Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in language education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mei Juan Jiang, Founder of KaiXin Language School, located in San Francisco, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
KaiXin is a language school based in San Francisco, California, and has been in business for 11 years. We specialize in teaching Chinese Mandarin lessons online & in person to adults and kids.
Our school offers the best programs in private, group, and corporate classes tailored for business professionals. We teach beginner introduction lessons to advanced conversational speaking as well as help students practice their conversational skills before taking a trip. Our goal is to help our students learn while having fun through our lively teaching and relaxing atmosphere.
Our students come from different backgrounds and fields, such as working professionals from top 500 companies, passionate linguistics, young school age learners, and students who are looking to learn a new language. They learn to communicate with friends, with family, for leisure, or they may be studying for the HSK examinations.
Tell us about yourself
I was a Mandarin instructor at a language school 11 years ago. Many of my students said, “Your lessons are great, and I really enjoyed your classes. Have you ever thought about starting your own business?” Those kind words got me started on my business venture and have encouraged me to work hard every day.
I believe language is a communication bridge connecting diverse ethnic groups together to help connect people from all over the world. Learning a new language is the best approach for people to cross this bridge and, at the same time, learn the culture, history, and customs. I want to break the communication barriers that we see in everyday life between friends, family, and associates. This belief has been motivating me the most every day, and I am striving my best to offer top-quality lessons to give our students a better understanding of the language, culture, and people.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
The biggest accomplishment to me is that together, we have built a community where people can break the language barrier and set aside prejudice & stereotype. Through a new language, we have discovered and understood different cultures, histories, and customs. We have become more tolerant and respectful of the differences among others. I want to continue offering these lessons to my students to learn not only about Chinese culture, people, and tradition but also the ability to communicate freely without a language barrier.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is how to stay motivated when we are facing economic uncertainty when many other businesses struggle or shut down.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start a business you love, care about, and are passionate about.
- Always trust yourself and try your best. Do not let negative opinions put you down.
- Do not give up even though your expectation has not yet been met. All the hard work will pay off one day.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://kaixinlanguageschool.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063626408048
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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