Meet Sasha Chada | CEO and Founder

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

Hi Sasha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I saw tutoring firms fail to help students with the intricacies of the top-tier admissions process. I thought I could do a better job on my own, and formed Ivy Scholars to meet each student where they were, and to modify my approach and curriculum based on each student’s needs. I didn’t anticipate all the challenges I would face, but I’ve never regretted my decision.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What I’m most proud of in Ivy Scholars is also what sets us apart in our field: the level of personal care we take when working with each student. I began this company alone, and tailored my approach to every student I worked with, building on their strengths and helping them tackle their own particular weaknesses and difficulties. This wasn’t always easy, but it was fulfilling, especially when I got to see the students I worked with get into the schools of their dreams.

As Ivy Scholars grew, I tried to keep that personal touch going. Students work primarily with one mentor, develop a strong relationship with them, and have their entire experience shaped to meet their needs. I’ve learned many times that people may forget exactly what you say or do, but they’ll never forget how you make them feel. I’m dedicated to making my students feel heard and valued, and helping them express their own voices and stories through their applications.

This isn’t always easy work, but the challenge is part of what makes it fun. Each new application is a puzzle to be conquered by you and the student working and growing together, and each success is that much sweeter for the work put into achieving it

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For food: Salt Lick BBQ, one of the best BBQ joints in all of Texas (and therefore the nation), beyond the food, the restaurant and firepit are a great atmosphere.
Chill’s on the Creek, in Wimberley, just outside Houston. Outside of the delicious food, it’s right by the river, which makes a great place to take a brief hike and really work up an appetite.
Happy Lamb Hot Pot, a Mongolian hotpot place, wonderful food.

For fun:
The Texas Renaissance festival (hosted just outside the city) is an amazing if seasonal treat. You can’t beat the live music, variety of performances, or atmosphere.
Miller outdoor Theatre (especially if you aren’t visiting int he summer). They have a great variety of shows, and there’s always something new worth watching.
Hiking the Canyon Lake Gorges: Sponsored and guided by the local government, these are a wonderful hike, and quite accessible even to less experienced hikers. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat though!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Sugar Land Psychology: I received wonderful mentorship from the different psychologists in that organization, who helped me develop tactics to evoke the best from students.

Website: https://www.ivyscholars.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ivy-scholars-education/about/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivy.scholars.7

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ivy-scholars-sugar-land

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ivyscholars9153

Image Credit: Sasha Chada