize intersectionality in terms of the speakers we highlight and the people we’ve recruited for our team. We have also realized that free labor doesn’t work, and do what we can to compensate everyone who does work with us.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

We are entirely run and led by disabled people. I, the CEO, am an Asian disabled woman, and we have a team of eight disabled folks that we employ. I am proud to be living by our values ,and showing the world, by example, that disability employment works. 

We also serve as references for those who work for us, and write letters of recommendation for our team alumni. Those individuals have gone on to get their dream jobs and internships, launch their own brands, win scholarships and go to grad school.

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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Scaling up. We have been creative in terms of generating income, from launching a membership program, hosting ticketed events, forging partnerships and selling branded merchandise. We also recently launched a nonprofit arm to further support our mission. The money we generate gets reinvested back into the disability community by paying our team, speakers, and contributors.

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2019. For a few years before my diagnosis, I was in a dark place, and not very pleasant to be around. It impacted my relationships with potential partners – I have since apologized – and in 2019, I was able to get the treatment that I needed. Now, I am more aware of my triggers, and of tending to my mental health.

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

I started Diversability as a side hustle while I was still working in my full-time job. I’m grateful that I did it that way, because it gave me space to experiment before going all in.

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How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

I am reminded of a quote from author and therapist Francis Weller: “The work of the mature person is to carry grief in one hand and gratitude in the other, and to be stretched large by them. How much sorrow can I hold? That’s how much gratitude I can give.” This quote reminds me that, if I am in a dark time, I also have the capacity to be in times of light. Life exists by stretching the band large.

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days? 

“Brave” by Sara Bareilles.

Who is your most important role model?

My mom. She was a refugee from the Vietnam War, and after my dad passed away, she had to raise four young kids on her own – ages 9 to 14. She taught herself how to invest in the stock market and real estate, and was able to support herself and all of us through that. My parents didn’t have much growing up, and my mom was able to interrupt that intergenerational pattern. I am privileged because of her.

Instagram: @diversability
Facebook: @diversability
TikTok: @diversability

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The post Creating Community and Support For Disabled People appeared first on The Story Exchange.

Filipa Carreira has been interested in sexual education for a long time. Fifteen years it turns out. After giving her very first sex-ed class at the young age of 15, she fell in love with teaching the subject and knew she had found her niche. For nearly a decade Carreira has taught hundreds of sex-ed workshops to children aged nine to eighteen, in addition to running a menstrual hygiene project in Mozambique called Wamina (which has distributed 50,000 re-usable pads to date). But then COVID-19 hit, Carreira was stuck in lockdown in Lisbon, Portugal and had to find new ways to teach her sex-ed classes, so Awkward The Talk was launched. Her company offers virtual sex-ed classes to both children as well as parents and teachers, with the aim to help educate or help educators figure out the right way to have, what can be, an awkward conversation in a safe, respectful way.

Carreira’s story, as told to The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project:

What was your reason for starting your business?

I taught my first sex-ed class when I was 15 years old; I was part of a pilot program that was testing the effectiveness of peer to peer sexual education. After an intense couple of weeks of training, I was in front of a class, the students were just a year younger than me and I loved it! Little did I know that 15 years later I would be in that same music room giving sex-ed workshops to children aged 12 to 18. 

In 2015, I pioneered a menstrual hygiene project that today has distributed reusable menstrual pads to over 50,000 girls and women. For the past 7 years, I have facilitated over a hundred sex-ed workshops for children 9 to 18 years old and capacitated teachers with the tools and confidence to continue to provide students with the needed sex-ed. Although I found my work fulfilling and of extreme value to my community, I always came away thinking that if I had had these conversations sooner with the kids I would have helped them more. I felt that if kids were exposed to the basics of sex-ed from an earlier age they would have better relationships with themselves and others. 

When I talked with parents they were happy that I was talking to their children about these sensitive topics, they recognized the importance of giving kids sex-ed but they didn’t feel they were able to do it themselves. Many told me they didn’t know where to begin, they were waiting for kids to bring up the topic; some felt too awkward, ashamed; others had been victims of abuse themselves and couldn’t bring themselves around to talking about sexuality or the body. That is when I decided to get a postgraduate degree in Sexual Education and Wellness so that I could create content to help parents, gain the confidence, tools, and knowledge to give their children adequate and mindful sexual education that is based on facts and delivered with love, respect, and empathy. And that is how Awkward began!

How do you define success?

I use to think success was measured through professional metrics like money, followers, engagement, recognition. Today I feel like success is less about attaining a goal and more about maintaining a balance, it is a constant negotiation between several facets of my life that I find important. These include having time for myself to do nothing, having time to enjoy my friends and family, spending time in nature and travelling, and having a business that is geographically independent and that is profitable while creating a positive impact in my community and beyond. 

