Maya David is a licensed New Jersey teacher who gives private Math and Reading lessons to students (grades K-8) who may need more personal attention than is provided during the regular school day. Maya is also a licensed Spanish teacher who has taught the Spanish language to adults and children, both in the classroom and privately. Here she highlights the joys and challenges of running her tutoring business.

Mindspring Design: What made you start up your tutoring business?

Primero Tutoring (Maya David): I used to tutor in college, and I enjoyed the personal attention and time I got to spend with each student. After I got laid off [from teaching in elementary school], I decided to give it a try on my own. I worked with a tutoring agency for one summer, and I realized I could make more money and get more contacts on my own. So I went off to do it on my own.

How did you develop the concept for Primero Tutoring?

Since I majored in Spanish [in college], I was going to focus on Spanish and also elementary math and reading. I thought that the name [Primero Tutoring] was a good combination of both themes – it encompasses Spanish along with general tutoring. And “primero” means number one!

What do you enjoy most about your business?

I like being able to really see students make progress on an individual level. Because when you teach in a classroom, you don’t get to give enough attention to each student to work on his or her specific needs. And I feel like I can accomplish a lot. I also enjoy the fact that I get to be a support to the family, not only educationally but also emotionally. I feel like I have a more personal connection with the families I’m involved with, and I like that a lot better than teaching in a classroom. I could teach like this all day long!

What are your biggest business challenges?

Finding enough time to find business and staying organized. Also keeping up with developing my professional skills.

Do you have any advice for other small startups?

If you don’t succeed the first time, try again. I tried this a couple of years ago and it didn’t go very far. The second time I did more reading and research and it went better. Keep trying, studying and researching, and that will help improve your chances.

Check out Maya David’s website and blog at www.primerotutoring.com.