Megan Smones is the founder of Elite Private Teachers.
“Elite Private Teachers is revolutionizing the way children in Arizona are educated by providing a student-centered, one-on-one approach to learning for students in kindergarten through seventh grade. With the current state of our education system being plagued by traditional constraints and a lack of qualified educators, it’s time to offer a new solution. Our program is designed to remove these constraints and allow students to reach their full potential. We offer a luxury, custom education experience, tailored to meet the specific needs of each child and family. Our teaching is one-on-one with highly trained educators who are passionate about their work and not experiencing burnout. Schedules are flexible and designed to accommodate each family’s unique circumstances. Our program also eliminates homework, instead pacing learning and instruction based on the student’s individual needs in every subject.”
AZF: What is your life “motto”?
MS: If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.
AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize it was the right path for you?
MS: I came to the realization that entrepreneurship was the right path for me when I continually encountered obstacles in the public school system. Despite my experience serving in various positions, I wasn’t seeing the progress and change I knew was possible. When life presented me with challenges, I knew I had to take action and find a way to make a difference. I had to step outside of my comfort zone and equip myself with the right tools and resources to succeed. And now that I’ve found the right setting, I am finally able to make the positive impact I always dreamed of. I am driven by the desire to help students reach their full potential and provide an innovative and effective education experience.
AZF: How do you feel best supported?
MS: I feel the most supported when I spend time with other driven, ambitious, female entrepreneurs. That’s why I look forward to attending The Foundress in Phoenix each month. The collective energy in the room is incredibly powerful, and it’s impossible not to be swept up in it. These gatherings provide me with the motivation, inspiration, education and support I need to succeed as a business owner.
AZF: What motivates you to keep going amidst the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur?
MS: My students are the driving force behind my motivation, even amidst challenges. When faced with difficulties, I always reflect on whether what I am doing is truly in the best interests of the children at my school. If the answer is “yes!”, I am confident that I am on the right path, no matter how challenging it may seem. Knowing that I am making a positive impact in the lives of my students and providing them with the best possible education gives me energy and excitement every morning.
AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday morning.
MS: My perfect Saturday morning would involve spending time with my family. We would start by shopping at the Uptown Farmers Market and then go for a quick hike with my three dogs and my parents, who both reside in Phoenix. After that, we would head to one of our favorite brunch spots and enjoy a delicious meal while playing cards, ideally on a patio where our pups could join us. As a major lover of Phoenix, there are so many ways I enjoy spending my Saturday mornings. It was difficult to pick the “perfect” way!
AZF: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?
MS: My advice to a young entrepreneur just starting out would be to just go for it! Don’t let the fear of not having everything figured out hold you back. Take that idea and start working on it. And when you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for it. Also, find a group of like-minded entrepreneurs to serve as a supportive community and sounding board. Just take that jump, quit that 9-5 job, and do something that brings you joy everyday!
AZF: What excites you most about being an entrepreneur?
MS: Being an entrepreneur has given me the freedom to provide a service that I am passionate about and truly believe in. I am able to remove the limitations and politics that often hinder progress and instead focus solely on the needs of the child. My motivation comes from helping students reach their full potential and providing an enjoyable learning experience. Every day, I am driven by the desire to make a positive impact in the lives of students and help them reach their goals.
Follow Megan on Instagram and LinkedIn.
About The Foundress
The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold and Lindsey Holt, owners of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together.
Every Friday AZF will spotlight a member of The Foundress and her business in the online series Foundress Fridays. Learn more about The Foundress and join the community at www.foundress.co.