Tell us about your biggest success to date

In 2015, I pioneered a menstrual hygiene project in Mozambique called Wamina that today has distributed reusable menstrual pads to over 50,000 girls and women. For the past 7 years, I have facilitated over a hundred sex-ed workshops for children 9 to 18 years old and capacitated teachers with the tools and confidence to continue to provide students with the needed sex-ed. Although I found my work fulfilling and of extreme value to my community, I always came away thinking that if I had had these conversations sooner with the kids I would have helped them more. I felt that if kids were exposed to the basics of sex-ed from an earlier age they would have better relationships with themselves and others. I am proud to count as my clients several UN agencies, Pathfinder, Plan International, Care, and several private sector actors that enact their corporate social responsibility through Wamina.

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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

My top challenge is to be consistently motivated even when I work alone. First, I have found that having an overall general goal, as well as clear short term goals, prevent me from becoming overwhelmed. Breaking down the big goal into small and doable actions is key. That way I feel a sense of progress and movement that generates momentum that helps carry you through slumps. Second, the community is very important as a source of motivation and accountability. I would have not achieved half of what I have without my interns. These were passionate young people who believed in my vision and worked tirelessly to help me turn it into reality. Having people that I am responsible for made me get out of bed the days I didn’t want to and I know that if they were not at the office waiting for me I would probably give myself a day off. Because I did not always have a positive experience as an intern, it is very important to me that my interns find their time with me a worthwhile investment towards their future goals.

As a solopreneur, I have often felt lonely in my journey but I have also found that the cure for this feeling is a phone call or a Facebook message away. It is scary to be vulnerable and to reach out to people who are also busy with their own lives but the reward can be life-changing. So I would suggest that if you cannot find at least one person in your current group of friends that you can call when you are feeling stuck and like you are failing that you reach out to communities of entrepreneurs, network with the aim of creating meaningful connections instead of focusing on those who can help you make a sale. 

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

I relocated from Mozambique to Portugal about 8 months before going into lockdown. I was not able to return to Mozambique to carry out the sex-ed I had booked for 2020. The NGO that hired me as a sexual and reproductive health consultant changed focus due to COVID-19 and I had to pivot my business. I did a postgrad in Sexual Education and Health at the Dublin City University and created my own Mindful Sex Ed for Parents Masterclass and online course.

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What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?

Just keep going, it only needs to make sense to you.

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

I call a friend, listen to some motivational talks, and on the really drak days I listen to an Allan Watts lecture.

Who is your most important role model?

My grandfather who devoted his life to work and to give our family a better life but always had time for a chat at breakfast or at the end of the day.

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The post She Provides Mindful Sexual Education To Young People And Educators Alike appeared first on The Story Exchange.

Katerina Manoff learned first hand how foreign language students struggled with spoken English, even while excelling with reading, writing and grammar. The Ukrainian students she was working with needed a forum to practice their spoken English, and so her company ENGin was born. ENGin pairs Ukrainian students with English speaking peers for free online conversation practice and cross-cultural connection. Today Stamford, Connecticut-based Manoff takes pride in the fact that she and her team are helping a whole generation of Ukrainian youth improve their English and intercultural skills, that will set them up for academic and professional success.

Manoff’s story, as told to The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project:

What was your reason for starting your business?

ENGin was born out of my experience mentoring a talented Ukrainian student who struggled with spoken English. One student who inspired ENGin was Olena. She had excellent grades – including in her English classes. But her teachers – like those in most Ukrainian schools – had focused on memorizing grammar and vocabulary, providing few opportunities to practice speaking. For a young person in Ukraine, English fluency is key to economic opportunity – knowledge, connections, a great education, a rewarding career. But while Ukrainian students can learn to read and write English, there are no free, widely accessible opportunities to learn to speak. I created ENGin to help Olena and thousands of others like her.

How do you define success?

I define success for ENGin on two levels: individual and nationwide. Currently, we succeed by helping individual students. After participating in our program, students expand their vocabulary, learn to apply their grammar knowledge in conversation, speak more fluidly, accurately express more complex concepts, and make fewer mistakes. They improve their overall communication skills and cultural competence by learning to work with a peer from a different and often unfamiliar culture. They become more confident and gain a more global perspective. In the longer term, these skills empower them to access better academic and professional opportunities.

When we repeat this individual experience at scale, helping 50,000-100,000 students, we will effect change on a nationwide scale, establishing English fluency as the new normal for Ukrainian youth. On a personal level, I define success as finding a career path that checks five boxes:

(1) Allows you to leave the world better than you found it
(2) Offers constant opportunities to grow and learn
(3) Matches your talents and interests
(4) Offers flexibility to balance work and personal life
(5) Pays a stable salary

Tell us about your biggest success to date

My greatest success has been making ENGin a reality – starting from the ground up, with no funds, no team, and no experience, and growing into a thriving program serving thousands of people.

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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Due to cost constraints, we have a very young team of mostly part-time employees. This places a huge amount of responsibility on me, from high-level tasks like strategy, partnerships, and hiring, to the smallest operational responsibilities like fixing database errors and helping resolve issues that come up between students and volunteers. I am trying to address this challenge by delegating as much as possible, investing time into training my team, and prioritizing aggressively!

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

I launched ENGin while 8 months pregnant with my second child. I am still learning how to be an involved mother while pursuing a rewarding, challenging career. My marriage, friendships, health, and extended family are other priorities that I want to fit into my life – and am still figuring out how!

