Two Retired Teachers Take on a New Career
Courtney Leaphart and Molly Scott retired from teaching in June 2022. Rather than sitting back and relaxing after their years of teaching third grade at Lexington Elementary School, they tackled a new career.
Within a few months of retiring, the two opened an online gift store, The Purple Turtle. The name came from Courtney’s mom and aunt’s store in downtown Columbia many years ago. “As a child, I would always tell my mom and aunt that one day I would reopen The Purple Turtle, the store they once owned,” she said. “When Molly and I started teaching together, I shared this dream with her, and it became a recurring topic of conversation during our years at LES.” When they retired, she asked Scott if she wanted to open the shop.” That very day, we decided to start with a website and work towards opening a storefront,” Leaphart said. “I know my mom and aunt would be so happy to know that we have kept their dream alive.”
A background in teaching led the way for the new business venture. “I believe that the personal and communication skills I developed as a teacher have equipped me as a business owner,” Scott said. The possibility of opening the store was something they had always talked about and they put that talk into action.
There are so many skills required of teachers in the classroom. Those same skills are also helpful in the business world. “Throughout my teaching career, I met so many people, including teachers, parents, and students (some of whom are now parents), and I have formed lifelong relationships with them,” Leaphart shared. “These connections have supported our business by visiting our website, sharing it on social media, and attending our pop-up events around town.” They have participated in vendor shows and events like the holiday Mistletoe Market.
“As a teacher, you are constantly dealing with classroom challenges that require quick problem-solving,” Leaphart continued. “Managing lesson plans and classroom activities requires strong organization. Teaching also requires patience, perseverance, time management, and goal setting, all skills that are needed to run The Purple Turtle.”
Teamwork is also key. “Thank goodness Molly is good with the technical side, and I enjoy the selling side,” Leaphart said. “We make a great team!”
The shop features unique gift ideas, household decor, gardening items, jewelry, and much more. Check out their website thepurpleturtle.com and follow them on social media.
Currently their shop is only online but stay tuned. Both owners hope to have a “brick and mortar” location soon.