Meet Erica Halloun | Independent Educational Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Halloun and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
My end goal matches my company slogan: stress-free college guidance. My goal is to spread the idea and the methods for making the college application process the stress-free exciting journey that it should be. The application process has become so competitive and students have become overwhelmed by the pressure of attaining perfect SAT scores and getting into top-ranked colleges. Then, there is the stress of figuring out one’s career path at the young age of 18, plus the financial implications of taking on loans or investing so much of one’s personal savings.  My goal is to provide resources and advice to my students through multiple outlets including blog posts, videos, informational pamphlets, newspaper articles, live presentations, and eventually a published book on the subject. I’d also like to be able to take on at least three low income pro bono students per application cycle to help them attain full ride scholarships. I have been able to help some highly qualified students attain such scholarships at ivy league schools and hope to be able to take on more of these students in the future.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After teaching for four years in the classroom, I knew that I needed a change and resigned as a teacher. I had no intention of starting my own business, but after my former students began approaching me for tutoring, I realized that there was quite a demand for tutoring and after-school services. I decided to start my own after-school educational center where I, along with the help of three other part-time teachers, provided homework supervision, tutoring, English language classes, SAT classes, and college application preparation. My biggest challenge came when I moved to Miami and had to give up the network that I and reputation I had built in Port au Prince, Haiti. With the move, I also changed directions and decided to focus on Educational Consulting and Test Prep and completed the University of California Irvine’s certificate program in Independent Educational Consulting. Now I work with mostly juniors and seniors, guiding them and their families through the whole college process. I was relying on workshops and community events to promote my brand and my work, however with Covid, this was abruptly ended. I do miss these events, however, I have found “word of mouth” to be my most vital marketing tool. I was worried about getting my name out there, but it eventually happened on its own. My advice to anyone starting their own business is to be patient and to do their absolute best.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Let’s say it was a 3-5 day trip. I would take them straight to the beach, perhaps purchasing a day pass at one of the many great resorts along Collins Avenue, maybe even staying the night. The following day, I would take her for lunch at the Biltmore hotel and indulge in some of their spa services, then shopping at Merrick Park Shops, and finish with dinner on Miracle Mile. I love the Coconut Grove neighborhood, so this is where we would spend the third day. We could have brunch at Peacock Garden Restaurant, stroll through the neighborhood shops, then have lunch at Glass and Vine and take the kids to David Kennedy Park. If time permits, a bike ride to Key Biscayne, would be a nice addition. If my friend is up for it, I would suggest a two day trip to Naples or some other close beach town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Ignace Hage, deserves a shoutout. He is an incredible husband, father, and partner. He is my best source of advice and constantly motivates me. Not to mention, he is multitalented and takes amazing pictures!

Website: https://www.mychoicecollegeprep.com/

Instagram: @mychoicecollegeprep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mychoicecollegeprep/

Image Credits
Ignace Hage