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

Hi Allie, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
One of the most significant values that guides both my personal and professional life is empathy. In my view, empathy is not just a value, but a cornerstone for building meaningful relationships and fostering a compassionate community. When you own a business, especially one focused on education and personal development, your principles naturally fuse into every aspect of the organization. These values shape your priorities, influence your decisions, and ultimately measure your success.

In my case, success isn’t solely about financial gain or my students’ academic achievements; it’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals who are our future. I find joy and fulfillment in witnessing my students not only excel in their studies, but also develop into empathetic, considerate individuals with dreams and aspirations to make a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others. Empathy holds the highest priority for me because it is the foundation of understanding and connection. It enables us to perceive the world from another’s viewpoint, relate to their emotions, and respond with kindness and compassion. My students represent the next generation poised to make a significant difference in our world. And if I can make a difference in even just one of their lives, by encouraging, being kind, or setting a good example for them, then I would feel like I have had a successful career.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a small family-owned business, founded by a father-daughter duo, on a mission to redefine education and open doors for students to explore their passions beyond the traditional school curriculum. We take great pride in our unique STEAM courses and camps that are designed to be hands-on, keeping students engaged and eager to learn. Though we plan our general curriculum in advance, we also take an individualized approach. On the first day, we make an effort to get to know our students and parents, ensuring we tailor the learning experience to each individual’s needs throughout the semester. We believe that parents know what’s best for their children, and we work collaboratively to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. We also recognize the value of emphasizing core character qualities throughout our classes such as integrity, resilience, responsibility and empathy, as this equips students to make wise life decisions. In essence, we are proud to be more than just a STEAM learning center; we are a dedicated community working together with parents to nurture the holistic development of each student.

Was getting to this point in our business easy? Absolutely not. Starting from scratch was very challenging, especially when transitioning from a conventional 9-5 job to a position of leadership. Both my father and I have realized that running a company comes with its advantages alongside its share of stress. On one hand, we have the freedom to make all of our own choices, like deciding on classes, curriculum, and schedules. On the flip side, the success of the company is directly correlated with the effort we invest in it. In other words, if one of us doesn’t do it, nobody will. Teaching has always come easy to us; running a business has not. While we don’t consider ourselves businesspeople by any standard, we do believe that we have “gotten over the hump” of learning how to run a company. Unfortunately, we didn’t develop or discover a magical formula along the way – we just put one foot in front of the other, used every online tool and resource available to us, and most importantly, talked to people! You might be surprised to learn just how beneficial connecting with your community on not only a social level, but a professional one, can be!

The journey – while difficult – has been incredibly rewarding, teaching us many valuable lessons, such as the importance of resilience and adaptability. What stands out the most, however, is that community is everything. The support and involvement of parents have been instrumental to our success. Many parents have generously provided input, volunteered their time, and donated supplies, significantly enhancing our programs. Our logo, for instance, is a result of a parent’s volunteer efforts to help design something better for us.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I see this question in two different ways: from the perspective of hanging out with friends and from the perspective of knowing local businesses that are absolutely amazing across San Diego, specializing in various things.

When my friends visit, some of my favorite spots recently include Mike’s Taco Shop in Ocean Beach for their Surf and Turf burritos. OB Noodle House is a must-visit, known for its delicious chicken wings and craft beers. For nightlife, Moonshine Beach in Pacific Beach is great for country music and dancing. A visit to Sunset Cliffs offers stunning views, and paddle boarding at Mission Bay is always fun. I also frequent the OB Dog Park with my pup too.

On the other hand, I’m more familiar with many local businesses that excel in various specialties. Rob McDowell Tattoos is known for his exceptional fine line tattoo artistry and genuine kindness. Valkyrie Ink does phenomenal permanent makeup and is run by a down-to-earth mother who excels in her business. Pawsitive Pets goes beyond training, showing genuine care for animals and ensuring both dogs and trainers have the best experience. Belle Sirène Salon, specifically Sara Johnson, a stylist there, is known for her unbelievable talent in creating that perfect San Diego “beach blonde” look and genuine soul. She’s not only skilled, but also deeply cares about her clients’ satisfaction and well-being. White Dragon of East County and Kids Korner Explorers are both passionate about their work with kids. They not only provide education, but are also known for their caring approach and dedication to each student’s development. All of these businesses reflect the diverse and vibrant community in San Diego, each contributing uniquely to their respective fields and making a positive impact on those they serve in the community. Just look at me, I was once a client of theirs that was so impacted by their story and who they are, that I would call each and everyone of them a friend now.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The story behind JKW Innovations LLC is deeply rooted in the inspiration and support from my father, Jeremy Keith Wilson (JKW). Growing up in a large family with seven siblings, each of us had different interests, but my passion was always academics. My youngest sister, Bella, who was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome and required 24/7 care, taught me valuable lessons in compassion and empathy. This experience sparked my desire to help children, especially through education, something my dad had a passion for as well.

In 2021, my father, already an accomplished teacher and counselor, asked me to assist with his independent contracting work at enrichment centers. Seeing the impact he was making and recognizing the potential to make a more profound difference, I happily joined him. Together, we transformed our shared vision into JKW Innovations LLC, a place where students of all ages and abilities can learn in an engaging and supportive environment.

Working alongside my father has been an incredible experience. His dedication, expertise, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping our company. This shoutout is dedicated to my dad, whose vision and guidance have made JKW Innovations LLC a reality. His influence continues to inspire me to make a difference in the lives of children every day.

Website: https://www.jkwinnovationsllc.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandria-m-wilson/

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

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