Today we’d like to introduce you to Gena Lester.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have been in the education field since I was about 25 years old and I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. When I was 30, the home school movement in Texas was reving up but, there were very few co-ops or programs to help this segment of the community. I saw the need, went to a local church and presented the idea of starting a school for families who homeschooled. Thus. Word of Love Christian Academy was born. It housed students K-4 through 8th grade. The school was set up where parents could choose which days and subjects there kids would attend. I was the head administrator/counselor there for 15 years. This is where my story transitions.
During my years at WOLCA my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s (at the age of 35). During my last two years at the school his health began to decline. I knew my husband needed me at home and my role switched to care giver. During this time two different things happened. The first was I went back to school and complete a Double masters in Higher Education with a focus in enrollment management, and I/O psychology and went on to complete a Doctorate in Philosophy. The 2nd thing that occurred was that my own children were in high school and they were getting ready to start their college journey. I wanted my kids to have every opportunity so I worked with each one of them, helping them find their passion and choose a major that would allow them to love their future careers, From there I guided them in developing a perfect college list and walked them through creating applications that stood out, showed their U-niquely-U personalities and captured the admission officers attention. This led to them not only getting into their college dream school but opened the door for scholarships which help with the cost. During this time other people were watching me and my kids as they became successful. I began getting calls from parents asking if they could pay me to work with their kids through the process… I was also approached by a local high school theater booster club who wanted me to work with their seniors who were planning to pursue BFA’s in Theatre/Musical theatre. . My passion is to see kids follow their dreams so it was easy for me to say yes. It also allowed me to be available for my husband. In 2012 he took a turn for the worse and ended up going into a nursing home. The first four years of my business I kept it small and my students were word of mouth. Gary passed away in 2014. It was at that time I took a leap of faith, incorporated my business and went full steam ahead.
I am now married to an amazing man Jerry Lester who was also a widower and my life if full. He is a huge support in my business and is my biggest cheerleader. I now have a thriving college consulting business where I work with students both one on one and through my online campus. It is amazing to see how out of a tragedy God opened the doors for me to step into a new business that I love and am passionate about.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Taking care of a terminally ill husband and running a business was challenging. I think the biggest struggle was scaling the business. I have a huge heart for kids and as one person I can only work one on one with a certain number of families. Once I was able to take my business 100% online and added an online campus it has opened doors for me to reach more students and their families.
Educational Prep Centers – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an educational consultant…Which means that I work with students starting as early as 9th grade as they approach and go through the college admission process. I work with students on a one on one bases where I put a unique plan in place with the family to help their child achieve their goals and dreams.
I work with kids who are high achieving and looking at top ranked schools to students who need guidance in the overall process. I am able to provide expert advice, remove the stress, fear and worry about the overall process.
One of my main specialties includes students who want major in the performing arts (Musical Theatre, Acting, Vocal Performance, or instrumental). These students not only have to apply academically but they have to audition for these programs. The process is overwhelming, stressful and there can be lots of tears along the way. It is vital to have someone who understands this process and is able to guide these families though.
I also offer one of the only one on-line programs in my industry. This program is designed where a student can go through the classes on their own and complete each task or a parent can go through the courses and then guide their child through each step.
I am known for helping each student develop their U-Niquely-U profile which is a system that I created. It allows a student to know and understand themselves prior to starting the college process which in turn allows them to create a college list that is perfect for them, they standout in their applications and they are more prepared during the entire process. Their application are honest, authentic and shows the students values, passion and strengths throughout the entire application.
I think that I am most proud of the fact that the kids I work with each year not only get into top colleges but they are able to choose their prefect college fit, My students not only receive scholarships but every year I have several that either have a full ride or close to it and they graduate from the colleges where they started within the four years and are now pursuing their dreams.
What sets me apart is that I am very relational and personal. Even though I meet with kids online we become close, I invest in them and I go above and beyond. With my EPC campus even though the students are not meeting with me one on one, I am in the community, they are getting the answers they need from me and anyone who works with me will say that I am passionate about what I do.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me success is seeing the students I work with find their perfect college, choose a major that will allow them to make their mark in life and do what they are passionate about. It’s not about how much money I make or how many clients I have it’s about making a difference, loving what I do and growing as a person.
Pricing:
- I offer a $1 -3o day trial membership for the EPC Campus
- EPC campus- monthly membership is 49.00 (a month)
- EPC Campus- yearly membership is 525.00 (12months)
Contact Info:
- Address: 1617 Park Place Ave . Suite 110-EPC
- Website: https://educationprepcenters.com/
- Phone: 8172234211
- Email: gena@educationprepcenters.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/educationprepcenters/
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/educationprep/?business_id=260681781135437
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/edprepcenters
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLjIcJqDelSE7egu5oRpkcg?view_as=subscriber
Image Credit:
Gena Lester @ The Orchard in Az.e Tx
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
