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Meet Trailblazer Caitlin Plante

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Plante.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but when I graduated from college, I wasn’t sure how to make it happen. I didn’t know how to support myself as an artist, and I’m picky about jobs. I quickly grow bored in the monotonous day to day. I tried a few things, but they didn’t work out. I began tutoring for a company in Denver and loved it, but I didn’t like working for a company that took over half of my income. I decided to go into business for myself, so I started marketing through schools and Nextdoor. One day, I woke up and realized I had started my own business, and it needed a name. I founded Lilac Scholars mostly on accident. I’m a firm believer in destiny and fate, and I believe I fell into the perfect career. I’m passionate about my work because it’s exciting, challenging and fulfilling.

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?
It has been far from a smooth road. Running a small business and dealing with people is tricky, especially when the work is so personal. It has been challenging to maintain boundaries when it comes to my business policies because I care so deeply for my students and their families. It is also especially hard to be a young woman because people have and will continue to use it as an opportunity to disrespect me and take advantage of me.

My tutoring agreement has honestly saved me time and time again. It is a brief agreement that outlines business policies that each of my clients must agree to in order to begin tutoring. Having clear boundaries and policies upfront has helped me avoid confrontations and settle disputes.

My advice to any young woman looking to start her own business is to be aware that people will try to take advantage of you. They will think because you are young and because they pay you that they have the power, but that is untrue. Be clear about what you will provide and what you won’t provide. Remember that you and your service/product has value. You deserve to be treated with respect and get paid!

For me, I remind myself every day that I provide an unmatched service for my students. I remember each time my student has come into a session crying and left feeling proud and confident. As long as I walk away from every session feeling like I helped my student, nothing else matters.

We’d love to hear more about Lilac Scholars.
I offer a wide range of tutoring, including but not limited to reading, writing, math, SAT & ACT prep, and college counseling. I’ve worked with students from ages five to twenty. For my students, I create a specialized curriculum designed to fill gaps, improve skills, and cultivate a love of learning. For my test prep students, I also create a personalized curriculum designed to increase scores exponentially. As a writer myself and a youth teacher at Lighthouse Writers Workshop, I also provide creative writing tutoring intended to improve writing skills and spark creativity. I work with students on their DSA applications for creative writing as well.

My business specialty is mentoring. I do not just help with homework. I provide tutoring designed to spark a love of knowledge, improve emotional and social wellness, provide actionable life skills, and establish academic discipline. Many of my students struggle with learning differences and mental health issues. My goal is that each of my students feels confident and is proud of their abilities and accomplishments. I work with them to create methods that work for them. No one looks the same, so how can we expect people to learn the same? Our world is filled with comparisons and competitions. I want my students to know it is a gift to be different. I struggle with stress and anxiety, and I often share my struggles and successes with my students. I create personal relationships with my students in which they can be honest and open with me. In this way, we can work together as a team to achieve their goals.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
My mentors are all older women, and I feel I have been blessed with many mothers. I have found them in a variety of ways. One was my college professor. One was a mentor in a writing program. Some have been teachers. Others have been fellow students.

I think the best way to find a mentor is to girl flirt. If you meet a woman you like, ask for her number, ask her to coffee, and don’t be afraid to reach out. Finally, hang out with people that are older than you! Too many people my age (26), only hang with other people in their 20s/30s, and that is such shame. Hanging out with people of different ages helps you gain new perspectives and gives you an opportunity to learn from their mistakes instead of making your own!

Pricing:

  • $50/hr for regular tutoring
  • $75/hr for SAT/ACT prep and college counseling

Contact Info:

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