Today we’d like to introduce you to Aquarius Cain.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
To be honest, becoming a teacher wasn’t part of my career plan at all. I had this lifelong dream of becoming a Pediatrician because I absolutely adored kids and taking care of them. So, in college, I went all-in on Biology, thinking my degree would lead me down the scientist or doctor path..
But guess what? Medical school happened, and it just didn’t click for me. So there I was, trying to figure out my next move. That’s when I turned to my high school teachers for some guidance and they said trying teaching while I figured things out.
I applied for a teaching gig at my old high school and got offered a Biology teaching position smack in the middle of the school year. Talk about jumping in at the deep end! That first year was a rollercoaster but I realized teaching was my true calling.
So, I kept at it, teaching high school science for a solid six years. Unfortunately, the politics, bullying, and admin harassment in public schools took their toll. My passion for teaching got crushed under all that nonsense. That’s when I said, “Screw this!” I landed a job at a tutoring company, but my first paycheck was $25 That was the last straw. I quit and decided to start my own tutoring business.
Though I detoured from my childhood dream I was pushed to start my own business, making a real difference as a tutor on my own terms.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
The biggest challenge that I think propelled me to where I am today was being bullied and harassed by administrators and the superintendent of the last school system that I taught in.
I was bullied to give students grades and humiliated and shamed by being subjected to false accusations and “teacher timeout” when I would not comply. I stood my ground, never let them see me sweat, and held on to my integrity.
This affected me for years mentally and financially. But, had I not gone through that, I may have never started my own tutoring company and have done so many things in the realm of education. The defining thought to all of that is: they tried to bury me but didn’t know that I was a seed.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
I’m the STEAM Queen! Science has always been my passion. I specialize in all things STEAM –including summer camps, workshops, cultivating subscription boxes, etc.
We tutor all subjects with an emphasis on math and science and incorporate STEAM and career and college readiness.
The services that we provide have an integrated approach to help students from beginning to end. They can grow with us at each level and explore different aspects of careers and themselves. This sets us apart from the competition. There’s something for every student at every level.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
In order to be successful, you have to first know and understand yourself. Ask yourself: What do you specialize in? What do you bring to the table?
Carve out a niche for yourself and do that to the best of your ability. Once you find YOU, then you’ve found success.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success includes happiness. It means being happy and content with the choices that you’ve made and the outcomes of those choices. It’s not measured by what others think, it’s measured by what you think. Success also includes a level of sustainability, in my opinion. If it makes you happy and can “make you money” (sustainability), then you can consider yourself successful.
What’s next for you?
Fine-tuning the STEAM & College and Career Readiness Niche to become an Industry leader; opening up a Brick & Mortar location; Tutoring Business Start-Up & Expansion Consulting/Coaching
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
My website: https://www.achievesuccesstutoring.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aquariuscain/
LinkedIn
@achievesuccesstutoring IG and FB
And email: acain@acheivesuccesstutoring.com
