Meet Kashera Woodard | Owner & Operator

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

Hi Kashera, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my business is the name. I wanted to incorporate my childhood name Sugar. The name that everyone knew me by.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is Kashera Woodard, and my journey in education has been built on resilience, passion, and a deep belief in the potential of every child. With over 16 years of experience, I’ve taught students from Head Start through middle school. I currently serve as a Reading Support teacher at Radium Springs Middle Magnet School of the Arts.

What sets me apart is my unwavering dedication to literacy. I take pride in helping struggling readers gain confidence, develop skills, and reach their grade-level goals. Watching students go from frustration to fluency is what excites me most. It’s not just about teaching reading t’s about changing lives.

The road hasn’t always been easy. Like many educators, I’ve faced classroom challenges, a lack of resources, and moments of doubt. But I’ve learned that perseverance, continual learning, and a supportive team make all the difference. I’ve also learned to use data not just to inform instruction but to celebrate small wins and adjust strategies in real time.

Being named Teacher of the Year was a moment of great pride for me, but the real reward comes when students tell me, “I didn’t like reading before, but now I do.” That’s what I want the world to know about me I’m an educator who shows up every day with purpose and heart. My brand is rooted in empowerment through literacy, and my mission is to help every student see that they are capable of growth, no matter where they start.

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?
Day 1: Welcome to Albany!
Morning: Pick them up and grab coffee or brunch at Our Daily Bread or Cornerstone Coffee.
Afternoon: Chill and catch up with a walk around Turtle Park, check out the historical displays, and snap some pictures.
Evening: Head to Harvest Moon for some of the best pizza, wings, and cocktails in town. Sit out on the patio if the weather’s nice.

Day 2: Music + Vibes
Morning: Sleep in and grab a light breakfast.
Afternoon: Hit up Chehaw Park & Zoo for a low-key outdoor adventure.
Evening: Dress up a bit and head to 809, enjoy the hookah lounge, live music, and chill atmosphere. It’s a whole mood.

Day 3: Culture + Comfort Food
Morning: Visit the Flint RiverQuarium or Thronateeska Heritage Center for a little science and history.
Lunch: Try a local soul food spot like The Catch or Pearl’s.
Evening: Dine at Bianca’s, a cozy Italian spot, perfect for pasta, wine, and good conversation.

Day 4: Be a Kid Again
Morning: Sleep in or hit a local breakfast joint.
Afternoon: Spend a playful day at The Fun Park, go-karts, mini-golf, arcade games, and all.
Evening: Grab milkshakes or burgers at Jimmie’s Hot Dogs or something casual and nostalgic.

Day 5: Local Shopping + Chill Day
Morning: Walk around the Albany Mall or check out some local boutiques for souvenirs.
Afternoon: Relax with a mani/pedi or a movie.
Evening: Try something new, like a food truck park, or have a backyard BBQ if you’re up for hosting.

Day 6: Explore + Celebrate
Morning: Road trip to nearby Radium Springs Gardens for a scenic experience.
Lunch: Pack a picnic or stop at a roadside diner.
Evening: Celebrate your friendship, return to Harvest Moon for a second round of favorites, or discover a new spot for dinner and drinks.

Day 7: Farewell Vibes
Morning: Breakfast at a quiet local spot and maybe one last walk in Turtle Park.
Afternoon: Reflect, share pics, and start planning the next visit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My childhood, ice cream man. Mr Seymore. Mr. Seymore is the person from whom I bought the business.

Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HLWaMbpC7y3tYjh6a_9LTaqw27ig9fss5CusZSxGLJ0/viewform

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