Alexandria Schindler shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Alexandria, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Yes, absolutely. So many kids want to grow up too fast—and I was one of them. I think it’s a habit most kids fall into, but I especially see it within the homeschool community, particularly among teenagers who crave more independence, activities, and social interaction with peers their age. One pattern I’ve noticed often, especially with young female teens, is the desire to get married early.
I think many girls—including myself when I was younger—dream about their wedding day and sometimes believe that every relationship could be the one. But looking back, the thing I’m most thankful I didn’t rush was committing myself to a lifelong partner.
Because I waited, I met my husband—someone I truly can’t imagine life without. He supports my dreams, stands behind my work with children, and encourages me even when the financial rewards in this field aren’t always there. That kind of support has shaped me into a better version of myself—one I never even dreamed I could be.
Now, I get to share that lesson with my students. I encourage them not to rush life, to respect themselves, to know what they deserve, and not to settle. Some of my students were even flower girls at my wedding, which makes those conversations extra special—even when they tease me for being “old.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Alexandria Schindler. I was born and raised in San Diego and grew up in a large family with seven siblings—an experience that shaped my values around community, empathy, and responsibility. I am the co-founder of JKW Innovations LLC, a small, family-owned business I run alongside my father.
At JKW Innovations, we are dedicated to redefining education by giving students opportunities to explore their passions beyond the traditional school setting. We offer hands-on, engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) courses and camps designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every student.
What truly sets JKW apart is our individualized approach. From the very first day, we take time to get to know our students and their families so we can tailor learning experiences to each child’s unique needs. We also intentionally integrate character development into our curriculum, emphasizing qualities like integrity, resilience, responsibility, and empathy—because we believe education should shape who students are, not just what they know.
We pride ourselves on being more than just a STEAM learning center. JKW is a supportive community that works closely with parents to ensure every child feels valued and understood. We provide comprehensive support for all learners, including students with special needs, and we frequently collaborate with families and welcome ABA therapists into our classes so every student can thrive.
We are excited to be launching our Summer 2026 camps, and we look forward to continuing to create meaningful, inclusive learning experiences for students and families in our community.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
That I couldn’t have big dreams.
I had dreams growing up, but they were always small. Financially, we didn’t have much—we lived in a small, run-down house, my dad was our family’s sole source of income, and my mom stayed home to care for our large family. Five of us shared a single bedroom, and all ten of us shared one bathroom. When my youngest sister, Isabella, was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome at age two, everything became even more challenging. She required round-the-clock care, frequent ambulance calls, and long hospital stays while we were still kids. Despite all of that, I felt fortunate. We played outside every day, always had food on the table, and never worried about what we had or didn’t have.
We learned so many valuable lessons growing up, and I would never change my childhood. I’m deeply grateful for the values it instilled in me. Though, admittedly, the circumstances of my childhood kept my dreams small.
I did well in school and knew I wanted to be the first in my family to attend a university—and for a long time, that felt like the highest achievement I was capable of. I didn’t let myself dream beyond what felt realistic. Owning a home, having a loving marriage, or building my own business felt like things meant for other people.
And yet, I find myself living those dreams today—sometimes still needing to pinch myself.
Now, I believe that if you work hard and stay humble, no dream is too big. I hope to care for my parents as they age, give my children more than I had while teaching them humility, and raise kids who know they can do big things—because I’ve learned that reaching for more doesn’t mean forgetting where you came from.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me appreciation for the good, empathy, and awareness of others who are enduring their own hardships—and how to turn hard moments into meaningful lessons.
Success can bring confidence and validation, but suffering forces you to slow down and truly reflect on who you are and how you respond to life. In those moments, you’re not looking outward—you’re looking inward. You start asking yourself hard questions: Could I have responded differently? What could I have done better? Through that reflection, something deeper happens. You become more aware of the pain people around you quietly carry—sometimes similar to your own, sometimes far heavier. That kind of awareness and empathy rarely develops unless you’ve overcome something difficult yourself.
I’ve gone through seasons of life that felt unreal—like I was living in a nightmare. And yet, even after those moments, I eventually found joy again. Not always immediately, but through reflection. Each time, I came out stronger, less afraid, and more understanding.
My husband’s favorite quote says it best: “Man cannot remake himself without suffering, for he is both the marble and the sculptor.” I haven’t found a better way to describe it. Suffering shapes you—it carves depth, compassion, and resilience into who you become. And those are lessons success simply cannot teach.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
JKW Innovations. I truly can’t imagine doing anything else with my life.
My purpose has always been to work with kids—to make a difference in whatever way I can, whether that’s through education, mentorship, or simply being someone who shows up consistently for them. JKW isn’t just a business to me; it’s a calling.
I also think deeply about JKW’s co-founder, my father. He isn’t getting any younger, and I’m determined to build JKW into something strong and sustainable—not just for the students we serve, but for my father’s legacy – so he can continue doing meaningful work now and, one day, be able to retire knowing what we built truly made a difference.
I have dedicated my life to this work. I’m committed to the kids, to the families who trust us, and to carrying forward something that started as a shared vision between a father and daughter. That purpose is what keeps me going, even when the road has its ups and downs.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was a good person—and more than that, a positive example for my students.
I hope I’m remembered for my honesty, my values, and the way I treated others with empathy and compassion. I want to be known as someone who was kind, understanding, and genuine in the way I cared for those around me.
Most of all, I hope I go knowing I was the best version of myself and that I made a difference in at least one child’s life. If I helped even one of my students feel seen, encouraged, or believed in, then I would consider my life a job well done.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jkwinnovationsllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkwinnovationsllc/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandria-m-wilson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JKWInnovationsLLC/
- Other: Google Reviews: https://www.google.com/search?newwindow=1&sca_esv=3e8b06acf992d999&sxsrf=ANbL-n63eN_j6JOeXS62Gypr-4dGL-HB8g:1770689402634&si=AL3DRZEsmMGCryMMFSHJ3StBhOdZ2-6yYkXd_doETEE1OR-qOYf3VoR2RDqnGbQ2PCD5fanYG13LDhhaSwC4BQZnT4iFoxEa-U1W7OL5r4dPIWt5N5bagylEX6pTDQU8nVQ6aEHHgM41lML79BqHn3HLbJkvzJB75A%3D%3D&q=JKW+Innovations+LLC+Reviews&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjt2eeG7M2SAxWmCTQIHVIwHqYQ0bkNegQIPxAH&biw=2560&bih=1271&dpr=1
Image Credits
Abigail Alexis
