Meet Yvonne Stroud | Educator, Author, and Founder & Owner of Lucky Bug Literacy LLC

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

Hi Yvonne, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always had a passion for literacy. Before the start of my teaching career, I was already helping struggling readers as I worked my way through college. Once I became an educator, I focused on ensuring my students had the necessary skills to be successful readers. It wasn’t long before my passion grew to include math literacy. Fast forward to the Covid-19 pandemic, and I found myself seeing a need to support parents even more in their efforts to work with their child or children at home. It was at this point, I launched my business, Lucky Bug Literacy LLC.

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?
My business is called Lucky Bug Literacy LLC. My motto is “Enhancing literacy is at the heart of what we do.”. Not only do I offer personalized tutoring for students who are struggling, but I also offer tutoring services to help students advance their learning. In addition, my business offers weekend enrichment camps where students can apply and enrich their learning. The focus is not only on reading and math literacy, but also on enhancing the following skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and collaborative learning. I launched my business in 2021 with the start of an annual camp called FUNdamentals Camp. FUNdamentals Camp is a free camp designed for Pre-K/K students and parents. While parent and child are engaged in fun, interactive activities, I am modeling strategies and techniques for parents that they can use at home. Furthermore, parents are able to get answers to questions they have about how they can support their child’s learning. Still, my favorite part of this camp is when I get to present each camper with a bag full of free resources they can use throughout the summer to practice and prepare for the upcoming school year. All of this is made possible by the wonderful community members and businesses who partner with me. I really enjoyed giving back last year, and I am extremely excited about this year’s camp as I was able to include so many more resources and fun-filled activities. My hope is to be able to apply for a non-profit status for FUNdamentals Camp, so I will be able to provide an even greater experience for all who attend.

Being in this position of service to my community and surrounding communities did not come as easy as I’d hope. My husband, children, and good friend, Ann Danner kept pushing me and encouraging me. They wouldn’t let me give up on my dream to author a children’s book series and start my business. If I dared to quit, I had one or more of them to answer to. So, I listened to their advice, watched videos, sat in on virtual learning sessions, sought advice from other authors, and kept pushing past my own insecurities about whether I could be successful or not and whether I had what it takes. Through it all, I learned the hard way that it takes discipline to start and run a business. I had to make a point to plan and set goals and then stick to those plans and goals while making any necessary changes. Sometimes those negative thoughts still come knocking, but this time I don’t open the door. I have brought so much joy to so many children and parents. I am helping children to succeed in school, excel beyond where they thought they could reach, and build their confidence. Their smiles and faces full of joy have made my journey so worth the struggles. I wouldn’t trade what I do for the world.

Lucky Bug Literacy is here to help eliminate children’s struggles with literacy. It’s here to support parents who are flustered when it comes to helping their child with his or her learning. It is here to support the acceleration of the child who wants to reach for the stars. All of this is done on a personalized level.

Another part of my business is authoring children’s books. I published my first book based on a spunky, curly red-headed monkey named Jordan. The first book in the series is titled Introducing Jordan, the Curly Red-head Monkey. The second book is due to be released by the end of this summer. It’s titled Why Jordan. The inspiration for Jordan is my youngest son. He has collaborated with me on the lessons children can learn from the mistakes Jordan makes which just so happen to be some of the ones my son made. Why a monkey? My son loved small dogs and monkeys as a young child. He decided on a monkey because he felt it would make the more interesting character. At the end of my books, I placed comprehension questions that parents can ask their child. This is just another way I am able to help parents support their child’s learning.

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 be sure to take my friend to Her Majesty’s and Grits Cafe. The cuisine at these restaurants are superb! I have never been disappointed with a meal or service. To add to this, Old Mill Market and The French Market are two other places that offer great food and service. If the opportunity presented itself, we would definitely enjoy a night on the town square to watch one of the guest bands play. To venture out from town, a visit to the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Macon or a trip to the Atlanta Aquarium, World of Coca Cola Museum, and Botanical Gardens would also be a must.

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 accomplishments have to be credited first and foremost to God who has given me the gift and passion for teaching and education. Second, I have to thank my husband, Julius Stroud III for his love and support. He has been my biggest cheerleader along with my three amazing sons, Julius IV, Jhan, and Jordan. Finally, I must also give a shout out to Ann Danner, one of the most talented business-minded women I know. She has pushed and challenged me along with my husband and has offered so much of her time and knowledge to get me to this point.

Website: https://luckybuglit.org/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lucky-Bug-Literacy-LLC