Becoming an entrepreneur can sometimes happen without us even realizing it. Life takes unexpected turns, and suddenly we find ourselves running our own businesses. This was certainly the case for me. When I initially chose to major in Language Teaching in Brazil, entrepreneurship was the farthest thing from my mind. The career path I had chosen was often overlooked due to its limited prospects and modest salaries.
However, in 2012, I made the courageous decision to let go of the school I had been working at for many years and embarked on a journey as a private language tutor. I knew that true growth awaited me if I embraced the freedom and challenges of running my own business. Since making that pivotal decision, I have never looked back. Despite the countless weekends and holidays dedicated to keeping the business afloat, I have never regretted taking this leap of faith. In 2019, I took another bold step and invited a friend to become my business partner, which led us to expand our enterprise and accommodate more students in a larger location.
Thriving Amidst Challenges
Little did we know that just one year later, the world would be struck by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the upheaval, our community of students remained steadfast, opting to continue their studies online rather than putting them on hold. It was during this trying period that we truly understood the value of customer loyalty and the strength of the community we had built around our business. Even amidst the pandemic, our student base grew, and we realized how fortunate we were.
Discovering the Leader Within
Interestingly, despite the business’s growth, receiving highly prestigious government scholarships (Fulbright in the USA and Chevening in the UK), and balancing the joys of motherhood with my entrepreneurial endeavors, I never truly saw myself as a “leader.” While I comfortably identified as an “entrepreneur,” I lacked the confidence to fully embrace the title of a leader.
It was at this juncture that Hera Hub played a pivotal role in my career. I was selected to participate in the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI), a fellowship program by the US Department of State that enables Latin American entrepreneurs to enhance their skills by working with American organizations. When I applied and was subsequently chosen, I had no idea which city I would be placed in. As fate would have it, the match couldn’t have been better.
Empowering Encounters
Empowering EncountersDuring my time at Hera Hub, specifically at the Mission Valley, La Jolla, and Temecula locations, I had the privilege of interacting with and learning from an array of remarkable women who left an indelible mark on my life. Pamela warmly welcomed me on my first day, instantly making me feel at home. Masako selflessly showed me San Diego, offering me the genuine friendship one could only hope for. Sylvia Borgo imparted her wisdom on teaching practices and helped me recognize the value of education across borders. Melissa ignited my motivation to embark on new and ambitious projects, sharing my passion for teaching. Kimberlee taught me the power of speaking from the heart to make a lasting impact. Vienna showcased the strength of networking, connecting me with potential project partners. Jaz reminded me of the utmost importance of mental health as a female entrepreneur. And Reb patiently honed my video-making skills, take after take.
Last but certainly not least, my mentor, Felena, generously took time from her busy schedule to listen to my challenges in Brazil, offer advice, and connect me with other professionals. In addition to all the professional growth I experienced, Felena also helped me realize that I am, in fact, a leader. She highlighted the significant impact my business has in Brazil and encouraged me to embrace my role with confidence. Under her guidance, I began to understand the true value of my contributions and the influence I have within my community.
The thing is, I grew up with my parents setting high standards for everything. On top of that, societal pressures weigh heavily on women, expecting them to be “perfect” in all aspects of life — the ideal professional, spouse, and mother, with impeccable appearance. This constant pursuit of perfection leaves us feeling inadequate, constantly focusing on our flaws rather than acknowledging our achievements. Why are we so hard on ourselves?
Discovering Self-Confidence
When I shared my experience of imposter syndrome and the pressure to “achieve more” during my four weeks in the US with Felena, she reminded me that only I could choose to let go of these feelings. She made me realize that I had to embrace my qualities and truly own all the things I often take for granted in my career and life. It was through this reflection that gratitude washed over me, and I recognized the significance of my business in Brazil.
Creating Impact
Creating ImpactWithin my business, I have cultivated solid, honest, and empathic relationships with my business partner like no other I have ever seen. Together, we have built a vibrant community of teachers and students who not only enjoy learning but also thrive together. We are reshaping the way language teachers perceive their careers, encouraging them to become autonomous and follow in our footsteps. Moreover, I am raising a beautiful daughter with the unwavering support of my loving husband, who believes in my vision and has stood by me every step of the way throughout this fellowship.
A Journey of Growth and Inspiration
While many of my fellow YLAI participants sought angel or capital investors, my purpose in coming to the US was to learn and return home stronger than ever. Stepping away from my intense routine in Brazil allowed me to appreciate the magnitude of everything I am involved in and gain the self-confidence I needed. I now return armed with a host of project ideas to be implemented in the coming months and years. Most importantly, I am acutely aware of the improvements I can make within my business and, more than ever, confident in the strong leader I have become within my community.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible members of Hera Hub with whom I had the privilege of interacting. Each of you has imparted invaluable lessons, teaching me that we are all remarkable leaders in our businesses and lives. “Mulheres que empreendem juntas, crescem juntas!” (Women who work together, grow together!)
Daniele Mizuta runs her language school and educational coworking space in Balneário Camboriú, Brazil. She has a background in language teaching and a Master’s in TESOL. Her passion is to help Brazilians to communicate in foreign languages such as English, Spanish, Italian and German, to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Instagram: @homeschool_community
