Former teacher starts tutoring, coaching business in Carlisle to help children build confidence

Jami Mirandou

Business Name: Beacon & Co.

Years in business: 3 years supporting families; formed LLC in summer

Location: 401 E. Louther St., Carlisle

Q: Why did you want to start this kind of business?

A: I’ve always believed every child deserves to feel supported and capable. After working in education for years, I saw so many families looking for extra help outside of the classroom. Starting Beacon & Co. felt like the best way to create a space where kids could get personalized support and families could feel encouraged along the way.

Q: How did you get your start?

A: My background is in education, first as a teacher and then in school leadership. Over time, I realized that my favorite part of the job was working directly with kids and families who needed that extra boost. I took that passion and turned it into Beacon & Co., right here in Cumberland County so that I could serve our community in a more personal way.

Q: What does your business sell or provide?

A: We offer tutoring, academic coaching, study skills, SAT/ACT prep, homeschool/cyberschool small group sessions and executive functioning support for kids in kindergarten through high school. But really, it’s about more than homework or test prep; it’s about helping kids build confidence and giving families peace of mind that someone’s in their corner.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you are facing right now?

A: Honestly, a lot of kids aren’t just struggling with schoolwork; they’re also dealing with stress, focus issues or low confidence. That can make learning even harder. At Beacon & Co., we work through that by blending tutoring with coaching, so kids get the tools to manage those challenges while building their skills. Seeing them grow in confidence, as well as academics, is the best part of what we do.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do or place in Cumberland County?

A: Definitely the sense of community. I love that it’s a place where people lean in for each other, whether it’s at a Friday night football game, a local fundraiser or just supporting small businesses. That “we’re in this together” spirit is one of my favorite things about living and working here.