Inspiring Conversations with Christina McElwee of Teal Couch Consulting

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Christina McElwee.

Hi Christina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My company, Teal Couch Consulting LLC, is the answer to many of my prayers. For over 18 years, I have worked in both K-12 and higher education.

I’ve had the privilege of building a foundation for lifelong learning in the early grades and working with college students to help them achieve their academic and career goals. In 2014, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease, an inherited, incurable genetic disease that causes enlarged kidneys, decreased kidney function, and eventually begins to impact other systems within the body.

This is when my life changed. I was forced to examine my life goals and make self-care a priority, which was not something I had done much of in the past. I took the time to really value each day as a gift and an opportunity to make a difference in the world. I was determined not to let my chronic illness keep me from fulfilling my purpose.

After this long process of self-discovery, navigating a global pandemic, and becoming frustrated with some of the issues present in the education system, I realized that my ultimate purpose, and what gives me the most joy, is helping others be successful and live their best lives. It is with this in mind that Teal Couch Consulting was formed.

Becoming a small business owner was not something I ever anticipated, especially with my chronic illness. But as I began thinking about my life journey and what I wanted my business to represent, I realized that I wanted other people to feel just as empowered as I felt. I wanted to spread the idea that no matter what circumstances may come into your life, you can still achieve your goals. My company is designed to help people do this.

Teal Couch Consulting provides a wide variety of services to people in the community and worldwide. These services include professional and technical writing assistance for resumes, cover letters, author bios, newsletters, blog posts, and more. We also offer a host of graphic design services, website development, and personalized workshops for individuals, businesses, and academic institutions.

I see Teal Couch Consulting as an opportunity to use my talents and gifts to help other people. I’ve always been an educator at heart. Teaching, of any kind, is more than just a profession; it’s a calling.

And now, I’m blessed to be in a position to teach and work with people in a different setting, as a consultant. I want people to live their best lives; I want to provide a wealth of services to help other people realize their dreams and instill the message that you are able, you are capable, and you can be successful regardless of what life throws at you.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Overall, starting and running my own business has been a lot smoother than I expected. With fairly little overhead costs, getting everything up and running was a breeze.

As with any new business, clientele started trickling in slowly and began to increase through word of mouth. One of the most challenging aspects for me was continuing to work my full-time job as a new business owner. It was and continues to be difficult to manage both.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My entire career has been in the educational system. I began my journey teaching elementary school and serving as a literacy coach, but after six years, I made the switch to higher education.

During my tenure in higher education as an English Professor, I have also had the opportunity to work as a director of professional development, co-lead nationally recognized action projects for my college, and serve as a coordinator for various initiatives. While serving in these capacities for the past 18 years, I began to really hone in on the gaps present in the educational system as a whole, specifically access, financial strain, retention, and inequity.

Driven to address these issues, I founded Teal Couch Consulting. Leveraging my expertise, I aimed to bridge the gap for those who lacked access to affordable professional development resources. My vision was clear: to offer comprehensive services that empower individuals, especially those from marginalized communities, to pursue their professional and personal goals. Teal Couch Consulting became a beacon of hope—a one-stop shop where anyone could find assistance with resumes, cover letters, portfolios, marketing materials, and more.

What sets Teal Couch Consulting apart is our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. We believe that everyone deserves the tools and resources to succeed. Whether it’s crafting a compelling resume, designing eye-catching marketing materials, or producing custom apparel, our goal remains the same: to equip our clients with the confidence and skills they need to thrive in their endeavors.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Chances are you probably already know someone who owns a business. My best advice is to learn as much as possible from that individual if they’re willing. I was blessed to know several small business owners who poured into my vision and dream. We discussed everything from payment structures to common pitfalls to client management services.

In terms of networking, go to everything. As a new business, I had to make sure that I attended events to get my name out there. I brought and still bring business cards and flyers everywhere I go. I try to look at each new opportunity as a chance to earn a new potential client.

Contact Info:

• Website: tealcouchllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tealcouchllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tealcouchllc
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/thetealcouch