The LearnShop Learn Store

They say learning never ends and at just $50 per month for unlimited workshops at the new LearnShop in Atlanta, it doesn’t have to. The only question left is: What do you want to know?

In a recession, all things financial tend to get put on hold, including schooling. But what if learning new skills were still accessible, even during the economic downturn? That's the anti-recession rationale behind the LearnShop Learn Store, says founder Rishan Tesfamichael, a registered architect and real estate licensee. 

Like thousands of others, Tesfamichael suffered the shocking blow of unemployment in January 2009, despite her hefty résumé. Instead of wallowing in her misfortune, she decided to turn her own tide.

“I decided this was the last time I would hang my financial stability on a job, and I would lift others with me as I climbed,” she said of her decision to start her own company.

Seeing the need for affordable learning, Tesfamichael began her quest to provide opportunities for gathering information and acquiring new skills at a reasonable cost.

“Lack of money is definitely inversely proportional to opportunities for learning and personal growth,” Tesfamichael said. “My mother used to say you can't have champagne taste with a beer pocketbook. I think that's unfair. 

Tesfamichael decided to change such perceptions.

Her purpose was “to create a fertile environment for personal growth, wellness, lifelong learning and culture."

The LearnShop was designed with fun and learning in mind. It opened March 5 and  moved into the main offices at the Museum of Design Atlanta in early June. Initial class attendance was from 10 o 15 students per workshop but Tesfamichael  sees the potential for growth.

Tasting success, Tesfamichael has added subjects that are often the first to go in times of recession, such as  the arts, wellness and culture. She contracted various professionals and teachers qualified to instruct LearnShop classes — such as instructor Carol Beck, who taught film production for eight years, Cobb County art teacher George Green and architect Ray Sanavandi.

LearnShop now offers courses in architecture, acting, aviation, cooking, film, LEED certification, dance, fashion, event planning, etiquette, guitar, photography, language learning and publishing.

“Some workshops actually offer state-required continuing education credits and certifications — something less accessible to recently separated professionals,” Tesfamichael said.

However, she doesn’t intend for LearnShop to compete with degree programs. LearnShop courses are seen as an affordable education option — and a way to remove limitations on learning.

Eventually Tesfamichael hopes to expand onsite classrooms to other areas of the country. For now, students anywhere can take part in online programs, but only Atlanta based students may attend on-site classes at MODA, Georgia Institute of Technology and the Peachtree Building conference center.

- by Christine Foster, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Christine Foster

Christine is a freelance writer currently living in North Atlanta. She has worked as a reporter for numerous newspaper, magazine and online media companies, including the Florida Keys Keynoter and The Sunday Paper in Atlanta. When she's not working Christine enjoys baking and antiquing.