Small Business Spotlight

Small businesses and the people who own and work in them are the heart of our Nashville community. In this new series, we’ll highlight independently-owned businesses, and learn more about the folks that make them run.

Meet Christine Andrews, M.Ed. of Learning Matters

What inspired you to start your own business?

I had been working in the for-profit tutoring and assessment space for several years. I encountered so many families who had a student that was struggling to succeed academically, but they could not afford to provide the individualized intervention that was needed. As a mom, I could identify with the desperation that these parents felt. We all just want for our children to do well in school, so that they have opportunities in higher education and the workforce.

What sets your business apart from everyone else?

There are many excellent learning centers in the Middle Tennessee area. However, there are two things that set Learning Matters apart from the others. First, we are a 501c3 non-profit, and as such, it is our mission to ensure that all students, regardless of income, have the opportunity to achieve academically. Secondly, we cover all of the bases for our students academically: full psychoeducational evaluations, educational advocacy at their schools, and individualized tutoring.

Why do you love what you do?

I love my job! I can’t imagine that a more rewarding job exists. We have the great privilege to see the direct impact of our work in the lives of our students. We see the joy on their faces as they bring in good report cards or to see them head off to college.

What has been your biggest success to date?

It would be impossible to cite our biggest success. Each student that is helped by Learning Matters is a success for our team.

What is another Nashville small business or organization you are inspired by?

I am inspired by the work of Nurture the Next (formerly Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee). They are an organization that does incredible work with families on behalf of children.

What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start their own business?

My advice to anyone that is wanting to start a small business is to seek out those in your community that can help you. Nashville is a great collaborative community. When I started Learning Matters, I received invaluable help from friends that were educators, attorneys, and accountants. I have also learned how important it is to have a relationship with a banker. Fourth Capital has been fantastic.

 

Learning Matters provides to K-12 students, regardless of socioeconomic status, a team of experienced learning specialists who assess student academic abilities and offer intensive instruction to  (1) remediate the individuals’ needs, (2) improve performance and grades in school, (3) increase students’ feelings of self-worth, and (4) enhance opportunities for success in life. Learn more.

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