Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Rachele DeMeo, Founder of FLAM San Diego and Belle Terre Academy, located in Oceanside, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am the founder and director of FLAM San Diego, which provides French classes and extra-curricular activities for children/teens (4-18). We offer all levels of French: from children who already speak French (native and/or heritage speakers, often from ex-pat families) and students new to French (French as a foreign language). We offer online and in-person classes and activities. We also work with other schools providing French classes as an after-school program.

Additionally, I offer online French classes at Belle Terre Academy for adults. These courses are great for busy working professionals since they can take French at their own pace. Finally, as an educational presenter/speaker, I train teachers nationwide in different schools and universities on a variety of topics. (Website: https://sites.google.com/view/racheledemeo/workshopsconferences).

Tell us about yourself

I was born and raised in Southern France in a multicultural and bilingual home. My father is American-Italian, and my mother is British. I moved to the United States to further my studies and eventually teach. I met my husband in the U.S., and we have two boys; we are raising bilingual and multicultural. I've been in the education field for 18 years. As a former middle school and high school teacher, then college professor for many years, I left my successful career to focus on what I do now.

I run the FLAM San Diego French school and present workshops and conferences to train instructors from a variety of schools. I love being able to teach and help others learn. As an "outside the box" thinker, I'm passionate about HOW students best learn and retain information. I've trained the teachers at my school, as well as many other institutions, on ways to captivate students and help them best learn individually. I believe creativity is so important. I love providing students with the gift of speaking another language and, even more so, my native French language. Knowing French is spoken over 5 continents, and data suggests French could be the world's most spoken language by 2050 is even more motivating because it's so used and is promising for our children's future. What motivates me daily is feeling like I am adding value to other people's lives and future.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Opening the doors of our FLAM San Diego French school in 2020 was a challenge on many levels. Our teachers had to go through intensive training on online teaching and learning. But with the right team, we were able to have a very successful first year with 30 students in our programs. In our second year, our school grew 40%. And we currently have about 45 students in our programs taking French classes and/or participating in extra-curricular activities. What makes me so proud is seeing how enthusiastic the students are and seeing their progress in French. Some of our families are French-speaking, and helping their children thrive in writing and reading ensures they have a high level, just like if they were schooled in a French-speaking country learning French. Other families aren't French speaking at all, and yet their children learn French. It's been an honor to come alongside our families and our teachers. Seeing their progress and pride in achieving a high level of French is very rewarding.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

One of the hardest things being a business owner is feeling like I sometimes deal with issues alone. Sometimes it's hard to "be at the top" because you can feel lonely. That being said, this year, I really have an amazing team: from our amazing admin staff to our wonderful teachers. I feel blessed. But as a business owner, you have to be self-motivated, self-disciplined, and learn how to overcome challenges.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Take time to reflect on if you really want to do this. Be sure this is what you want. You're signing up for the long haul. Great businesses take time to grow. Be patient.
  2. Invest 150% in what you do. Go above and beyond. Serve your community. Leadership is all about serving your team and your clients.
  3. Don't count the hours you put in or how little you possibly make. Just keep doing what you are doing and do it well. Learn from your mistakes and move on.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website:
https://linktr.ee/racheledemeo
https://www.flamsandiego.com/
https://www.belleterreacademy.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProfRacheleDeMeo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachele_demeo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/racheledemeo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/racheledemeo/

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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