Christina Washington is an author, educator, founder of Innovative Learning Solutions, and founder and Executive Director of Young Scholars, the youth academic division of ILS. She is also a contributing author of 2 engineering lab manuals and author of Ms Pearl Makes a Discovery, a children’s book that encourages youth to get excited about science. Christina has received numerous awards for her efforts and continues to be a trailblazer in her industry.
Entrepreneur Interview Q & A
1. What is your business/Business Name? What does your business do?
Innovative Learning Solutions is a professional and workforce development training company serving businesses and universities. We provide professional and workforce development training at customer sites such as clerical skills training, computer applications training, customer service training, effective communication, time management, business etiquette, and more. Our youth academic division, Young Scholars, is a provider of STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) educational programs, test prep services, tutoring, and custom learning solutions for children in grades pre-k-12.
2. Why did you get into this field? What opportunities did you see?
I saw an opportunity to assist others in gaining skills that would propel them forward in their careers and provide a greater sense of fulfillment. For our youth division, Young Scholars, I saw an opportunity to positively impact children and potentially change their entire outlook in life. The bottom line is that I want to help people – that’s what keeps me driven in this business.
3. What have been your biggest challenges?
Being a trailblazer in an untapped market. There have been plenty of discouraging moments in business where it took much more convincing of our clients, I believe, than it may have taken if we were in a larger city or market. But that would bring another set of challenges with more competitors, so we stayed the course and here we are. We are now capable of offering services outside of our immediate geographical area.
4. What has been your greatest reward?
Being able to positively impact so many children through our enrichment programs, summer camps, and tutoring. We have had a tremendous outpouring of support and have a 100% customer satisfaction rating based on our genuine passion for helping others. Students have increased test scores and improved academic performance significantly while participating in our programs.
5. If you could change something, what would it be?
I would change the way some perceive the value of investing in their education. We believe that today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders. Until education becomes a priority, especially for children, the future will be at risk for under qualified workers and leaders.
6. If you could give a new entrepreneur advice, what would it be?
Do your homework. Know your industry’s ins and outs. Be an expert and advocate for your business’ products or services. Stay current on market trends and customer needs, and be flexible enough to meet those needs so long as it aligns with your business model.
7. Social Media. Yay or Nay?
Yay! Definitely.
8. How do you market your products?
Social media, website, flyers, email distribution, conferences, trade shows, press releases, and networking.
9. Is your business a service or a product? If you are a product, how do you handle production?
My business is a service.
10. What is unique about your business?
All of our teachers are highly skilled with education, experience, and training to provide quality results-driven educational programs.
11. Sell me your product/service.
Does your organization need professional or workforce development training to improve skills, work morale or overall performance? Does your child need help with homework or ACT math test prep? We can help! Contact us today to learn more about our Innovative Learning Solutions!
12. How can people get in touch with you? What’s your website/Contact information?
Christina Washington
- Phone: 318-934-0093
- Website: www.YoungScholarsEC.com
