Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Lawson.
Kimberly, the middle child between two brothers, and only daughter of Melvin and Lottie Powell, raised in the intimate, bedroom community of Sylvester, Georgia, has always enjoyed writing. Kimberly began her budding career at the wondrous age of eight penning plays and short stories. In middle school, she discovered poetry and used the imaginative genre to express some of her darkest experiences. After graduating from Worth County Comprehensive High School in 1999 with several academic scholarships and accolades, she attended Albany State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
Not long after however, Kimberly discovered that she needed an outlet that would allow her to flex her creative muscle while empowering and edifying the seemingly hopeless youth in her town. In 2005, this undeniably strong craving led her to shift gears, switch paths and become a teacher. As rewarding as it was as an occupational choice, Kimberly still felt empty. “I started to wonder, ‘How would I ever accomplish my life’s goal of making a global impact on the Black community if I never left the classroom?’” Her yearning to make an indelible impact by reaching and helping more people propelled her to move to Metro Atlanta and indulge her heart’s desire – writing.
Kimberly ardently began working on her first manuscript in 2008 because she realized that there are countless people in this world chasing the elusive and the intangible – true bliss – just like she was. “I write for the people,” Kimberly reveals. Writing gave her the freedom to dive and delve into thought-provoking, emotionally stirring, and uproariously entertaining topics with the intent of changing someone’s life with her words. In 2012 Kimberly published her second book of poetry, Wet Whispers, and embarked on an international tour both publicly and virtually promoting her work. Always desiring to share creatively with the community Kimberly hosted her own internet radio show, Real Talk Radio from 2008 to 2013.
As an educator, Kimberly focuses on her student’s success in the classroom as well as outside of the classroom. “It takes a village,” is a quote Kimberly uses to guide her interactions with both students and parents. Not only is she a leader in her school (English Language Arts Department Chair, Gifted Teacher, iReady Administrator), but Kimberly mentors teachers and students every year; never forgetting the importance of every stakeholder in a child’s life. Throughout her teaching career, Kimberly has served as Assistant Cheerleader Coach, Ram Squad Coach, Striking Viking Step Team Coach, Yearbook Advisor, K.I.N.G.S. Mentor, Project Care Mentor; as well as voted Favorite Teacher and Honored by numerous programs within the system.
In 2019, Kimberly founded her consulting company Lawson Learning Academy, LLC. This platform allows her to extend her influence beyond the classroom. LLA focuses on helping educators and business owners maximize their effectiveness through coaching and mentorship. Additionally, Kimberly works with the charity, Nic’s Kicks, a charity founded in her cousin’s honor. Forever a writer, Kimberly is finalizing her third poetry book and debut novel, expected publication in 2020.
Despite numerous accolades and various titles, the title mom is the one Kimberly is most proud to bear. Her two boys, Seven Lamar, and Jaxon KaNaan, and god-daughter Rodriqua Fletcher (whom Kimberly originally mentored) continue to give her life purpose daily.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My life has not been easy, but my determination and passion keep me on the path. I grew up poor but learned at a very early age that hard work, when combined with education, would lead me to a better quality of life. Additionally, many people do not know that I am an introvert who also has anxiety. These things conflict with the requirements of my career choice. I challenge myself daily not to allow those things to keep from my purpose because I truly believe this is my purpose, mentoring and consulting.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lawson Learning Academy, LLC – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Lawson Learning Academy, LLC is a consulting firm that specializes in helping aspiring entrepreneurs develop and group their business, as well as help existing small businesses achieve their business goals through branding, marketing, and trainings. Lawson Learning Academy also works with educators by offering workshops and retreats that help them develop and hone their skills inside and outside of the classroom.
In my heart of hearts, I am a mentor. I am beyond proud of the work my company offers. My job is to ensure a person accomplishes their goals. How awesome is that? I help people achieve something that directly improves their quality of life; build a legacy that will be around for future generations. In my book, there is no greater joy than that professionally.
One thing that I believe sets me apart from others is my personal belief that business is personal. Many believe “business is business”, but I disagree. Business is personal. Business matters affect a person’s quality of life so how is that not personal? By recognizing that I make my client’s needs, my needs; it’s now personal for me as well. I treat my clients the way I want to be treated. I provide them with the caliber of services I would want for myself or my family members.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I hope to make Lawson Learning Academy, LLC a household name. I have plans to continue to grow my company and to continue building clientele. I am developing a curriculum to hopefully begin working with high school students and well as inmates on developing and executing their entrepreneurial plans. I am also planning educational and empowerment workshops for female entrepreneurs. My first networking event is scheduled for October 5, 2019, in South Metro Atlanta. I am also hoping to start working with clients outside of the United States. I am looking forward to becoming a full-time entrepreneur.
Pricing:
- Full Day Training $1500
- Key Note/Half Day Training $800
- Breakout/Workshop $500
- Business and Branding Consultations starting at $150 an hour
- Emcee $500
Contact Info:
- Address: 255 North Main Street #163 Jonesboro, GA 30237
- Website: www.lawsonlearningacademy.com
- Phone: 770-852-1959
- Email: kimberly@lawsonlearningacademy.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/lawsonlearningacademy
- Facebook: facebook.com/lawsonlearningacademy
- Twitter: @Lawson_LLC
Image Credit:
Professional Headshots taken by D. Lady Photography, All other photos taken by Kimberly Lawson
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
