Our Journey
College Consulting & Career Coaching (4C, LLC) is the result of a shared vision to make the path to college and career success clear and attainable for families and students. The journey began in May 2018, when Tara and Andre Bullard founded DIY Academy to empower students and families in college planning and readiness. By January 2021, DIY Academy (dba DIY Coaching and Consulting) became a registered LLC in Texas!
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With several years of experience guiding families through the complexities of college admissions, Tara recognized the importance of a team-based approach—one that truly engages students and their families in every step of the process. In April 2024, she invited certified career services professional and fellow college consultant, Twyla Hough, to partner in expanding DIY’s impact. Their partnership led to the creation of College Consulting & Career Coaching, LLC (dba 4C, LLC) in June 2024.
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Together, Tara and Twyla bring over two decades of combined experience in college and career coaching. Their mission is to provide personalized, ethical, and holistic coaching services that not only help students navigate the admissions process but also empower emerging adults, first-generation in college families, and professionals in transition. At the heart of 4C, LLC is a dedication to clear guidance, supportive group coaching, and a passion for connecting every client with their best-fit future.
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With a deep commitment to access and informed decision-making, 4C, LLC partners with clients to build strong applications, discover college and career options, and craft strategies for education planning, career management, and lifelong success.
Meet the Team
We're All About Empowering Families!
We empower families by providing essential guidance in college and career planning, fostering a supportive environment where students can discover their unique strengths and pathways towards fulfilling futures.
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Our motto is: Decide. Invest. Yield.
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We equip you to (1)decide which path to take and what goals to set, (2)invest your energy, effort, and resources into accomplishing those goals, and (3)yield the harvest on your investment.
Our Core Values
Commitment
Commitment is the unwavering dedication to supporting students and families throughout their educational and career journeys. At 4C, LLC, we are devoted to providing expert guidance, personalized strategies, and consistent encouragement. Our commitment ensures that every client receives the attention, resources, and follow-through needed to achieve their goals and realize their full potential.
Accountability
Accountability is the practice of holding oneself and others to high standards of performance and conduct. At 4C, LLC, we foster a culture where students, families, and coaches are answerable for their progress and outcomes. Through regular check-ins, transparent communication, and clear expectations, we ensure that everyone involved is committed to achieving meaningful results and continuous improvement.
Responsibility
Our focus is on producing tangible results. By working closely with families, we ensure that each student yields the benefits of effective planning, maximizing their potential for success in college and beyond.
Resilience
Resilience is the ability to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of challenges. We prepare students and families to navigate setbacks, uncertainties, and changes with courage and optimism. By fostering resilience, we equip our clients with the mindset and skills needed to overcome obstacles and persist toward their ambitions, no matter the circumstances.
Integrity
Integrity is the commitment to honesty, ethical behavior, and authenticity in all interactions. We guide our clients to make decisions that reflect their true values and aspirations, and we uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism. By prioritizing integrity, we build trust and credibility, ensuring that our guidance is always in the best interest of those we serve.
Individuality
Individuality celebrates the unique strengths, interests, and aspirations of each student. We believe that every client’s journey is distinct, and we tailor our services to honor and develop their personal goals. By recognizing and nurturing individuality, we help students discover their passions, define their own paths, and build confidence in their identities.
Excellence
Excellence is the pursuit of the highest standards in all endeavors. At 4C, LLC, we encourage students to strive for their personal best academically, professionally, and personally. We model excellence through our expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement, inspiring our clients to aim high and achieve outstanding results.
Stewardship
Stewardship is the responsible management of resources, opportunities, and relationships entrusted to us. We teach students and families to make thoughtful, informed decisions that benefit their futures and communities. By practicing stewardship, we ensure that our guidance not only supports individual success but also contributes to a positive, lasting impact for generations to come.
Our Commitment to Our Core Values
Driven by an unwavering commitment to support, accountability, and excellence, our approach is personalized for every student and family. Our coaching and consulting centers on:
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Empowering families through collaboration, strategic planning, and open communication
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Fostering individuality by recognizing unique talents and fostering self-awareness
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Upholding integrity and stewardship by providing honest, ethical guidance and responsible resource management
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Cultivating resilience to help students and families thrive amid challenge and change
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Encouraging excellence through continuous improvement and modeling high standards in personal and professional endeavors
Why Choose 4C, LLC?
Personalized, Family-Focused Approach
4C, LLC’s process actively involves the whole family, ensuring that each student’s journey is rooted in individual strengths, aspirations, and family values. This collaborative approach demystifies college admissions for both parents and students, fostering unity and confidence throughout.
Proven Success with Diverse Needs
Our coaches have experience working with a wide range of students: high achievers, first-generation students, emerging adults, grad school applicants, military families, etc.
Comprehensive and Strategic Planning
We offer more than just application support. Clients receive guidance on building balanced college lists, competitive resumes, essay strategies, test planning, and even financial aid navigation—delivering a full spectrum of college and career readiness services.
Empowerment through Coaching and Community
Our scalable group programs, workshops, and individualized coaching empower students to explore interests, set academic and professional goals, and take charge of their future beyond college admissions planning.
Reduced Stress and Efficient Processes
With clear timelines, project management tools, and one-on-one support, families experience much less anxiety and confusion navigating college admissions, allowing students to focus on success while parents stay informed.
Ethical, Transparent, and Results-Oriented
Our business is registered, reputable, and committed to ethical standards. We believe in genuine student discovery, transparent results tracking, and helping each client find the best-fit path—academically, personally, and financially.