Fit Learning St. Louis, Janice Smith
Fit Learning St. Louis is a one-on-one educational center serving learners of all ages and skill levels. As a licensed affiliate of the Fit Learning system, the center offers highly individualized instruction rooted in behavioral science — including its flagship early learning program, Little Fits.
Inspiration behind the business.
Janice Smith’s journey began with a podcast — an interview with Dr. Kim Berens, founder of Fit Learning.
“Fit Learning combines my love of teaching, children, and behavior science,” Janice shared. That fusion of passion and purpose became the foundation for what would grow into a thriving business.
What makes Fit Learning unique?
Unlike most tutoring centers, Fit Learning delivers quantifiable academic transformation. The system emphasizes both accuracy and fluency, and publishes performance outcomes.
“We see goose bumps, happy tears, and belly laughs as we continue to be wowed by the learning outcomes we produce. It’s very rewarding” Janice said.
The SCORE Connection: Building confidence, systems, and strategy.
Janice connected with SCORE in 2019, just as she was preparing to launch Fit Learning STL. She was passionate and prepared to work hard — but lacked formal business training.
“When she came to me,” recalled Ray Edwards, her SCORE mentor, “she was contemplating whether she could really do this. She needed confidence more than anything. It wasn’t about skill — she had plenty of that — it was about believing she could lead a business.”
Together, Janice and Ray tackled foundational areas of business:
- Setting up financial systems
- Reading and interpreting income statements
- Growth tracking and projections
- Marketing and SEO strategies
- HR and talent retention challenges
“When we met, she didn’t even know what financials she needed. But she learned fast. Every meeting, she came back having acted on what we’d discussed,” said Ray.
“Thanks to the support I’ve received from SCORE, I’m in a job I love, leading a business I care deeply about. I’ve got a staff that loves coming to work, and I’ve got a business that is growing and making money.”
What's great about my mentor?
“He's accessible and generous in sharing his expertise and experience. SCORE has been extremely beneficial to me, particularly because of the generous time and expertise provided by Ray. I appreciate that Ray is always ready to help and can be easily contacted by phone or email. I regularly suggest to other Fit directors that they get a SCORE mentor. “
Advice for new entrepreneurs.
“Get a SCORE mentor! And be in love with the mission and values of your company.”
Conclusion: A business built on passion, purpose, and partnership.
Janice Smith’s journey with Fit Learning St. Louis is a powerful example of what happens when a strong mission meets the right support. Her dedication to children, education, and measurable outcomes has built more than just a business — it’s created a space where learners thrive, families find hope, and educators are inspired.
With SCORE mentor Ray Edwards by her side, Janice gained not only business knowledge, but the confidence to lead, grow, and adapt. Their ongoing partnership shows that mentorship isn't just for getting started — it’s a long-term investment in continuous improvement.
Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling an existing one, Janice’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to do it alone. With guidance, grit, and heart, the dream of running a meaningful and successful business is absolutely within reach.
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