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

Hi Ricki, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is an important part of entrepreneurism, as it is what propels people towards being creative and innovative. If I was not willing to take a risk, I would not own my own business. I would have stayed working in a large corporation with a very steady paycheck and guaranteed hours. Instead, I left that cushion of certainty and took a leap of faith to open my own office with no backing and no guarantees. I looked around and realized the most successful people were those who took risks, failed and saw those failures as steppingstones to their successes. That was my plan, be prepared to fail so I could earn success, which I have. I know the fear of failure lives within me, but so does the determination to keep going. As Jack Canfield said, “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” And more importantly, the belief that I can always do better and always learn from past mistakes has pushed me to keep going, even when others may have quit. These business lessons, or dare I say life lessons, are what I use to guide my students and their families as well.

By the time someone comes to me for assistance, he or she is really struggling with school and a complete lack of confidence, and they have already tried less intrusive forms of tutoring but did not find what they needed. Yet still, they keep going and come to London Achievement Processes, where they are often hesitant and not sure if they are ready to go at it again. Ultimately, my students have decided to take the risk and put their trust in me to be the answer they have been searching for. Thankfully, while working together, we find what they need to achieve and start down a path to on-going success. But it all started with a risk and the belief they are capable, despite their struggles, to beat the odds and gain control over their fears to feel confidence and achieve success. They believed in themselves, and they were willing to work hard. That willingness is always the seed that starts the flower of achievement to grow. Believing in yourself or in something strong enough to take a risk-that is how we all become great. As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you are right.”

What should our readers know about your business?
London Achievement Processes was born from a dream that I could change the world, one child at a time. When I was young, I had a great family, and yet, I did not feel heard or understood. I struggled with periodic depression and obesity. I always felt like I was on the outside looking in, and no one really got me. I believe part of that insecurity still lives within my soul, but somehow, I have been able to push through and gain enough courage and confidence to risk going outside of the box and opening my own business that can help children and families who are struggling with academic and/or social challenges. At London Achievement Processes, we believe all people have the potential to learn and feel successful. We work with individuals and their families to identify the areas of weakness that may be affecting their school performance, be it academic, social or behavioral, develop an individualized plan to address the specific areas and work collaboratively with the family and other professionals to ensure each student meets his or her potential. Our services are 1:1, intensive, and differentiated to meet the needs of each individual and empower him or her to feel a sense of achievement. I understand where my clients are coming from and I know how hard it can be to overcome that inner voice of not being good enough. I have been granted the gift of helping others to rise above such feelings and believe in themselves-it’s been an honor to do what I do and I am looking forward to continuing to help children and families feel supported, empowered and successful. At London Achievement Processes, we are more than a program, we are the solution!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start in Midtown and visit the walls, then each day try a new restaurant, including Joes Stone Crabs, Fireman Dereks, Riviera Focacceria Italiana, Prohibition, Tap 42, Rustic Inn. We would walk to the Shops of Midtown, check out Bal Harbour Shops, visit the beaches on Key Biscayne, kayak at Oleta Park and go down to the Everglades.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had many teachers and mentors along my path to where I stand today. Evelyn Milledge, L.C.S.W, Leyla Gomez, A.C.S.W., Sharon Joyner, MSN are just a few.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.