We were lucky to catch up with Dorota Mani recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dorota, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Being a business owner is an exhilarating journey that allows me to truly be the master of my own destiny. It grants me the freedom to think independently, make decisions without constraints, and pursue ideas without needing to justify them to anyone. When I believe something needs to be done, I do it. I experiment, often without solid proof that an idea will succeed, but that’s part of the thrill. While half of these ventures might fail, each failure is a lesson that helps me succeed in the others. This constant challenge keeps life exciting, leaving no room for boredom or stagnation. Reflecting on my past experience in a regular job, I realize how much I disliked being confined, forced into a mold, or cutting corners due to limitations. Being in control of my own path gives my life purpose, enabling me to balance my business, family, and social responsibilities in a way that feels truly fulfilling.

Dorota, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Thank you for the thoughtful question. My journey into the business field has been driven by a passion for education, community, and creativity. I am the founder of three schools, beginning with opening my first preschool in 2011. The inspiration for my first school came from a desire to provide my own children with the best possible start in life, and this passion grew as I saw the incredible capabilities of our students. Over the years, our schools have expanded to include elementary and middle school levels, and I am incredibly proud of the latest school we have opened in 2020, that hosts over 120 students (Academy of Excellence Preschool). These young learners are achieving remarkable milestones, such as reading at age 4, performing mental math at age 5, and becoming bilingual in Chinese and Spanish by age 6.

But our approach to education goes beyond academics. We emphasize the importance of gross motor development, with programs in fencing, gymnastics, and yoga. Additionally, our Social-Emotional and Academic Learning (SEAL) program is integral to our curriculum, preparing our students to be global citizens when they graduate.

In 2018, my husband and I extended our passions into new ventures by opening a Café Peanut and an interior design company, Design by Mani. Our café is a community hub, offering local, organic, and natural products, while also hosting events like poetry nights, concerts, and art exhibitions. Our design company specializes in commercial projects, allowing us to quickly deliver results that help our clients start generating revenue while expressing their creativity.

What sets us apart is our commitment to doing what we love, whether it’s educating young minds, fostering community, or creating innovative designs. I am most proud of the positive impact we’ve had on our students and community, and I want potential clients and followers to know that our work is rooted in passion, excellence, and a deep desire to make a difference.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Running a business is a daily testament to resilience—a story of not giving up, pushing your limits, and understanding that nothing is guaranteed, especially when you’re at the helm. The only constant is change. If I had to choose a defining moment in my journey, it would be during my final year at Pratt Institute while earning my Master’s degree in Science. I had a teacher, Ms. Miangi, who significantly impacted my future, though not in the way she might have intended. From the beginning, she didn’t like my accent and often made me repeat my answers or questions, making me feel inadequate. She didn’t approve of how I dressed, thinking I wasn’t “cool” enough or “Brooklyn” enough for her standards. There were moments when I wanted to respond with a sharp remark or point out her own flaws, as we were both non-native English speakers. But I chose not to engage, not out of fear, but because I had nothing to prove to her. Instead, I worked harder, making it increasingly difficult for her to find fault with me. In the end, I knew I would move on, grow, and succeed while she remained where she was. I allowed her criticism to make me stronger, proving to myself that I could overcome any obstacle she put in my path. Once I graduated and had my diploma in hand, I was finally able to express what I truly thought. Ms. Miangi taught me that sometimes you need to lose a battle to win the war, and that resilience, not retaliation, is the true measure of strength.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

In any business, preparation and knowledge are essential, but what truly sets you apart from your competitors is your reputation. Why choose you over them? In my case, it’s my commitment to continuous improvement. I constantly adapt and refine my business models to foster innovation. I’m always open to criticism, which allows me to identify and address any flaws in my operations immediately. But above all, I am transparent—whether it’s about pricing, my mission statement, or keeping my word. Too often, we face difficult decisions, and I’ve learned that while the right choices aren’t always the easiest, they ultimately benefit both my company and my clients. My clients know they can trust me because I prioritize integrity and transparency in every aspect of my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.DorotaMani.com

Image Credits

Dorota Mani