Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Roxana Areán, Owner of Dream On ELC, located in Lobos, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I run an online English academy that merges language with neuroscience and coaching. We deliver courses, webinars, and coaching sessions for adults (all levels), as well as training for teachers of English.
Tell us about yourself
I set up my own academy eight years ago. After having worked as a teacher in state schools, I felt it was time to do something different, something bigger, since I was not enjoying my job and I was just starting my career! I was full of enthusiasm and passion when I started teaching at 21, but after my first ten years of teaching in schools, I was losing motivation because I couldn't really work as I wanted, and the educational system was against my principles both as a person and as a teacher. When I realized that I didn't want to be there for the rest of my life, I just left.
The first years, I mean the transition, were not easy. I've been through many ups and downs during these eight years, but I wouldn't change a thing. I've built a great community of adult students and teachers around my country (and abroad, too!) that really enjoy our services and are willing to learn passionately. That's what pushes me forward. My client and student's happiness and success are my daily motivation to keep making my business grow despite the difficulties I can come across.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I think that all the experiences and lessons were learned. You not only grow professionally but as a person. You "fail," and you learn from your mistakes. You're forced to get out of your comfort zone, and everything becomes a new challenge. You have to learn new skills about different topics that are not related to your job or expertise. I consider myself a life-long learner and a dreamer, and I know I haven't chosen the easiest way, but every minute is worth the effort.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Sometimes uncertainty and lack of control. You don't have a salary at the beginning of the month, some months might be better than expected, but you can also have some hard times. Your students or clients will choose you and hire your services because of your excellence, and that demands hard work, creativity, and quality. In this area (and I think in many others as well), there's a lot of "competition," and you need to constantly learn to differentiate from the rest and be unique.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Make the decision (be able to identify what you really want to do in life, find out what moves you).
- Read, study, learn and always be professional. Do your best!
- Learn from your mistakes and learn to deal with frustrations (learning about emotional intelligence is key).
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I don't know who will read this interview, but in case you're interested in language teaching, neuroscience, coaching, and NLP, I'd like to share this Free Ebook I've recently written. It's available to download from this link: comments are welcome!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://dreamon-elc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dreamonelc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamon_elc/
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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