We had the good fortune of connecting with Barbara D. Culp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Barbara D., what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe an essential factor in my company’s success is my drive and motivation to make a difference in the educational community. I feel I was born to use what I’ve learned throughout my life to help others continuously. As I see it, all opportunities are teachable/learnable moments.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I own Amyra, LLC, a company structured to meet the needs of today’s schools. First, we have been providing in-school tutorial support for students in grades K-12 for seven years. And most recently, we have added success support services for new teachers and new principals. As a retired educator, I know these three areas need massive support, and we are poised to help schools and districts based on their strategic plan and staff agenda work with new educators. Amyra will nurture and guide new hires into becoming master educators and leaders. Currently, to my knowledge, no companies are offering to partner with schools and districts to assist them with propelling their schools and communities to the next level. At Amyra, we only hire retired certified educators who are still passionate and eager to help. I am most excited about working with teachers and principals to be outside mentors and coaches. We will offer the refresher many of them need on an ongoing basis during the first three years. Along the way, it was not easy; I had to learn the best ways to approach school leaders to gain their trust with move students forward. Another lesson learned was that I had spent countless hours day and night trying to come up with a company that would more than serve a need and one that I could be proud to own. I want my brand (Amyra) to be the “go-to” company for schools and districts across Georgia who need help and are willing to include us in the budget because we do what we say we do, and that is, bring out the best in students, teachers, and principals!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my best friends and her husband live in South Georgia, she is Dr. Sheila Sapp, a retired elementary school principal. We met in a training program, teaching us how to become an active school district superintendent. If she visited for a week, our itinerary would look like this: On Monday, we’d have brunch at Joy Cafe in Buckhead, visit the Center for Civil and Human Rights, then dine at the Sun Dial Restaurant Bar and View. Tuesday, we’ll brunch at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, then visit the High Museum of Art and have dinner at Paschal’s Restaurant, Wednesday, we’ll have lunch at the Varsity, tour Martin Luther King Jr. Nation Historic Site, and have dinner at the world-famous Busy Bee Cafe. Thursday, we’ll brunch at The Flying Biscuit Cafe-Midtown, tour the Clark Atlanta University five school complex. Friday, brunch at the Buttermilk Kitchen, then visit the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola. On Saturday, we’ll top-off the week at Loca Luna to dance the night away!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Along the way, three people encouraged and supported my growth and maturity. I want to shoutout three people. First, there was my aunt Mattie Harris who showed me how to be a lady in all situations. Second, there a teacher at my elementary schools, Ms. Joan Wilkerson, who took an interest in me and my academic progress. Initially, I strived for A’s so as not to disappoint her. It became something I wanted to do for myself. Third, there was a former county school system director, Barbara Dover, who knew nothing about me as a leader but took me under her wings to teach me everything she knew about starting a business. It was with her guidance that I became a successful business owner!

Website: Amyrallc@gmail.com
Linkedin: Barbara Culp, Ed. D.
Twitter: @BarbaraCulp2
Facebook: Barbara Culp

Image Credits
Melisa S. Fox