Today we’d like to introduce you to India Barnes.
Hi India , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I actually never thought I’d come back to tutoring. About 5 years ago, I launched my first company, Online K12 Tutors. It was exciting, but it was also a costly and time-consuming startup. I managed to hire about 30 tutors, but the marketing costs were high and difficult to sustain. On top of that, God was calling me to step away and focus more deeply on my spiritual growth. So I walked away.
Looking back, I don’t see it as wasted time or money; it taught me so much about business, leadership, and what it takes to build something from the ground up. Those lessons are the foundation I stand on now.
After years in the classroom, I hit a wall with burnout and constant migraines. I began freelancing as a tutor to make ends meet, and before I knew it, I was flooded with requests from parents. That’s when I realized it was time to step back into entrepreneurship with a clearer vision and a stronger sense of purpose. That’s how Tutive was born.
Tutive is my second tutoring business, but it’s built from a place of both experience and calling. We specialize in K-6 online tutoring, with a strong emphasis on literacy. We use the Orton-Gillingham approach, which is a structured, multisensory method that helps students truly understand how words work instead of just memorizing them. Watching students go from frustration to confidence reminds me daily why I was called back to this work.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This time around it has been smoother, and I really believe that’s because of the foundation I built 5 years ago. Foundations are key. Even though my first business didn’t last, it taught me systems, leadership, and how much effort it really takes to run a company. That experience allows me to approach Tutive with more wisdom and balance.
That said, there are still bumps in the road. Marketing, for example, is one of the hardest and most expensive parts of running a business. It takes strategy and consistency to reach families in a way that builds trust. Entrepreneurship also means wearing all the hats: teaching, planning, managing, and promoting the business. But the difference now is perspective. Instead of being shaken by every obstacle, I see challenges as part of the process and as opportunities to refine what I’m building.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Tutive is a K-6 online tutoring company that focuses on building strong foundations in reading, writing, and math. We are most known for literacy, especially helping students who may be behind or who need more individualized support than they are getting in the classroom.
We specialize in the Orton-Gillingham approach for reading instruction. For those who may not be familiar, it is a structured, multisensory way of teaching kids how words actually work. Instead of just memorizing, students see, hear, and interact with the learning process so it sticks. This method is especially effective for children with dyslexia, but it benefits all students by giving them the tools to decode, understand, and become confident readers.
What sets Tutive apart is the way we combine high-quality instruction with strong relationships. We build partnerships with parents and students, keeping communication open and accessible every step of the way. Families know they can reach out, and they know we are invested in their child’s progress. We go above and beyond to ensure our students reach success academically and personally.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that Tutive represents both excellence and care. We are committed to structured, research-based instruction, and we also make sure students feel seen, supported, and encouraged. Tutive is about confidence, discipline, and lifelong skills.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like best about Atlanta is the mix of everything: the weather, the culture, the people, and of course, the food. Atlanta has such a vibrant energy, and it feels like there is always something new to experience or someone new to meet.
If I had to choose a least favorite, I would say the traffic. It can be tough to get around at times, but even with that, Atlanta is still a place full of opportunity and growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tutive.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learnwithtutive
