Today we’d like to introduce you to Elsa Mucyo

Hi Elsa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I started as a babysitter when I was in high school in France. I then earned my Youth Leader Certificate and worked as a Youth Leader during most school breaks in leisure centers. After completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Languages and Master’s in Teaching French as a Foreign or Second Language and Intercultural Education, I taught French to adults in an association, children in schools, and adults and young adults in a training center.

Eventually, I moved to the United States and began teaching full-time in immersive and bilingual American and French preschools while tutoring private French students on the side. After three years of managing this intense schedule, I realized it was time to choose between continuing as a full-time preschool teacher or starting my own tutoring business. In June 2020, I launched my tutoring business, French Encore.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The journey has certainly had its share of challenges, but there were also significant advantages. Transitioning from a structured teaching environment to running my own business was challenging. One initial struggle was managing the various roles required to operate a business. I had to handle marketing, lesson planning, and administrative tasks by myself, which was time-consuming and stressful. However, teaching in preschools gave me a strong network, which helped me build my client base more efficiently.

Launching the business during the COVID-19 pandemic turned out to be advantageous. I was already experienced with online teaching, and the pandemic created a unique opportunity as many people had time to learn a new language. The demand for online tutoring increased, and I attracted plenty of new students. Despite challenges like financial stability and balancing multiple responsibilities, these experiences allowed me to grow, adapt, and innovate. This has ultimately shaped French Encore into a successful and respected tutoring business.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

French Encore is a tutoring business that provides high-quality French language education tailored to individual needs. We specialize in teaching French to a diverse range of students, from young children to adults, and we offer both one-on-one and group sessions. Our services include comprehensive language courses, conversational practice, exam preparation, and cultural immersion activities.

What sets French Encore apart is our personalized approach to language learning. We understand that each student has unique goals and learning styles, so we tailor our lessons to meet those specific needs. Our methods are interactive and engaging, incorporating a mix of traditional and modern teaching techniques to ensure that our students learn the language and appreciate the culture behind it.

We are mainly known for our expertise in immersive and bilingual education, which stems from my extensive background in teaching at immersive and bilingual preschools. This experience allows us to offer a unique, hands-on learning experience that makes mastering French fun and effective.

For our readers, I want to emphasize that French Encore is committed to making language learning accessible and enjoyable. Whether you are a beginner looking to pick up the basics, a student preparing for exams, or someone wanting to refine their conversational skills, we have a program for you. We pride ourselves on our flexibility, offering in-person and online sessions to accommodate different schedules and preferences.
Our mission is to inspire a love for the French language and culture in all our students, helping them achieve their language goals with confidence and ease. We invite you to join us at French Encore and embark on a rewarding language-learning journey.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?

Risk-taking is an inherent part of entrepreneurship, and my journey with French Encore has certainly involved its share of risks. I believe that taking calculated risks is essential for growth and innovation. We miss opportunities to learn, improve, and achieve something remarkable without stepping out of our comfort zones.

One of the significant risks I took was deciding to move to the United States and start a new chapter of my career in a completely different country. This decision involved leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unknown, both professionally and personally. Adapting to a new culture and education system required a lot of resilience and flexibility.

Another significant risk was launching French Encore during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses were struggling, I saw an opportunity to leverage my experience with online teaching. The uncertainty of the times made it a challenging decision, but I believed in the growing demand for online education and the unique value I could offer. This risk paid off as the demand for learning a new language surged, and I attracted many new students.

I don’t necessarily view myself as a traditional risk-taker, but I believe in taking informed and strategic risks. To me, risk-taking involves thorough research, planning, and a willingness to adapt. It’s about balancing potential rewards with the possible downsides and being prepared to pivot if things don’t go as planned.

In my experience, the most significant rewards come from risks that align with your passion and values. When you take a risk in pursuit of something you deeply believe in, the journey itself becomes a valuable learning experience, regardless of the outcome. For me, the risks I’ve taken with French Encore have helped the business grow and enriched my personal and professional life in countless ways.

Pricing:

• Starting at $27 the class

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.FrenchEncore.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frenchencore/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrenchEncore/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLiuxtpkJMCMFSFicCLloKA