Isaiah Mampa’s business journey didn’t start with a big plan or a dream of being an entrepreneur. It all began in the classroom, where he helped students with extra math lessons after school.
His love for math grew during his high school years, thanks to the support of other math tutors. This experience helped him succeed in math and inspired him to give back by tutoring others.
For five years, Isaiah dedicated his time to helping learners at local schools. Over time, more students started asking for his help, and eventually, parents began offering to pay for his services. This was his “aha” moment – when he realized he could turn his passion for teaching math into a real business. Isaiah had found his calling and saw that there was a need for his skills.
Starting out wasn’t easy. Like many new business owners, Isaiah had doubts. Could he really turn this into a successful venture? But he had something valuable on his side – the experience of seeing his students improve over the years. That gave him the confidence to take the leap. His advice is simple: start small. You don’t need to launch a huge business right away. Take your time, build confidence step by step, and grow with a clear goal in mind.
Running a business has its challenges, and Isaiah knows this well. But he believes persistence is key. “You have to keep pushing, even when things don’t go as planned,” he says. “There will always be challenges, but if you stick with it and work through them, you’ll find a way forward.” For Isaiah, persistence is what separates those who succeed from those who give up too soon.
What keeps Isaiah going, even in tough times, is his passion for helping students succeed. He knows that education shapes their future, and watching them achieve their goals brings him great satisfaction. The gratitude he receives from students and parents is what drives him. “Knowing I played a part in their success is what motivates me,” he says.
What started as extra lessons has grown into something bigger. Isaiah wanted to encourage more students to take up math. To do this, he started hosting fun and approachable math shows on Tik-Tok. These shows help students see that math isn’t something to fear – it’s something they can enjoy and succeed at. He also performs at educational events like the University of Limpopo (UL) and South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) during National Science Week.
Looking back, Isaiah knows that expanding his tutoring services online was one of his best decisions. Virtual lessons allowed him to reach students far beyond his local area, helping more learners and growing his business. As he looks to the future, Isaiah is excited to keep inspiring students and fellow entrepreneurs. His goal? To keep growing, reach more students, and show others that with persistence and passion, they too can achieve their dreams.
