Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carrie Wagner, Founder of Girls Athletic Leadership School Los Angeles, located in Panorama City, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Girls Athletic Leadership School Los Angeles (GALS) is the first all-girls charter middle school in Los Angeles. GALS envisions a world where all young women, regardless of their background, are provided access to a personalized and holistic education that gives them the opportunity to access the skills, knowledge, and self-determination to succeed in college and develop as leaders in their communities and the world. We opened our doors in 2016 and currently serve 170 students aged 11-14 in grades 6-8, who are 88% low-income, 96% Girls of Color, 19% English Learners, and 14% Special Education.
Tell us about yourself
I started GALS after what I like to call my mid-life opportunity. I was 39, not married, and had no children. I went back to school for my Master in Spiritual Psychology for personal growth reasons. While in school, I was introduced to GALS Denver. I was blown away that girls aged 11-14 were learning things I was learning at 40. If only I had gone to a GALS school. I immediately wanted to bring this model to Los Angeles so that girls could have the opportunity to learn such amazing social-emotional and leadership skills that would allow them to be successful not just in school but also in life.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Our students are amazing. Our graduates are already doing big things like working with the Mayor, City Council Members, and Neighborhood councils to make changes in their communities.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
We have had to move three times in our six years of operation. We are currently in the process of building our own facility and will finally attain the stability that we need in order to truly thrive.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Enjoy the journey. I am realizing seven years in that the journey was where it was at. That is when you learn the most about yourself, your potential, and your struggles.
- It is not life and death, do take things so seriously that you end up with health problems or relationship problems. It is just not worth it.
- Empower your staff. They have even better ideas than you do a lot of times!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Even though starting GALS was the most challenging thing I have done in my career, I know that I have made a difference and have positively impacted the community. You can't ask for more than that!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.galsla.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GALSLosAngeles
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearegalsla/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GALS_LosAngeles
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-wagner-wellnesswithin/
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.
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