If you ask Michelle Friedrich, Mathnasium of Converse, to describe Mathnasium in three words she would say: Confidence for Life. After spending some time with her this past week, I couldn’t agree more. Through Mathnasium, Michelle and staff provide a positive and productive learning environment that every kid will find happiness and comfort in learning and improving their math skills. The ages vary from elementary school to high school and typically have a 1:3 ratio to ensure your child is receiving personalized tutoring.

Surrounded by friends, family and the community, Michelle opened her doors in October 2018 and hasn’t looked back. I asked if she had plans on expanding Mathnasium, she quickly and joyfully filled me in on her future plans.

You were a school teacher for many years; what made you decide to open a Mathnasium franchise?

“This whole thing just evolved so fluidly. I was interviewing and interested in becoming an assistant principal or academic dean. I was heavily involved in improving math in my district and had led math professional development, as well as participated in the Texas Math Regional Collaborative for the past three years. I was helping a friend who was interested in opening a franchise, so we were both googling possible franchises and weeks later Mathnasium popped up on my feed. I filled out just enough of the form for someone to call me and here I am nine months later with a fully functional math learning center.”

What is your 10-year vision for Mathnasium?

“My vision is to help every student reach his or her potential in math by teaching in a way that makes sense to him/her.”

What is your favorite part of running your own business?

“My favorite part is definitely the change in self-confidence with students. I have e-mails, phone messages, text messages, Facebook posts and reviews that say repeatedly how their child’s confidence in all areas has changed for the better. Kids are more willing to participate in class, seek help when confusion interrupts learning, and in general are better at taking charge where learning is concerned.”

Does Mathnasium offer any services or programs that parents, or the community may not be aware of?

“We do a game night once per month where parent can drop their kiddos off and get two hours to themselves while their child is busy having fun playing math games with us.”

How do you manage to balance running a business and making sure you spend time with your family?

“That’s been really tough since I am a brand-new business owner. I taught for 24 years so the day-to-day craziness is what I do well. The other stuff (payroll, taxes, accounting, marketing…) is still a big learning curve for me.”

Growing up, what career did you imagine for yourself?

“You know, honestly I never had something specific in mind. My personality has always been to live in the moment.”

Mathnasium of Converse is located at 8340 FM 78 and is still accepting students. If you’re curious or interested in enrolling your child, please stop by and pay Michelle a visit. She would be happy to give you a tour and show you her wall of A+ papers from her students!