How Following The Passion Of My Past Shaped My Future

“Follow your passion — and if you don’t know what it is, realize that one reason for your existence on earth is to find it.” —Oprah Winfrey

In the name of Female Entrepreneur’s Day, I am taking time to reflect about how I followed my passion which led to my becoming a business owner. 

Sometimes I’m still surprised that “business owner” is who I am today. Growing up, I never dreamed of being a business owner. I associated “business” with stuffy rooms, itchy clothes and soul-sucking corporations. Before I found my passion, the term “business owner” didn’t feel creative or freeing like it does today. So how did I get here? I’ve asked myself this same question over the years.

It wasn’t high school that changed everything. Our school motto was “SATs = college = high-paying job.” Classes were chosen not through interests but by which would award the most “points” for transcripts and class rankings. My mother was on board with this, as was I. The path was set. 

My First Day in Cannes, France circa 2010

No it wasn’t. During my study abroad in France, my path veered when I discovered my raison d’être and I never made the U-turn back.  Gallivanting through Western Europe, I found myself fascinated with the children who spoke multiple languages and who loved practicing their English with me. Me, the 22-year-old French major who was more than hesitant to speak French with them. Their confidence and joie de vivre had me from the start. Could I have been this bold if I had taken a language prior to middle school…middle school…middle school?! ... of all the awkward times to learn a new language! This realization sparked something inside my soul that has lived in me ever since. Then and every day since, I continue to take on the feat of introducing languages to children through engagement versus stress. But I didn’t want to limit myself to one class. I wanted, and I still want, to teach kids in my community, every community, all around the United States and the world. And I want to do this without districts’ red tape and curriculum restrictions. I want to teach through a methodology of “fun.” I can’t see anything else for my life. And I have fought for this passion and dream ever since.

First picture of language u circa june, 2015. additionally, first failure. heels were immediately ruled out by me. No regrets.

Looking back, I am so relieved a veered off my tracks. It felt right and it feels right today. So I say this to all of you: Have “a plan” but not “the plan.” Get the education, whatever that means to you. Challenge yourself with the classes and the path you choose. But just as importantly, veer off that path. Make a left turn instead of a right.  Take walks down rolling hills just for the view. Climb mountains; move mountains. Make mistakes. Clean up messes. There are times when you will be completely right, but stay humble. Apologize when you’re wrong. Don’t give up when you try and fail. Take the experience with you and add it to your “gut feeling.” This will help you to avoid making the same mistakes. I try and fail often, but I find that in my own “failures” or low points, that I am on the brink of something great and I work to keep that in mind. It’s a test in patience and diligence that I am still learning six years later. Trust yourself and trust that your passion is enough. Because with your passion comes determination that enables you to get up and try again.

As a business owner, I try and fail at things all the time. But I find that when I work through a “failure” or a low point, I find success soon after. It’s a matter of patience and diligence that I am still learning. Six years in to this business and I am headed down my path with passion and compassion at the wheel and I could not be more intrigued to see what I will take on next.