WHEN DID YOU LAUNCH YOUR BUSINESS?
It’s amazing what word of mouth can do on the Island. I love hearing that a parent was referred to Sylvan by a friend who had a great experience here. That means I am making a difference and that’s so important to me.
It works very well for all students, but especially for those who require some extra assistance or feel more successful with routine. We’ve also seen growth from our immigrant families; many are looking for help with their child’s English proficiency. Like all businesses, since Covid, Sylvan has had to adjust to a new normal. ADVICE FOR WOMEN JUST ENTERING THE BUSINESS WORLD: Setting realistic goals is key. My personality is one where I want to know everything right away and that’s just not possible. Take on only as much as you can handle and then add on as you can. Having key people around to help you is crucial. I am very fortunate and have incredible teachers to help me build my business. Finding a healthy balance is tough, especially as a single mom. It’s very easy to get consumed by your business. Recognize opportunities to celebrate, relax and recharge. Talk to other people in businesses, both similar and different to yours. They can offer a wealth of experience and support for you. Some days you think you are invincible and that everything is great. Other days you think, why am I doing this? Just remember that internal dialogue is normal, and we would feel that way no matter what job we were doing!
I started my business in the fall of 2014. Education has always been a huge part of my life, both as a student and as an educator. When I heard that Sylvan Learning Centre was for sale, I knew it was the perfect fit for me. I researched and studied the business before making the final decision. The more I learned, the more I could see myself doing this. No matter the obstacles, I just kept moving forward and believing that it was going to happen. I had no idea how much my life would change once I signed on the dotted line. Starting a business on your own is not for the faint of heart! You need to believe in yourself 150 per cent. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR VENTURE? When I first started Sylvan, I didn’t realize how much parent contact I’d have. I love that I get to have genuine conversations with parents when they reach out looking for help with their child’s needs. That contact continues throughout their time at Sylvan. Progress meetings celebrate successes and focus on upcoming skills to master. It’s a fantastic feeling when a parent reaches out and you can offer them the help they’re looking for. Our Centre is very welcoming, with parents often feeling more like friends than clients.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I am inspired every day by my staff, my students and my families. I’m so fortunate to work with incredible teachers who have a passion for helping children. At Sylvan, we have students as young as four all the way up to and including university and college. Many are struggling with one or more subjects, and some may be several grades behind. Our first step is always to build a relationship of respect and trust. It’s an incredible feeling to see a child’s confidence grow and to be able to try new things or succeed in an area that has been a real challenge for them. I know that I am being completely biased, but we have amazing kids!
WHAT CHANGES HAS YOUR BUSINESS EXPERIENCED SINCE OPENING?
My business has grown in several areas since I started. One area is with children who have been diagnosed with a learning challenge or who are on the autism spectrum. Sylvan has a very structured setup and form of delivery.
Sylvan PEI ann@peilearning.ca 902.367.3678 www.SylvanPEI.ca
(Photo Evan Ceretti)
SPRING 2022 www.pei-living.ca
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