Ahjanea Walker - Learning Quest Academy

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Ahjanea Walker

Ahjanea Walker of St. Louis, MO, is a 32-year-old mompreneur and soon-to-be wife to her supportive partner, Anthony Phillips. Together, they have a vibrant family of seven children: three wonderful boys and four lovely girls.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Ahjanea is also a homeschooling mother who is dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for her children and tailoring their education to meet their unique needs and interests. She graduated from Southern New Hampshire University, and that education provided Ahjanea with the knowledge and skills to pursue her passion for business and education. In addition to her professional and academic endeavors, Ahjanea enjoys growing and preserving food, traveling with her family, curling up with a great book, and having wine with her fiancé.

In addition to all of the other things that Ahjanea has her hands in, she has also found time to birth a business, Learning Quest Academy. Her company offers an alternative to traditional homeschooling and is designed to provide a personalized and enriching learning experience that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. “We offer a holistic approach to education that goes beyond traditional classroom boundaries. Our curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to integrate academic rigor with hands-on exploration, ensuring that students develop both the knowledge and skills needed for success in the 21st century,” she says.

One of the hallmarks of Learning Quest Academy is its small class sizes, allowing for individualized attention and tailored instruction. Ahjanea says, “We prioritize building strong relationships with each student and understanding their strengths, interests, and areas for growth. As the sole educator of Learning Quest Academy and a homeschooling parent, I know the importance of creating a nurturing and supportive learning environment where every child feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.”

Learning Quest Academy was launched in January 2021 to offer families an alternative learning solution during the pandemic. Initially, it began as online classes for preschoolage children, providing a safe and engaging learning environment amid the challenges of COVID-19. Over time, it has evolved into a thriving local microschool, now catering to grades pre-k through 1st. Ahjanea says, “The vision for Learning Quest Academy emerged as I brainstormed ideas to occupy my time during the pandemic. I always aspired to start a local preschool, but the health concerns and restrictions of the pandemic made it unfeasible at the time. Nevertheless, my passion for working with children motivated me to adapt and pivot to an online preschool format, laying the foundation for what Learning Quest Academy has become today.”

As a teenage mother navigating parenthood, many wrote me off and criticized my unconventional path into entrepreneurship.  Despite the doubters, I persevered.

Ahjanea is the third-born child to her mother and the oldest daughter among 11 siblings. Growing up in a large family, she shares, taught her the importance of responsibility and leadership. These experiences have influenced her approach to parenting and education, underscoring the value of adaptability and nurturing individual strengths.

“From a young age, I envisioned a life that seemed out of reach—a life filled with thriving businesses, my dream home, globetrotting adventures, marrying the love of my life, raising extraordinary children, and empowering women like myself. These dreams were deeply personal and closely guarded, as I often faced skepticism and discouragement from those around me. As a teenage mother navigating parenthood, many wrote me off and criticized my unconventional path into entrepreneurship. Despite the doubters, I persevered. Now, as I anticipate my oldest child’s upcoming high school graduation and his associate’s degree completion, I am overwhelmed with pride and joy. These milestones, achieved alongside my own dreams, reaffirm that daring to dream big is not only possible but profoundly rewarding. I am living a reality I once only dared to imagine, and I am eager to share this journey of resilience and triumph,” she says.

Ahjanea says her great-grandmother deeply influenced her life. As a child growing up, she recalls how her she made sure that her great-grandchildren always had warm hats and gloves for winter, meticulously securing them to their coats. “If we lost them, she replaced them without hesitation. Her nurturing and considerate demeanor remains a source of inspiration, shaping the way I care for my students and my children.”

Starting a business can be challenging and very daunting. However, Ahjanea is here for it all. She also offers some advice to others who may follow a path similar to hers. “Stay true to your vision and values. That will guide you through the challenges. Keep reminding yourself why you started and the impact you want to make. Understand that building something meaningful takes time and that setbacks and obstacles are part of the journey. Persistence is key, so be sure to celebrate the small victories along the way. The field of education is constantly evolving, so stay updated with the latest research, attend workshops, and seek professional development opportunities. This will inspire new ideas and innovations.”

Stay true to your vision and values. That will guide you through the challenges. Keep reminding yourself why you started and the impact you want to make.

Looking ahead, Ahjanea plans to expand her microschool’s reach by including a new grade level each year. She also plans to focus on quality assurance and hiring teachers who align closely with our educational philosophy. “I’m excited about the opportunity to nurture a team that shares our passion for holistic education. I’m also prioritizing improving my work-life balance and dedicating more quality time to my children. As a homeschooling mom, balancing my professional commitments with my role as an educator for my own children is key. Spending time with them rejuvenates me, fuels my creativity, and reinforces my commitment to Learning Quest Academy’s mission,” she says. Additionally, Ahjanea is eagerly planning her wedding, which is a source of joy and anticipation. She says balancing these personal milestones with her professional responsibilities is both fulfilling and challenging, and she is very fortunate to have a supportive fiancé behind her.