Today we’d like to introduce you to Denisha Brown.
Hi Denisha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am Dr. Denisha Brown a native of Augusta, GA. While growing up in a small city, I had the pleasure of being surrounded by wonderful educators and leaders of the community that I admired and respected. The city of Augusta is a gem in my life, for people in that great city shaped my life by displaying unspeakable love and compassion by living the words, “It takes a village to raise a child” through their actions. As a child or as far as I remembered, I enjoyed playing school with my siblings and younger cousins. My mother and father served their community as educators and community service leaders, which sparked my interest to want to do the same.
Although I had a love for Education, in high school my goal was to become a Podiatrist, but during my senior year my paternal grandmother who was so sweet and loving passed away. I learned so much more of how she loved and adored education as well, which led me to my decision to pursue a career in education. After high school, I attended Fort Valley State University and later matriculated to Clark Atlanta University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. The experiences at both institutions sharpened my skills to be a true change agent in education. After graduating from CAU, I set off to use my talents and skills as a teacher in the metro Atlanta area. I taught very diverse learners and loved bringing my lessons to life with real-world experiences and so much more, but I started to notice more than teaching and learning is needed for our youth. Therefore, I decided to explore learning about the social and emotional needs of children by attending Cambridge College where I received a Master’s in Education with a concentration in School Counseling. It was then that I decided that teaching and learning meant adapting and connecting to a child’s social-emotional needs first, prior to teaching any curriculum was a must!
I continued my life in Education, but my motive and drive to do right by children changed. I pursued my career in Counseling, and was able to motivate and inspire many children that were not limited to a classroom but to an entire school. I was also able to lead and develop small mentoring groups to teach girls and boys etiquette and build upon their own fears and worries in today’s society. During these mentoring groups children engaged in group-based lessons and exposure to places and people in the local area to inspire them. The passion and commitment to meet the needs of all children regardless of their background, race, financial status fueled me even more. I wanted to know what other ways I can assist children and change some of the practices and systems in place for them, so I went on to receive my Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction. Although counseling is still my love, my passion for teaching and learning never changed. Therefore, in 2020 after school closures due to Covid-19 pandemic, I started Fantastic Academic Nourishment Educational Services (FAN) to assist with developing children’s academic and social-emotional needs. FAN Educational Services provides innovative virtual and in-person teaching methods, project-based learning opportunities, and customized academic plans to meet any individual child’s needs from ages 3 to 12 years old. FAN Educational Services is committed to meeting the needs of children to reach their full potential.
Most recently, I have self published educational workbooks to meet the needs of young scholars as well. I published My First Motivational Print Handwriting Workbook, My First Motivational Cursive Handwriting Workbook, and My Dreams Start with Me: A Motivational Career Activity Coloring Book. The handwriting books were something dear to my heart. Returning to the school after the pandemic more than ever I saw students that had lost a sense of self confidence and self worth. We do know, all children’s home environments weren’t the best during the pandemic or worst, right? I also noticed with the push of technology, students returned to school with poor penmanship or there was no support in schools for handwriting. My plan went into action within four months to combine handwriting and positive affirmations in one book to help improve or to teach handwriting techniques but also build a child’s self-esteem and confidence to believe in themselves and dreams. Children need to hear and receive five or more positive praises for every 1 corrective interaction for negative behavior. Everything should be a teachable moment and not a moment to belittle or make a child feel worthless. With my mission and passion for education, I hope FAN Educational Services continues to flourish to support the whole child while spreading positivity with our tutoring services, educational workbooks, educational consulting services, professional development, and so much more to come!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road not traveled before has obstacles, fears, and worries so starting FAN Educational Service came with a few bumps in the road. There are overwhelming ideas that would come to me in my dreams or during experiences from traveling out of the country. Therefore, I had to learn how to set goals, expectations in a timely manner to not try to bite the whole pie at one time. I started writing my ideas down for my business and developed a business plan. A business plan that would help me stay focused and reach my goals and so much more. Also, I had to learn how to realign my time to do my business, work my regular job hours, eat, sleep, spend time with family and friends and so much more. It is a lot to manage and can be overwhelming, but with constant self care time and prayer, nothing is impossible. In addition, knowing that I have the support of my wonderful parents, siblings, my furbaby, extended family, and friends makes this journey worthwhile.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently a School Counselor in a local school district within the Metro Atlanta area. I enjoy serving my students and families to meet their needs in the classroom and beyond. One thing I would say is I have a love for community and bringing community partners across the nation to support my local school and students. The art of giving back and doing the Lord’s work is often done within school communities by passionate educators and change agents like myself. Therefore, supporting the community in which I served regardless of race, cultural differences, and socioeconomic status is something I am proud to do each day.
I am most proud of FAN Educational Services, LLC. I started this business as the CEO to help children from ages 3 to 12 years old. I also started this business in memory of my grandmothers, Fannie and Mazie. Everything I do within this business is met with the same grace, courage, and passion that they had for me, my siblings, family members, and extended loved ones. I know that doing something in their memory is something that gives me strength beneath my wings, when times are hard. Although I am the face of FAN, I am grateful to share this opportunity with friends that now serve as employees. When parents are looking for one-on-one support for their child, FAN can provide affordable educational support. We specialize in personal academic plans for children that are engaging and motivating. Our services include tapping into your child’s intelligence, building a positive relationship, and implementing fun researched based activities to build upon their academic skills and abilities.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
First, my advice for anyone just starting out to start a business or publishing a book is to do it Scared! We only get one chance at life, you can either have your dreams deferred or have your dreams become reality. When you get out of your own way, set a plan, let your 9-5 pay for your dreams, and eventually everything will align. I would also suggest to someone to stay focused, don’t let naysayers, drama, or even yourself talk you out of your full potential. If you need to write affirmations to yourself, workout, visit a beach (my favorite place), or just simply say or write daily prayers or attend a church to stay grounded and focused, do it because doing nothing gets you absolutely nowhere.
My advice for self-publishing will be to read the fine print of any company you choose to publish or print your books. Learn and research everything about the business before jumping in. You may make some mistakes or learn a better way of tackling your goal, but know it is all part of the process.
Most importantly, allow yourself some grace! Remember you are quintessential and unique, you can do anything!
Pricing:
- Tutoring Service: $40-$60 may vary depending on your scholar’s need
- My First Motivational Print Handwriting Workbook: Amazon $13.99 Signed Copies at FanEdServices.com $15.00
- My First Motivational Cursive Handwriting Workbook: Amazon $16.99 Signed Copies at FanEdServices.com $20.00
- My Dreams Start With Me: Amazon $7.99 Signed Copies FanEdServices.com $10.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.FanEdServices.com
- Instagram: @Fan_edservices
- Facebook: @Fan_edservices
- Twitter: @Fan_edservices
- Youtube: @Fan_edservices
- Other: https://amzn.to/3Pr6YM8
Image Credits:
Professional Portraits were taken by One TrueShot Photography.
