KERNERSVILLE, N.C. — Three teachers from the North Carolina Leadership Academy started a tutoring business outside of work.

"About three years ago I set a five-year goal for myself and I said, 'In five years, I want to own my own tutoring business and here I am three years later," Crystal Garzon Jones says.

She and two of her colleagues started the Study Station in February and so far, are working with about 33 students. 

"We feel like this is the perfect time to start this business because of the pandemic and kids falling behind by not being in school so we felt like this would be the perfect opportunity to start this little business," co-owner, Ashely Mizgala says.

Ashley Barton has three kids that attend the North Carolina Leadership academy. She says working as full-time teachers, these women have a leg up in the tutoring business.

"They're very trustworthy ladies. They know what they're talking about and they truly care about their students which makes them an excellent tutor," Barton says.

The teachers started the business because they were inspired by the growth in their students.

"I love all my students. A lot of the kids that I'm working with here have been my students previously. I love to see my learning process and how excited they get when they do have something," co-owner Brooke Turner says.