Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in language education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jennifer Ní Fhaoláin, Founder of Gaelscoil Online, located in Christchurch, NZ.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Gaelscoil Online helps Irish mammies and daddies speak the Irish language at home with their children.
Tell us about yourself
Growing up, I loved the Irish language, but nobody around me spoke it. As soon as I finished high school, I went to live in an area in Ireland where they only spoke Irish, so I could learn from native speakers. Skipping ahead many, many years, I am now a fluent Irish speaker and teacher. When I had my daughter, I felt so lucky to be able to speak the language to her. So many Irish mammies in my community told me they'd love to be able to do the same, so I made that happen with our easy-to-use Gaeilge Speaking Guides for Busy Parents.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Seeing where I have come from, from a new mum that was listening to podcasts on how to start a course to excellent testimonials now and a growing community of parents that love the Irish language and are passing it on to their children. When parents message me and tell me their children are now speaking Irish at home, that is just the wow factor that I could never have imagined.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I love learning about business, but I never thought I would have to learn so much. Every challenge is very closely followed by another, but I now accept that I will always be learning, and there will always be so much to learn.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Read, read, read. Get off social media and start reading books by experts. There are so many that are changing my business right now that I wish I had read at the beginning.
- Action, Just start moving and getting things done. I procrastinated out of fear initially and even after our first official launch. Now, I see growth because I am taking consistent action and showing up every day.
- Make sure you are doing something you genuinely care about. When the going gets tough, you will reach points of contemplating quitting, but if you care deeply about what you are doing, you will keep showing up for your customers and audience.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.gaelscoilonline.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaelscoilonline/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaelscoilonline/
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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