Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in language education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Szilvia Papp, Founder of Hungarian with Sziszi, located in El Paso, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Originally from Hungary, I teach Hungarian as a second language. I started Hungarian with Sziszi to help learners connect with their Hungarian family members and friends. I provide a new approach to learning Hungarian. Textbooks can be great tools for getting started, but they usually lack colloquial expressions and slang, which is inevitable for maintaining an everyday conversation. I make podcasts by level about exciting topics with transcription and videos with Hungarian-English subtitles so that learners can use authentic material to improve their skills. I want to point out the importance of input-based and consistent self-study. Studying every day on your own can sound very overwhelming in this busy world, but Hungarian with Sziszi makes it very simple with easy methods people can try and adjust to their lives.
My service on my Patreon page includes podcast transcriptions, videos, text correction, and monthly meetings. Being part of a community and connecting with people with the same struggles and successes keeps people motivated. My business is about showing people how learning Hungarian can become something they can't wait to do every day. All I want is for my students to feel excited and curious.
Tell us about yourself
I have always loved learning languages. I speak English, Polish and Russian. However, after finishing my studies, I found it very hard to dedicate time to studying. I realized I was programmed to rely on my teachers' instructions my whole life, and I never actually learned how to study on my own. I saw the connection between how I learn and how I teach, and I started to unlearn all the methods I was taught at school that didn't serve me anymore. I tried many things as a learner and teacher, and I know exactly how it feels when something you love becomes a daily frustration. This motivates me every day to share my new approach to learning Hungarian and help people find joy in it.
I also started learning Spanish. I moved to the United States from Hungary because of my Mexican husband. I have many students who learn Hungarian because of their partners, and I know all the joys and struggles of being part of a different culture. Knowing how hard and lonely this journey can feel sometimes, I'm trying my hardest to make this easier for Hungarian learners.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have more than 200 Patreon members from around the world, and it's amazing to see people connect through the Hungarian language. My biggest accomplishment is creating this safe space for learners to practice and have fun.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It's hard to be patient and not compare yourself to others, more successful business owners, but building a good system and seeing results take time. I constantly have to remind myself where I came from because if I compare myself to myself, I only see constant growth.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Believe in yourself and the value of your service! - If you don't believe in the importance of your business, then no one else will. Think about your customers and how you can make their lives easier.
- Build a good business strategy! - It's important to know why you are doing the things you do. Have a plan, but don't forget that it's something that has to serve you, not make your life harder. You can adjust everything as you grow and learn more and more.
- Don't forget to rest - Feeling guilty for not working every second of your life is very common when you're a business owner. However, the greatest ideas come when you let your mind rest.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.hungarianwithsziszi.com/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hungarianwithsziszi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hungarianwithsziszi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hungarianwithsziszi/
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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