Today we’d like to introduce you to Vivian Kerr.
Vivian, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m an actor, and after I graduated from USC with my BA in Theatre, I spent several years working various horrible, cliché, part-time-actor jobs. I was a secretary, a receptionist, a house sitter, a dog walker, did extra work, worked as a reader for casting offices, and did a LOT of soul-crushing catering. I was miserable, but I didn’t know what else I could do to make money while having the freedom to audition.
As I started working more as an actor, I realized that I really needed something super-flexible, something I could do in my trailer and via email, so I decided to create my own online GMAT tutoring business. I launched GMATRockstar five years ago, and it’s allowed me to have a lot more autonomy over my acting career!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s definitely been a challenge. One of the craziest things has been tutoring from my laptop in a trailer while I was working on an episode of “Criminal Minds.” I remember getting so nervous that a PA would call me to set in the middle of a Skype call with one of my students! I’ve tutored from New York, Paris, London, and pretty much every vacation I’ve taken in the past few years, and it’s hard when you’re self-employed and able to work remotely to NOT work on vacation. I have struggled to ignore emails and enjoy my time away.
It’s been an interesting and challenging balance — acting and teaching people word problems! But at the same time, I have found that it really gives both halves of my brain a workout. I love engaging with people who are extremely business-minded and looking to enter Harvard Business School, and then going to a set and focusing on storytelling and creativity. It’s exciting– the analytical side of my brain has really helped me develop the creative side, and vice-versa!
I think many actors can get stuck only seeing the word from their own personal, artistic point of view, so it has been a real pleasure meeting and teaching people from all of the world. I feel like I have learned so much from my students that has fed me as an actor.
Please tell us about GMAT Rockstar.
I’m a boutique GMAT tutoring company, so I normally am only working with 6-12 students at a time.
I’m really proud of my commitment to them, and I think I’m known for my diligence, and follow-through. This sets me apart from larger companies such as Kaplan and Manhattan Prep, who work with thousands each year. My students really aren’t just a number to me.
It’s probably because I’m an actor, but I also get invested in the personal “story” of each student — I like to visualize their trajectory, and do everything I can to help them achieve their goals! And I think I’m probably a bit goofier and have more of a sense of humor when I teach. The GMAT is a big test, but studying for it doesn’t have to be completely tedious and un-enjoyable.
I’m proud that I’ve been able to supplement my acting income with something this fulfilling!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wish I had raised my rates earlier!
When I started, I set my hourly rate far too low. I didn’t realize that I was actually offering a unique perspective that was competitive and appealing. It wasn’t until a student said, “You really need to raise your rates!” that I finally did.
I also wish I had hired an additional tutor earlier. I’m currently in the middle of that process and I’m really looking forward to sharing the workload.
Contact Info:
- Website: gmatrockstar.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Yelp: yelp.com/biz/gmat-rockstar-los-angeles
Image Credit:
Rachel Stander Photography
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