Meet the Tribe - Kalena Baker
Each week we bring you the story of one incredible entrepreneur who can be found inside the Hatch Tribe COLLECTIVE. Today we’re excited to introduce Kalena Baker of Teaching Made Practical in Goose Creek, SC.
What is your business and how did it come to be?
I was a 3rd-grade teacher in a very high poverty school in Wichita, KS. A lot of the curriculum that was provided to me didn't fit the needs of my students, so I spent a lot of time creating and adapting resources so that I could better help them. When I came across the online marketplace called TeachersPayTeachers, I began creating resources that I could sell to help make other teachers' lives easier. Eventually, that led to the creation of my website and selling curriculum through it. I focus on writing curriculum for 3rd-5th grade students that are scaffolded to help them understand more difficult concepts.
What’s the hardest thing about being your own boss?
It's so relatable to most people in my life, especially since I'm in the online space. When I tell people what I do, they tend to think it's a scam or that I'm a part of some multi-level marketing scheme. Most people think I use it as an excuse to not get a “real" job. I love my job, and I think the Internet has made so many opportunities to make starting your own business possible for anyone. It's frustrating to me that people don't understand me and what I do.
What’s the best part about being your own boss?
The flexibility! Since my business is entirely online, once I set up systems and sales funnels, it becomes a very passive process. I can work when I want and take extended vacations whenever I want.
How do you keep yourself accountable?
I'm very motivated by setting and keeping goals. I have systems in place to set yearly goals, quarterly goals, monthly goals, and weekly goals. I go back and refer to those goals daily as I work to help keep me from getting distracted. Taking the time to write out clear goals and refer to them regularly has been the best way for me to keep myself accountable.
How has a so-called failure actually set you up for future success?
Failures are a great chance to improve your problem-solving skills. Coming out on the other side of a failure successfully helps build your confidence. You learn how to do new things. You begin to believe that there is always a solution, it's just a matter of finding out the right one. All businesses make mistakes or fail at some point - the ones that succeed long term are the ones that push through.
What podcasts are you digging right now?
Business:
AskPat 2.0 by Pat Flynn
Niche Pursuits by Spencer Haws
Simple Pin Media by Kate Ahl
Flipped Lifestyle by Shane and Jocelyn Sams
Personal:
River Community Church by River Community Church
The Politics Guys by The Politics Guys
Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
What is one quote or motto you live by?
"...I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:11b-13
What does the world need more of?
Being able to disagree with someone and still be kind to them.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received as a business owner?
I think learning about the 80/20 rule has really helped me decide how to spend my time as a solopreneur. Thinking about what is 20% of what I do that gives me 80% of the results helps prevent getting pulled into the "shiny object syndrome."
To connect with Kalena Baker join us in the Hatch Tribe Collective.
You can also find her at:
Website: https://teachingmadepractical.com/
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