Meet Tiara Britton: Education Consultant & Teacher

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

Hi Tiara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In March of 2020 schools around the country had to close in-person learning due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. School districts scrambled to provide education virtually, as to prevent gaps in learning. However, for many children this only widened their academic gaps. From Her Heart was established to provide tutorial services to help close these learning gaps. I have always loved working with children and chose a career in public school education to do so. However, I knew that I would like to also be an entrepreneur within the education community. Many of my family members and friends have always suggested that I tutor. I worried about location, clientele, resources, time, cost, etc… When the pandemic forced everyone indoors and communicating via Zoom for literally everything- I knew then that virtual tutoring was possible. I prayed and took a leap of faith. The name “From Her Heart” has lived in my heart for years, but I never had a business to attach it to. Within 2 days, I had a business, logo, and a social media marketing to advertise for students needing academic assistance. It has been well received and the students that I am tutoring are making great progress academically. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 2010 I began my career as a professional educator. I did not begin immediately in the classroom as a teacher, instead I chose to become an After-School Care Enrichment Leader and Program Director at an elementary school. At the time there were layoffs with teachers, pay cuts, and the classroom seemed to be more stressful than helpful. As an after school care leader I was able to make school fun, while caring for students until their parents were off work. As time went on I was encouraged by my colleagues to get my masters degree in teaching special education. This was the original plan, to be a teacher for students with learning disabilities. I started my teaching career in an urban city high school in North Carolina. I loved the work that I did with the students. I was able to see them transition from child to adult and go into the real-world. It also made me miss my younger students. I went back to elementary and it is the best fit for me. The job, profession, career, work, and politics of education are certainly hard. Our students come from many different backgrounds, their own personal traumas, celebrations, needs, wants- but our “job” is to teach the curriculum. My heart is teach the whole child starting with their needs. It is a passion that I would not trade for anything. The road to becoming an educator was not an easy one. When I began my master’s program, my mother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. I balanced the grief of her death, working full-time, and full-time graduate school so that I could become an educator that children need. It was not easy- I wanted to quit, so many times. I doubted myself and the journey that I was on so many times. However, the moments when students tell me that they have learned so much from my class; they invite me to their personal events; the connections I make with them- makes it all so worth every tear cried. Each challenge was followed by a celebration of growth and I would not take any of it back. I learned that anything worth having, is worth fighting for. The brand- From Her Heart- is exactly who I am and what I do. Every obstacle, tear, frustration helps to make me stronger for the lives I have been charged with impacting.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta is the best southern city with attractions suitable for everyone. My friends and I enjoy good music, food, and an outdoors vibe. The culture of Atlanta is so expansive, so I’m prepared to give a vibe of a mix of everything. And I’m also a teacher- so we will do a little educational experiences, as well. On a Saturday morning, we will take a hike to the hidden Bamboo Forest Trail, followed by lunch at a local Vegetarian Restaurant in the Sandy Springs area. In the evening, we can go for drinks and games on the rooftop of Ponce City Market. Following our Sunday service at The Outlet Community Church, we will go to brunch in a nearby Grant Park eatery. Throughout the week we can do the MLK, Jr Tour, visit Piedmont Park for a picnic, ride around and take pictures at different murals.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, giving Honor to God! Without Him, none of this would have been possible. He provided me 26 years with a wonderful mother, an infinite amount of years with my dad, grandmother, and great-aunt! They have each been extremely motivational in my journey as an educator and woman. My mother taught me resilience and strength- through example. My dad has an endless amount of stories, lessons, and motivational tips to help me in any situation that I may be presented with. My grandma and great-aunt are my prayer warriors. They have taught me how to pray, believe, and walk in God’s promises. In education, I have been blessed to work alongside phenomenal educators that have helped bring out the best in me. Their mentorship and friendship has been invaluable. Shout out to the Fab 5 in North Carolina. My many best friends who are family- so thankful for the sound advice and motivation. And most of all- the students that I have been blessed to work with. They are the reason!

Website: fromherheart.org
Instagram: fromherheart20
Facebook: fromherheart20