My Interview with Fanny Babajide x Eye Level Learning Center Franchise Owner
I am beyond excited and privileged to bring to you, my next guest Fanny Babajide (Eye Level Franchise Owner). She is the definition of grace and strength. I have such a soft spot for mompreneurs but have the ultimate respect for moms in education. I personally experienced homeschooling during the covid lockdown. I was forced to be a teacher for my kids, and it took a whole lot on me mentally and physically while running a full-time business. Fanny does this for a living, she is a teacher by trade and business. She is using her passion to help families in my shoes and I couldn’t be more proud to share her entrepreneurship journey with you.
What inspired you to take the path of entrepreneurship? Everybody has a story, what’s your story?
I have a real passion for education! I knew that my business would have to focus on education and signing on to an education (eye level) franchise was the right first step for me. I am an educator at heart so to embark on this new journey was very scary but rewarding at the same time.
What advice will you give your younger self?
I would have loved to speak to my younger self. As a young person, I was easily distracted and I was a bit of a procrastinator. I would tell my younger self – “Focus on the important things! You can do anything that you put your mind to. Don’t wait to fail to then try your hardest. Begin with the right attitude and maximum effort. Pretty much “Go BIG or go home!”
Relationship building – Let’s talk about this! How important is relationship building for you and how did it help your business
It’s essential to connect with your community, whether clients, vendors or fellow business owners. We all need community and when you are an entrepreneur it can feel lonely, at times. Find those meaningful connections that you can learn from! Build community with your clients as they are the ones who will spread the word about your business, especially my group of clients – parents.
Do you take risks? What risk did you take? Was it a good or bad risk? What would you do differently?
I have taken lots of risks in business although I would say I am naturally risk-averse. Having your own business is a risk in and of itself. A risk I took was going with this particular franchise over other ones. I would definitely ask different types of questions when opening a business, having learned so much in these past 6 years.
How do you find a balance being a full-time mompreneur
It’s not easy at all! Working on my business, working a full-time job, and raising little ones can feel overwhelming but remember that the goal is to work hard now so that you relax later. Travel when you can. Have moments where you stop working and focus on the things that bring you peace!
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by strong men and women that voice their ideas (regardless of how impossible it may seem to others)
and try to make the world a better place. At the end of the day, you have to feel that what you are doing is making a difference in the world.
How do you self-care? I can admit that I am not the best at self-care.
Growing up, I never witnessed my parents practicing anything remotely considered self-care as they were hard-working immigrants in the United States just trying to survive. I often have that work-work-work mentality. However, I know what feeling burnt out feels like so I try hard to have time every once in a while. Whether it’s taking time to get my hair done, or shopping on my own.
What advice would you give to anyone who is about to embark on the entrepreneurship journey?
My advice would be to focus on the most important things first – who is your target client, what kinds of staff will you need to function efficiently, and how will you finance your business for the first few months when business might be slow. Look for grants or loans that can help catapult your business, whether on your hiring needs, rent, or paying yourself as you build your business.
What is one of your greatest accomplishments in business? How did you get there?
One of my greatest accomplishments has been inspiring others to see business as something that is attainable and possible. I have also been inspired by my staff as they have gone on to do amazing things (med school, teaching full time, pursuing their passions.) I love to watch others succeed so this is very special to me.
Are you open to mentorship? How can you be reached? What are your social handles?
I am open to sharing my love of education and business with others. I am on Facebook and Instagram:
I go by Fanny Mixter or Fanny Babajide!
My business pages are Eye Level Ashburn North and Eye Level Alexandria.
If you are in need of a virtual tutor for your child reach out to fanny for online tutoring services.
Websites:
https://www.facebook.com/eyelevel.alexandria/
https://m.myeyelevel.com/US/center/ashburnnorth