Journey from Classroom to CEO: Starting and Growing an Education Business

In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley speaks with Katie, the co-founder of Picture News.

Katie shares her journey from teaching Key Stage 2 to starting an educational business that provides news resources for schools. The discussion covers the initial challenges of balancing a new business with raising three young children, the organic growth of Picture News through email marketing, and the division of business responsibilities with her husband.

Katie also emphasises the importance of customer service, community building, and adapting business strategies based on feedback.

The episode concludes with Katie sharing insights on sustaining motivation, the importance of hard work and sacrifices, and being reflective and adaptable when running an education-focused business.

00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast 

01:10 Meet Katie: From Teacher to Entrepreneur 

02:54 Starting Picture News: The Early Days 

04:16 Balancing Family and Business 

09:15 Growth and Milestones

15:06 Marketing and Customer Retention Strategies 24:03 Challenges and Lessons Learned 

29:50 Final Thoughts and Advice for Education Entrepreneurs 

33:55 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message

All About Katie:

Website: www.picture-news.co.uk 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kt984  
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieharrisonpn/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kt984

Journey from Classroom to CEO: Starting and Growing an Education Business
In this episode of the Education Business Podcast, host Claire Riley speaks with Katie, the co-founder of Picture News.
Katie shares her journey from teaching Key Stage 2 to starting an educational business that provides news resources for schools. The discussion covers the initial challenges of balancing a new business with raising three young children, the organic growth of Picture News through email marketing, and the division of business responsibilities with her husband.
Katie also emphasises the importance of customer service, community building, and adapting business strategies based on feedback.
The episode concludes with Katie sharing insights on sustaining motivation, the importance of hard work and sacrifices, and being reflective and adaptable when running an education-focused business.
00:00 Introduction to the Education Business Podcast&nbsp;
01:10 Meet Katie: From Teacher to Entrepreneur&nbsp;
02:54 Starting Picture News: The Early Days&nbsp;
04:16 Balancing Family and Business&nbsp;
09:15 Growth and Milestones
15:06 Marketing and Customer Retention Strategies 24:03 Challenges and Lessons Learned&nbsp;
29:50 Final Thoughts and Advice for Education Entrepreneurs&nbsp;
33:55 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message
All About Katie:
Website: www.picture-news.co.uk&nbsp; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kt984 &nbsp; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieharrisonpn/&nbsp; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kt984

The Education Business Podcast is for educational consultants, small education-based business owners, Edtech providers and workshop leaders focused on providing education services to schools, as well as for teachers transitioning to freelancing with an entrepreneurial business idea. Growing and scaling a business that provides a service to schools and education requires a different skillset and inside knowledge to many other entrepreneurial ventures. In this podcast Claire Riley, CEO of Classroom Secrets and host of The Teachers' Podcast, shares what it takes to market and pitch your services to this sector. Find out exactly what headteachers and teachers are looking for, and why building a personal brand matters in your marketing and how you can grow your education business.

The Education Business Podcast is for educational consultants, small education-based business owners, Edtech providers and workshop leaders focused on providing education services to schools, as well as for teachers transitioning to freelancing with an entrepreneurial business idea. Growing and scaling a business that provides a service to schools and education requires a different skillset and inside knowledge to many other entrepreneurial ventures. In this podcast Claire Riley, CEO of Classroom Secrets and host of The Teachers' Podcast, shares what it takes to market and pitch your services to this sector. Find out exactly what headteachers and teachers are looking for, and why building a personal brand matters in your marketing and how you can grow your education business.

The Education Business Podcast

Building a business in education can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone.

Hosted by Claire Riley, founder of Classroom Secrets and passionate advocate for helping educators turn their expertise into thriving businesses, this podcast brings you honest conversations, practical strategies, and the behind-the-scenes lessons from those already making an impact in the education space.

Each episode dives into the realities of running and growing an education business—from building sustainable income streams and navigating challenges, to embracing innovation and scaling with purpose. You’ll hear inspiring stories from fellow entrepreneurs, expert insights, and Claire’s own experiences of successes and setbacks along the way.

Whether you’re an aspiring edupreneur just starting out or a seasoned business owner looking for fresh perspective, this podcast will give you the tools, clarity, and encouragement you need to grow with confidence.

Tune in weekly to discover how to make your education business thrive while staying true to your mission of making a difference.

Building a business in education can feel overwhelming&mdash;but you don&rsquo;t have to do it alone.
Hosted by Claire Riley, founder of Classroom Secrets and passionate advocate for helping educators turn their expertise into thriving businesses, this podcast brings you honest conversations, practical strategies, and the behind-the-scenes lessons from those already making an impact in the education space.
Each episode dives into the realities of running and growing an education business&mdash;from building sustainable income streams and navigating challenges, to embracing innovation and scaling with purpose. You&rsquo;ll hear inspiring stories from fellow entrepreneurs, expert insights, and Claire&rsquo;s own experiences of successes and setbacks along the way.
Whether you&rsquo;re an aspiring edupreneur just starting out or a seasoned business owner looking for fresh perspective, this podcast will give you the tools, clarity, and encouragement you need to grow with confidence.
Tune in weekly to discover how to make your education business thrive while staying true to your mission of making a difference.

Advertisement