Meet Ferril Gardner | Arts Educator

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

Hi Ferril, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
As is perhaps implied by the name of my business, Ferril’s Pop-Ins, I was thoroughly inspired by Mary Poppins in two specific ways.

I remember as a kid being fascinated by her seemingly bottomless bag that she toted around containing everything she could possibly need. As translated to my business practices, when I Pop-In to a family’s home I come with a craft bag on wheels that contains every element and then some that we would need for the lesson/activity.

The second source of inspiration stems from the way that Mary Poppins always meets the children and families that she works with just where they are in both a practical and emotional way. Her stern kindness both validates the experiences of those around her and challenges them to grow, and this is a practice I strive to implement with every Pop-In and with every Pop-In Pal.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Though I have been in business for almost four years, in many ways I feel as though I am just getting started. This fall I transfer into UCSD to complete my degree in Education Sciences. Applying for undergrad as a student in their mid thirties was a unique experience as this time around I had very clear academic goals that were all deeply linked to my professional goals. In my application essays I tied in these goals and discussed my business and educational philosophies as much as I possibly could, and I truly believe Ferril’s Pop-Ins is what helped me stand out to receive a seat at the table. Being a full time student and running a business is certainly not easy, but it provides a level of fulfillment I haven’t experienced. I have big plans for Ferril’s Pop-Ins and completing my degree at UCSD is step I have looked forward to eagerly for a long time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I have an out-of-towner to entertain there is but one place I want to take them- Balboa Park. Balboa Park literally has it all- a museum for any age or interest, parks to break a sweat and be active in, theatres that produce some of the best live theatre in town, and delicious food of varying cuisines and price points. Panama 66 is one of my favorite spots to get delicious food and a drink outside. The adjoining sculpture garden is a beautifully unique spot to sit and relax among the plants and art.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My business was built on community. I am moving into my fourth year and have been propelled forward by the kind words and referrals from one client to another. My first clients were families I met through teaching preschool for the YMCA. The developmental concept for Ferril’s Pop-Ins was intentionally shaped to allow for a continuity of care that generally dissipates over time in more traditional teaching spaces. Some of my current students who are now 12 and 13 I have taught in varying capacities since they were three years old, and it is one of the greatest blessings in my life. Finding effective places to advertise being a pop-in arts educator and tutor is not the easiest. My business’s ability to grow almost exclusively by word of mouth referral has been the strongest factor behind my success to date. Slow to start, but once the ball started rolling it didn’t slow down. Parents need people they can trust when it comes to teaching and mentoring their kids, making that personal recommendation the key to establishing trust. In this way the families I serve deserve all the credit for allowing my business to grow as it has for almost four years, and to them I will be forever grateful.

Website: https://www.ferrilspopins.com/

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

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ferrils-popins

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

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FeralFerril

Image Credits
Ferril Gardner