Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in language education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andrea Heald-Miller, Founder of The Joy of English, located in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Joy of English is an online and in-person studio that teaches English to business professionals, English language proficiency test takers, and students of life! We use the unique techniques of theatre in our Studio JOE workshops to allow students to access the language more deeply and ignite their creativity as confident speakers.
Tell us about yourself
In my mid-40s, after many years working in the corporate sector and inside the theatre, I decided my true calling was teaching. I had traveled extensively and knew that I loved meeting people from around the world and learning about their way of life. English language teaching provided me with the opportunity to continue my exploration of cultures through the guidance of my students and fellow teachers. When the pandemic closed down the schools, I saw the opportunity to share my passion for language and culture through teaching online, and The Joy of English was born!
What motivates me is the knowledge that communication is an ongoing project that we all work on each day of our lives, and I get to be a part of that with each student. I have found that English language teaching goes far beyond grammar and vocabulary and that the "theatre of life" gives us the material to work with to grow and enhance our language skills. Every day I look forward to helping my students find the ability to connect beyond borders by seeing language learning as a journey on the path of improved confidence in communicating in English.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Going with the flow...
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is figuring out all of the tech required to run a business! From marketing to figuring out the BlueTooth connection to the printer! Everything is a learning process, and there is no one else to delegate to but yourself.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start with an idea, and don't overthink it; otherwise, you'll think yourself out of it! You can tweak and finesse and refine as you go along but just start and see where the path takes you.
- Find your community of believers! I have friends and colleagues who I rely on to bounce ideas off and to give me support when I need it.
- What you resist persists. Make plans but expect them to change as you learn more about your business. Your business will teach you. Let it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://thejoyofenglish.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070106826565
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_thejoyofenglish/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaheald-miller/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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