Meet Wendy Williams | Independent Educational Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Wendy, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a sophomore in college, I was fortunate to secure a job at Colony Square, working for an incredible woman who dedicated her life to helping families across the country create educational opportunities for their children. She placed students in boarding schools, therapeutic programs, wilderness programs, colleges, and even local private schools. Under her guidance, I gained a deep understanding of the independent educational consulting industry. Inspired by her, I aspired to create a company that genuinely cares for others and helps families make informed and wise decisions for their students.

I’ll never forget the day a young man walked into her office to meet with my mentor. He hadn’t showered in weeks, his hair was matted, and he appeared weary and defeated. As I prepared to assist him and his family, my mentor imparted a lesson that would stay with me forever. She said, “No matter who you find in that lobby, you treat them as if they just walked out of Brooks Brothers.” In that moment, I learned the profound importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. She taught me that the best way to truly hear others is by showing empathy, respect, and genuine compassion. I wanted to have an opportunity to help others by not only showing genuine compassion but also by respecting their ideas and educating them on the best paths forward for their unique circumstances. Therefore, after 8 years of learning from the best, I founded Williams Educational Consultants with a mission of “Helping You Choose Wisely.”

After earning my Master’s in Counseling, receiving years of mentorship from an industry leader, and gaining hands-on experience during three years in a school setting, I began assisting high school students in navigating the complex journey of college admissions and mastering study skills. This experience also led me to gain extensive knowledge of metro-Atlanta private and public schools, enabling me to help families explore and understand their educational options. I traveled the nation, meeting with College Admissions Officers and touring campuses and attending conferences through organizations like, IECA.

Since opening my doors in 2005, I have never looked back.

What should our readers know about your business?
I got to be where I am today through long days and longer nights. I started by traveling from home to home or client to client, then worked with a large practice who specialized in a lot of different areas from counseling to coaching to tutoring, then I got involved in a business venture with another consultant and ultimately decided after a few years to be back on my own and raise a young family all while helping clients nationwide. Eventually, I purchased my own office space and continued to build my company. When Covid hit, I created an online program that was interactive and organized and helped clients learn more while getting their work completed. I sold my office space a few years ago, which has allowed me the freedom to work from anywhere in the world. I now collaborate with consultants across the U.S., and it has been a great honor to add such talented and dedicated individuals to my team.

Williams Educational Consultants has great consultants who are experts in their fields and are well-connected with top leaders in counseling, education, teaching, tutoring, and specialized therapies. We believe that a student’s interests, innate personality, and academic pursuits should converge to create a positive and enriching educational experience. Through our coaching, clients gain insight, guidance, and structure, allowing for clarity in both their interpersonal and professional lives.

Central to our approach is assisting clients in discovering personal and professional clarity through tools and techniques that promote growth. In addition to guiding families in achieving their student’s educational goals, Williams Educational Consultants also offers organizations, schools, companies, and parents opportunities to learn more about admissions and other important topics through presentations and classes.

Although I have been in business for over 20 years, I find that the industry is not always easy, but it is incredibly rewarding. I am always just a call or text away from helping someone navigate their challenges. One of the most difficult aspects of the industry is the emotional toll it takes. Assisting clients through their anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty in a field where educational decisions can be opaque and unpredictable is both challenging and demanding. I overcame challenges by being patient, listening to my clients, taking great notes, and being transparent. I am also someone who truly tries to make someone else laugh and feel empowered, and I can’t think of a better place to do that then in educational counseling!

I want the world to know that I care deeply and am committed to doing what is right. I value honesty and hard work, and being a woman entrepreneur is one of the most challenging choices I have ever made. As a wife and mother, I make sacrifices every day, and sometimes it feels like a balancing act between my professional and personal life. Despite these challenges, my dedication to my clients and my family remains unwavering.

My story is simple. I wanted to ensure that others have an educational experience that not only shapes their lives but also brings their passions to the forefront.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would definitely head to Serenbe. We would go on a wonderful hike, walk the labyrinth, pet the farm animals, stop by the stables, shop a little, get a massage, participate in goat yoga, visit the bookstore, have some wine and cheese at the market, and then have an incredible dinner at the Farm House. The next day I would take my best friend to one of my favorite course to play a round of golf, eat lunch and enjoy the gorgeous views.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Chris, has been by my side every step of the way, supporting my long days and frequent travel, and always speaking proudly of my chosen career. His unwavering support has been invaluable in helping me pursue my dream.

My three boys—Mack, Chip, and Levi—have always respected my work ethic and dedication. As they’ve grown older, they’ve witnessed firsthand how I help others and now proudly share with their friends about their mom’s career. I am hopeful that one of them might be inspired to join the educational industry in the future!

My parents have always been a source of unwavering support, showing their love in countless ways, while my older siblings have consistently shown how proud they are of their little sister.

My colleague and dear friend Carol Molino who works with me and shares her ideas and wealth of knowledge from consulting to parenting.

Jean Hague, my mentor who is no longer with us, remains my guiding light and the driving force behind my decision to become an Educational Consultant.

Website: https://www.williamseducational.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/williamseducationalconsultants/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendymackwilliams/

Twitter: https://x.com/admissionstoday

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsEducationalConsultants

Youtube: @WilliamsEducational