We had the good fortune of connecting with Tallulakie K. Cosby and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tallulakie K., what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my business was easy because I advocate for education- traditional and nontraditional. After 17 years of teaching, I felt it was time to take my talents outside a traditional classroom setting. I decided to walk in my divine purpose and passion as a full-time entrepreneur. My mindset all stems from how I grew up as a child in Albany, Georgia. Living in low socioeconomic demographic areas with a family plagued by mental and physical abuse. I sought refuge in any school I attended as a child. Education was the one factor that saved my life. As an entrepreneur, I have an opportunity to be very intentional about why and how I provide educational services so students (Junior Super Scientists) may be academically successful in Science and STEM education. My goal is for all students to have a life-changing experience in the “Corridor”. I feel that this opportunity will change the minds of students (Junior Super Scientists) so their lives are changed.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
How did you get to where you are today business-wise? After my first year of teaching, I quickly realized that Science resources were limited. My students ( aspiring Junior Super Scientist) had little to no Science equipment to complete basic Science labs. The students’ textbooks were outdated. Through frustrations, I began developing engaging, student-centered Science activities and resources that connected learning with the real world. I started selling resources I created to teachers I knew. Eventually, I become so focused on my full-time job as a classroom teacher, my business became stagnant over the years.
Fast-forward 17 years later, working through COVID the entire 2020-21 school year in the building, having major surgery in 2020, losing thousands of dollars on a website, and feeling invaluable at my last school I was at my breaking point. My life growing up and my continued love for children, teaching, and Science/STEM education seemed too far outweigh all the pain. This led me to my business concept and leaving the classroom to work on my business endeavors full-time. Initially, I felt like I was on to something special so I submitted a trademark application. May 2021, The Kids Corridor Super Science Fun was officially trademarked. The Kids Corridor Super Science Fun business concept sets me apart from others that provide my type of service in a number of ways. Within my company, we don’t only provide educational services but we provide a lot of fun Science/STEM educational resources. The TKC Store consists of SSF Toys store, Sweet Sweet Chemistry, and Super Science Funkie Apparel. From hands-on Science/STEM lab kits, cool Science toys, gadgets, amazing candy Chemistry, sweet treats, “funkie” Science apparel, and more The Kids Corridor Super Science Fun is on the cutting edge of how Science and STEM education will look.
I am extremely excited about my business concept. I have received excellent community feedback. I am also aware of the challenges my business may face. Losing my income as a full-time teacher was one of the hardest challenges coupled with not having medical insurance were tough. Instead of me letting these challenges hinder me, I used them to propel my business. With that, I want the world to know that The Kids Corridor Super Science Fun is here to serve students (aspiring and Super Junior Scientist) needs. The Kids Corridor Super Science Fun offers top-notch educational services as well as products.
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?
First, I want to thank my husband, Carl. Carl believed in my dream as a business owner. He supported my leaving the classroom to become a full-time entrepreneur. Throughout my journey, he has provided excellent business advice and guided me through many aspects of business operations.
I want to thank my daughter, Junior Super Scientist, and owner of Kaidyn’s Corner, LLC. Kaidyn helps me prepare and assist me at all our events.
Dear closest friends, thank you for showing up when I need you. Thank you for your encouraging words of wisdom and support.
Lastly, I want to thank some amazing teachers I had growing up. They nurtured, motivated, and inspired me to be my authentic self. They showed me love, compassion, and empathy during some of my darkest moments as a child. They encouraged me to be the best me. They did not know what “hell” I was going through outside school. Mrs. Henderson, Gwendolyn Crawford, and the late Brenda Powell, I am forever grateful for you all touching my life. Teachers like the three of you are why I am here.
Website: www.kidscorridorsupersciencefun.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tallulakie-cosby-34484521b
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kidscorridorsupersciencefun
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTiMgQUMhNoeIs-v_fzZHAw
Image Credits
Picture where taken by Tallulakie K. Cosby Carl Cosby Colleen Riggles