Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Mangrum.
Hi Natalie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Absolutely. First, I should mention what it is I do as an entrepreneur!
Currently, I’m the CEO of the largest tutoring company in Maryland – Maryland Teacher Tutors (how crazy is that!), as well as the co-owner of Cinergy Media Group – a video production service for businesses, and I’m also a real estate investor!
I used to tell people that I wasn’t looking for entrepreneurship and it just found me. But now that I’ve gained a better understanding of my life and recognize that hindsight is 20/20, I believe I manifested entrepreneurship. I had always dreamed of having a free & flexible schedule, the ability to make money without killing myself by working too hard, and a lifestyle that would support my love of travel. Even though I didn’t sit down one day and write out a life script titled “I want to be an entrepreneur” – I kinda did that exact thing in my mind, not knowing that was the end goal of my desires.
I moved to Baltimore in 2009 to become a teacher in City Schools. After 8 years in the classroom, I started tutoring as a side hustle. Once it got to the point where I realized I could make a legit business out of it, I left. Unlike a lot of people who wait until their side-hustle paycheck is equal to or more than their regular paycheck, I left before then. I knew that if I gave the same time and energy to the side hustle that I put into my full time, I would quickly surpass the paychecks I was getting at the time.
And that’s exactly what happened. I founded Maryland Teacher Tutors in 2015 with 1 tutor – myself. Today, 7 years later – we have a team of 350+, which includes tutors and executives.
After getting into a good rhythm with MTT, I yearned for more. I intentionally built a business that could operate without me and was ready to do it all over again with a new venture; so I approached a local videographer who was operating as a solo-preneur, Trevor Chin. I had been watching him because of his skillset and felt confident that our partnering would result in another highly successful business. After a few conversations, we decided to take the leap and go into business together. Our video production company, Cinergy Media Group, is doing well and I’m grateful.
In between building these businesses, my husband and I decided to try our hand at real estate investing. We are obsessed with the beach and value amazing AirBNBs and places to stay when we go. I have a secret love for interior design and my husband is a numbers guy, so after looking at the opportunities in depth, we decided to go for it. Currently, we own 3 condos in Myrtle Beach, with a plan to acquire 2 every year for the next 5 years!
Whew! That was a lot – but you asked!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
You know it has not been a smooth road! In the beginning, when I was new to running my own business, I took things very personally and found that I was very attached to outcomes.
That resulted in me experiencing emotional extremes and staying in bed some days with the blankets pulled over my head for hours. I know, sounds crazy. But I want to keep it real for someone who might be experiencing this.
Over time, I learned to accept the highs with the lows, I don’t take things so seriously. There will be good days. There will be bad days. There’s a lesson in all of it. I choose the perspective that everything is happening for my good.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about your two businesses, Cinergy Media Group and Maryland Teacher Tutors?
Cinergy Media Group is a video production company that specializes in helping businesses to scale through the art of storytelling. When you see a commercial, an ad on social media, or a video on a website and it moves you – that’s what we do! Lots of businesses struggle to explain what makes them distinct and unique.
That’s where we come in. And we do it in a way that’s visually appealing and crisp and clear. People connect with people. Don’t just tell me you have a car service company or a law firm. Tell me WHY you love the work you do, the people you meet, and the passion behind it. It’s so fun, I love working with business owners in this way!
Maryland Teacher Tutors is a tutoring company solely composed of certified teachers. We ensure students are academically successful, not just in the classroom, but in life – and our staff of expert, certified teachers is what separates us from the pack!
We tutor kids in grades K-12 in a variety of ways: We partner with schools to provide supplemental tutoring during the school day and after school, we partner with families to provide tutoring in the convenience of their homes, we tutor virtually nationwide, and we have a local homeschooling co-op! I’m most proud of our reputation and how much we are loved by schools, parents, and students. It feels amazing to know we’re doing such important work.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband is my biggest supporter, hands down. He is consistently telling me how proud he is of me and it makes me feel loved and valued. I think his encouragement means so much because he’s seen the parts no one else has. During the dark and difficult days when I isolated myself and wanted to burn it all down, he was with me – cheering me on and telling me I have what it takes.
My family has always been incredibly supportive as well. My dad was an entrepreneur so the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree! I have a host of other mentors and advocates who have seen me through the hills and the valleys and I’m grateful for each of them and what they’ve contributed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cinergymg.com/ AND https://marylandteachertutors.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cinergymediagroup/ AND. https://www.instagram.com/marylandteachertutors/
Image Credits
Jessica DeLeon and Papa Kele
