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

Hi Leslie, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
Teaching my children that it is okay to fail is the most valuable tool that I have taught them. Failure is a part of learning. As their parent, I help them learn the value of repeated attempts to succeed. Success is in the process and not the results.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

What sets me apart from others is that I meet the child where they are. I determine their current skill set and develop a plan of action specific to their needs. I am most proud of both the skills and the confidence my students obtain after working with me. I often have students who avoid writing tasks due to; 1) a lack of confidence, 2) mechanics- a. visual processing (processing what they see and copying it), b. poor hand or grip strength, c. posture/core strength. The quest for neater handwriting need not be complicated. Perfection is not the goal. My instruction is fun and focuses on writing (letter formations, sizing, and placement). I provide positive feedback, which keeps students engaged. The students become less reluctant to write and gain pride in their writing. While society is technologically driven, handwriting remains a vital skill.
As a parent, I understand the value of instructional services/programs that aid my children’s needs and development. Hence, I am committed to providing quality service. I listen to parents’ concerns, respect their feelings, and make my services accessible, which has proven instrumental to my success.
Juggling my roles as a wife, mom, homeschooler, and solopreneur has its challenges. My excellent time management skills allow me to perform tasks with attention to detail.
Cultivating my creativity and willingness to think outside of the box has helped grow my business. Providing students with opportunities to be creative helps develop problem-solving and motor skills. Implementing multi-sensory experiences aid students with learning difficulties or impairments.
Using social media has helped my creative process. It has encouraged new ways of thinking and provided different perspectives. I have created informative posts, images, videos; and hosted virtual events to engage my audience and grow my business.
I want the world to know that I am passionate about cultivating a child’s handwriting and fine motor skills. I have made it my life’s work to equip students with the confidence to communicate through writing for academic and personal success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would take a day trip to the Fort Worth Stock Yards to watch the world’s only cattle drive. Shop the hottest brands at The Shops of Legacy. Take a stroll through the beautiful Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Catch an evening baseball game at Dr. Pepper Stadium and watch post-game fireworks. Explore the mystery of the rainforest at The Dallas World Aquarium. The trip would not be complete sans eating delicious Texas barbeque from Hutchins BBQ (Frisco).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am blessed to have the love, support, and encouragement from my family and friends. My husband, Josh, offers wise counsel and motivation. Nolan and Austin bring out the best in me as a mom. My parents, Verne and Cathy, taught me how to work hard, be honest, and do my best. My sister, Erin, is my sounding board and assists me at a moment’s notice. My Grandfather, Harold, provided the first glimpse of entrepreneurship, its rewards, and challenges. My students and parents stoke my passions as a coach.

Website: https://www.thepenmanshiplab.com

Google: https://g.page/r/CVnTSGafC0jbEA0

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_penmanship_lab

Image Credits
Headshot: Aaron Taylor Photo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW 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.