In Conversation with Jennifer Turliuk of MakerKids

Describe your business in a few words?

MakerKids runs award-winning camps, programs and parties on Coding, Robotics and Minecraft that help kids develop confidence, resilience, social skills and a positive relationship with technology.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I was dissatisfied in my corporate career and wanted to do something more fulfilling.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I worked in corporate, and then did my own self-education journey involving interviewing Silicon Valley experts, then went to the Singularity University program at NASA where I learned about exponential technologies and how to apply them to areas like education.

We always learn the most from our mistakes, share a time with us that you made a mistake or had a challenging time in business and what you learned from it?

I made a number of hiring mistakes and learned a lot more about how to hire better.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Receiving an honorary degree for my contributions to society.

When hiring for your team, what is your go-to interview question? Please share any hiring tips you can share from your experience?

How would your former boss rate you from 1-10 and why?

How has your business or industry been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes - we have transitioned to virtual programs.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in 2020?

What you think might take a year can maybe be done in a weekend - e.g. running virtual programs.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting your business?

Move fast, there will be copycats on your tail.

How have you managed to stay grounded this year?

Meditation.

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

Yes. I don't have internet on my phone or at my house.

What are your top 3 tips to stay productive each day?

• Start with your to-do list. 

• Don't start with your email. 

• Take breaks

What does being an Entreprenista mean to you?

Do something that positively impacts the world.