Marliis Reinkort is passionate about equipping kids with the knowledge they need to succeed. For her, this meant converting her experience in education technology into learning materials for children – which she has achieved with her business, Code Galaxy. Through this company, she offers online coding classes for kids ages 5 to 18. The Austin, Texas, entrepreneur ensures that students enrolled in Code Galaxy classes are given individual attention, and that their parents are kept up-to-date on their progress. This way, Reinkort says, the whole family becomes invested in their learning.
Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.
How is your business different from others in your industry?
We offer a personalized curriculum that caters to the unique strengths and interests of each individual student. We understand that they have different learning needs, so we tailor our approach accordingly.
We also pride ourselves on our commitment to keeping parents involved in their child’s coding education. We understand that parents play a critical role in their child’s learning journey, so we provide regular progress updates and opportunities for parent-teacher conferences.
Tell us about your biggest success so far.
One of our students, a young child with a passion for gaming, came to us to learn how to code. With the help of our personalized curriculum and dedicated teachers, the child developed the skills and knowledge to create their own Roblox game.
To the child’s surprise, their game went viral, garnering thousands of downloads and positive reviews. This success not only motivated the child to continue pursuing their passion for coding, but also inspired other students at Code Galaxy to reach for their own successes.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?
Scaling up. We are constantly seeking new ways to expand while maintaining the high-quality standards we’ve set for ourselves. While we have been successful in attracting a loyal customer base and expanding our operations, we recognize that there is still much work to be done to achieve our long-term goals. We are also exploring partnerships and collaborations that can help us reach and recruit more students in a sustainable way.
Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?
As an entrepreneur who grew up with limited financial resources, I have learned to appreciate the value of money and the importance of making careful financial decisions. My experience has taught me to be resourceful and creative when it comes to finding solutions. I know how to make the most of limited resources and find ways to achieve my goals without overspending.
What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs?
Be adaptable and willing to pivot when necessary. Starting a business is an inherently risky endeavor, and it’s not uncommon for things to not go exactly as planned. However, successful entrepreneurs quickly recognize when something isn’t working and make the necessary adjustments.
Also, surround yourself with people who share your vision and values. Having a team of like-minded individuals who can provide support and guidance is invaluable.
How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?
I reflect on how far I’ve come. Taking a step back to look at how much you’ve accomplished can help you regain perspective and find the motivation to keep pushing forward.
What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?
“Till I Collapse” by Eminem.
Who is your most important role model?
Tech executive and philanthropist Sheryl Sandberg. ◼
Instagram: @Codegalaxy
Facebook: @CodeGalaxy
Check out our Advice + Tips for entrepreneurs starting-up
Watch our latest videos
Subscribe to our podcast