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What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?

The foundation of any successful venture is demand. Make sure you are filling a gap in the market and providing a service or product that people truly want and that no one else is offering. I see so many entrepreneurs start businesses because they’re interested in or passionate about a certain area, and then struggling to make it work because the market is oversaturated and the demand just isn’t there.

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

My husband is my one unwavering source of support. He believes in me no matter what, and that makes all the difference when things are tough. My team at ENGin is also amazing and so supportive, and when I feel like giving up, I am motivated to keep working and keep going for them.

Who is your most important role model?

I really admire John Wood, the founder of Room to Read and author of Leaving Microsoft to Change the World. He has been such an inspiration to me as I worked in traditional full-time office jobs and dreamed of starting my own nonprofit. John has lived my dream – founding a nonprofit and growing it to reach millions of people, getting a huge base of supporters to make is work a reality, and sharing his ideas even further through his work as an author and speaker.

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The post She’s Helping a Generation of Ukrainian Youth Improve Their Spoken English appeared first on The Story Exchange.

When Eleanor Smalley was working as an education superintendent she noticed that wealthy school districts had access to effective learning materials, while lower-income districts did not. Thirty years ago, she set out to change that. Today Smalley runs JASON Learning, a nonprofit that provides curriculum and learning experiences in science, technology, engineering and math for k-12 students, as well as professional development for teachers. JASON Learning prides itself on placing students in challenging, real-world situations where they are connected with and mentored by STEM professionals. To date JASON Learning serves over 5 million students across the United States. Smalley hopes to grow that figure to 25 million students in the coming years, with at least ten school districts across all 50 states engaged with the program.

Smalley’s story, as told to The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project:

What was your reason for starting your business?

Having been an educator and ultimately a Superintendent with 30 years experience in education, the one differentiator in all the districts in which I worked, was access for students to remarkable, exceptional content. If it was a wealthy district, students received access to opportunity and effective materials. If it was a lower-income district, teachers had to create their own resources. JASON Learning has been an opportunity to develop a program that provides quality STEM resources at a reasonable price in a format that teachers can easily utilize.

How do you define success?

Making a difference in the lives of educators and students, and also building the non-profit JASON Learning, so that all 50 states have at least ten districts engaged in our program. We currently reach 5 million teachers and students. Our goal is to reach 25 million students.

Tell us about your biggest success to date.

The Houston Region Consortium, which includes multiple K-12 districts, which is about 1 million students, came on board with JASON Learning. This is our eighth year working with them, and have seen great success. Fairfax, Virginia has utilized JASON for over ten years, reaching 80% of their schools on an annual basis. The Chevron-JASON Learning partnership has been a big part of this model, and continues to represent the importance of public-private partnerships in education. In the last five years, JASON’s curriculum, which includes, digital materials, hands-on activities, videos and online games for students, as well as lesson plans, implementation tips, professional development and a powerful digital platform for educators, has tripled in size.

[Related: She’s Created Her Very Own STEM E-Learning Software – Because She Wants Everyone to Be Fluent in Tech]

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

JASON has significant, relevant content, and an amazing platform that can be available to K-12 or outside groups. We’ve never really done heavy promotion. It’s always been about word of mouth. As a small nonprofit, even though we are on the cusp of significant scaling, without visibility, we won’t get there. We are partnering with outside agencies for sales and marketing, as well as scaling. We are partnering with AASA (American Association of School Administrators), SFS (Standard For Success), and others to inform its user base about JASON. JASON could be available for every kid in the country, in and out of school. We just need to get there.

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

Because I was a superintendent, and I am significantly connected to American Association of School Administrators, it has affected how we roll out our district model and appeal to superintendents. I believe that leadership matters, and superintendents should be heavily involved in curriculum planning. The most important thing a school can do is focus on curriculum.  Because of these connections, this has been the model that has driven JASON for the last four years. Since I worked at Darden, and led a Wallace Foundation Grant on Aligned Leadership, I understand the importance of aligning in and out of school curriculum. This has influenced the way we encourage superintendents to engage in the community, and make connections with groups like Boys and Girls Club. It’s my belief that great schooling cannot occur without involving the community. It’s only when the community is hugely involved that you see dramatic changes in student learning. 

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?

Brand awareness is key. Although my nonprofit has been in existence for over 30 years, we are still relatively unknown and in order to scale up, brand awareness becomes critical. At JASON, we have always believed that if we created it, others would come. To date, that has not been true. What becomes critical is that while you’re creating, you’re also networking and sharing information about the company. JASON’s design for its content is built to be scalable, and has been from the beginning. JASON is now positioned to make that leap.

[Related: 3 Tough Moments That Changed Me as an Entrepreneur]

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

I look at where we’re making a difference and I turn to colleagues for a pep talk.

Who is your most important role model?

Dolly Parton. She created a model that changed the lives of many children by sending them books, while employing a sound, sustainable, financial model for her employees.

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The post She’s Bringing STEM Curricula To Classrooms Across America appeared first on The Story Exchange.