Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Freda Deskin, Founder of ASTEC Schools, located in Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a PreK-12th grade public charter school. We serve 1200 highly diverse inner-city Oklahoma City population.
Tell us about yourself
I was a teacher, then a university faculty member, and then a dean before starting ASTEC Charter Schools. After working with adjudicated youth in a summer residency program at the university, I decided if I were any kind of educator, I would leave my cushy job and start a school for inner-city students. I have started several successful educational programs in my career.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment is having grown the school from 100 students and 5 employees to 1200 students and 100 employees. Additionally, the school and its scholars have won numerous awards.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Currently, the biggest challenge in being a business owner is finding and keeping highly qualified personnel.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- You must have tenacity.
- Expect to work long hours in the beginning.
- Be sure you are passionate about your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.asteccharterschools.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASTECCharter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asteccharterschools/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/asteccharters
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.