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Check Out NaKaydria Johnson’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to NaKaydria Johnson.

Hi NaKaydria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began tutoring while working full-time as a teacher to earn additional income. I tutored for several hours after school and on weekends, balancing lesson planning, household responsibilities, and preparing for each school day. I maintained this schedule for several years while steadily working toward my long-term goals.

During this time, I achieved one of my long-term goals by completing my PhD. However, God continued to place it on my heart to move forward with my business plan, allowing me to inspire students at a deeper and more meaningful level. I took a leap of faith to start my own business in 2022. Transitioning from the security of a steady paycheck to working my business full-time was a challenging step, but I trusted God to guide me—and that decision has proven to be the right one. While the journey has come with challenges, it has been deeply fulfilling because I love inspiring students and witnessing their growth. I actively invest in my professional development by participating in business courses to enhance my skills as a business owner.

Throughout this journey, my husband, Alex, and my family have been an incredible source of support. They encourage me during challenging moments and offer guidance and perspective when I need it most. A strong support system has been essential to moving forward with confidence and staying committed to my vision.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was transitioning from a stable salary to running a business full-time, which required careful financial planning and discipline. Learning how to manage cash flow, pricing, and long-term sustainability was a major adjustment.

Another challenge was shifting from being an educator to being a business owner. I had to develop skills in marketing, client acquisition, operations, and time management. Despite these struggles, each challenge became a learning opportunity that helped strengthen the business.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I bring over two decades of experience as an elementary educator, with a strong specialization in reading and writing instruction. Literacy is at the heart of my work—I am deeply passionate about helping students become confident readers and effective writers, because strong communication skills open doors to lifelong learning and success.

In addition to literacy, I also provide math instruction to students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, allowing me to support learners across a wide range of ages and abilities. I am also known for working closely with families, offering practical strategies and guidance to help them support their child’s learning at home.

While I love working directly with young learners, I also coach educators by supporting them with lesson planning, classroom management, and using data to drive instruction. One of the most meaningful experiences in my career was coaching a teacher years ago—and today, I have the privilege of working with her daughter. Seeing the long-term impact of my work, from empowering an educator to inspiring the next generation, is incredibly rewarding and speaks to the lasting influence of effective teaching and mentorship.

What I am most proud of is both the academic growth and confidence my students gain and the journey of becoming a business owner. What sets me apart is that I design an individualized learning plan for each student, grounded in a deep understanding of their specific academic needs. I use a variety of instructional resources and strategies to ensure effective learning, and I have developed a systematic approach that supports measurable reading growth within a year, ensuring students make consistent, meaningful progress.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is setting up a classroom in my bedroom and pretending to be the teacher while my sisters became my students. We would spend hours learning and creating together, and even then, I took the role seriously—designing lessons, projects, and activities to keep everyone engaged. Looking back, that experience feels like an early glimpse into my purpose. Teaching has always felt like a calling, and reflecting on my journey now, I’m grateful that what began as childhood play has grown into a meaningful and fulfilling career.

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