We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cindy Christella. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cindy below.

Cindy, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

One improvement I would suggest is mandating the inclusion of English language as a core subject in education. I firmly believe that without proficiency in language, individuals are unable to unlock their full potential and benefit from the knowledge shared by others.

Growing up in a small island of Bangka in Indonesia, I did not have the opportunity to learn English until I reached fourth grade. Thankfully, my mother worked for an international company and was fluent in English, allowing us to be exposed to the language early. Reflecting on my past, I now recognize that had I not acquired English skills early, I would have been limited in my ability to comprehend and absorb information from beyond my hometown. Furthermore, my proficiency in English enabled me and my sister to become adept at using computers and navigating the internet without difficulty. Without language proficiency, I might not have had the confidence to pursue overseas education and swiftly adapt to unfamiliar surroundings.

Additionally, I firmly advocate for the practical application of knowledge through volunteering and travel experiences. I believe that students should be exposed to diverse cultures and perspectives from a young age, as it broadens their understanding and fosters an open-minded mindset. Often, individuals solely hold narrow views about specific communities due to a lack of exposure. My recent visit to India and my work primarily focused on the East Indonesian market reminded me that the more time I spend with locals, the better equipped I am to connect with them and comprehend their unique experiences and needs. This understanding empowers me to provide tailored services for my education business.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I began my journey in the industry as an international student in China and Australia. During my time there, I focused on developing my language skills in Chinese and English. This experience allowed me to gain valuable insights into international education, starting as a client and later working as a consultant, admissions officer, and marketer.

Currently, I am also studying migration law to enhance my ability to assist clients with various migration matters. This includes guiding them through immigration processes, providing legal advice, and ensuring a smooth transition to a new country. By expanding my expertise in migration law, I can offer comprehensive support to individuals and families seeking to start a new chapter in their lives.

One of my proudest achievements is the establishment of ISTUDENTPLUS in Australia and Indonesia. Our company is dedicated to empowering young children and students to dream big, both at home and abroad, through education. Over the next five years, I am considering expanding my business operations into the Southeast Asian market. In Indonesia, we provide language courses, study abroad opportunities, and educational resources to inspire and motivate the next generation.

A team member once shared a wise observation with me: being a young founder is something to be proud of. Not only can it inspire young people, but also my valued clients and others I meet. It’s incredible how sharing simple things that I may sometimes be afraid of can motivate and ignite passion in others, propelling them towards success and fulfillment.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I believe it’s really important to have multiple sources of income. Before starting a business, we must have enough money to invest. We should also be prepared for the worst-case scenario. When I started my own business, I made a plan that considered the possibility of not making any money for at least two years. It was vital for me to have realistic expectations and not expect to make money immediately. At the same time, I made sure that I was comfortable with the idea of earning extra money from other businesses or investments. This made me feel more secure and stable, knowing I had a backup plan if needed.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Yes, my photography has evolved into a more serious endeavour. It initially began as a hobby, a way to capture moments and express my creativity. Over time, I found myself dedicating more and more energy towards photography, constantly seeking ways to improve my skills and techniques. As I delved deeper into the world of photography, I realized the importance of investing in new technology and equipment. Upgrading my camera and gear allowed me to explore new possibilities and capture higher-quality images.

As my photography journey continued, I faced the challenge of time management. Balancing my full-time job and other responsibilities, I had to make the most of the opportunities to take photos. Every chance I got, I would pour my heart and soul into capturing the perfect shot, experimenting with different angles, lighting, and compositions.

Despite my busy schedule, I never stopped learning. Even with limited availability, I made it a point to seek resources and learn from others. Whether it was watching online tutorials, reading photography books, or attending workshops, I was determined to grow and expand my knowledge.

In addition to learning, I actively engaged with the photography and content creation community. I joined online forums, participated in photography challenges, and connected with fellow photographers. Through these interactions, I gained valuable insights, feedback, and inspiration.

Today, my photography has reached a point where I regularly collaborate with influencers, travel and work with brands or restaurants to create compelling visual content. I also help friends take photos for events. Photography has become more than just a side hustle; it is now a central fun part of my life and career. Along the way, I have achieved numerous key milestones, from my first paid gig to exhibitions of my work and the recognition and opportunities that have come my way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tellanote.com
• Instagram: cindychristella
• Linkedin: cindychristella
• Other: www.istudentplus.com www.hertraveldiary.co

Image Credits
all photos are mine (Cindy Christella).