Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Herron.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Katherine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
During the years of 2006 and 2014, I taught Spanish for Highland Park ISD. In those years, I began tutoring former students. I tutored a lot of kids in and out of my home. One summer when I was just a few months pregnant with my first child, my mom had an idea to try and combine students in my tutoring times in an attempt for me to not work so much with a little baby on the way. It was then I had a realization! I left the district, and I began a small business from my home that next year, which was quite the opposite of trying to have less work on my plate! It was a small group tutoring business that allowed students to commit to a time each week where I would create materials to reinforce what was happening in their Spanish classes. It was a fraction of the price of private tutoring! Affordable, effective, focused, small group tutoring sessions grew to the point where I was teaching over 90 students a week in my small house. It was then I realized. I needed a space and a business name. I recruited an amazing tutor and teacher, Oscar Ruiz, to come alongside me. He now serves as not only a tutor but the Director of Operations.
In the Fall of 2015, I took the biggest leap of faith and decided to hire teachers of all subjects, not just Spanish. I reached out to my favorite (and best) teachers I knew and asked them to come alongside me and join my new venture to tutor their own small groups for Hola. Now, on a given week at Hola, we have over 500 students walk through our doors. We offer small groups (what we are known for), pop up/extra sessions before tests and quizzes, and private tutoring as well. We span from Pre-K all the way to ACT/SAT prep and college counseling. We tutor over 120 small groups of all ages and subjects weekly, and 32 tutors teach for Hola HP. To think it all started in a small living room with a wild idea!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I always say that I am just a teacher who was forced to learn how to run a business overnight. There have been challenges from learning how to run a registration system, going away from check collection, and dealing with insurance, money etc! I have learned to seek guidance from experts, who I know personally, in making important business decisions. However, the biggest challenge has been trying to juggle running a business and being a present mother and wife to my family. I have learned prioritizing time is key!
We’d love to hear more about the company.
Hola HP is known for its investment in the success of the HP student from PreK to senior year. Our tutoring company is separated from others in the fact we specialize in our knowledge of the HP curriculum to help students succeed weekly in what they are doing specifically in class.
What were you like growing up?
As a child, I loved being around people, and I loved learning. I was never the smartest in the class, but I always worked hard. That showed both in academics as well as on the volleyball court or soccer field. I loved learning something new and teaching it to others, specifically on a whiteboard!! I had parents who encouraged me to take risks and were never disappointed if I failed. I was a naturally motivated student who wanted to be a teacher from day one. In fact, I joined UTeach at the University of Texas during my first semester freshmen year with this goal in mind.
Contact Info:
- Address: 6719 Hillcrest Avenue Suite B
Dallas, TX 752053406 Rosedale Avenue
Dallas, TX 752056615 Snider Plaza Suite 201A
Dallas, TX 75205 - Website: www.holahp.com
- Email: katherine@holahp.com
Image Credit:
Ilona Serchenko Photography
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