We were lucky to catch up with Jessica Feliz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Leaving my position as a traditional classroom teacher to pursue my passion of teaching Spanish and opening my own language school was quite a risk. It required a leap of faith and a commitment to turning my passion into a sustainable business. And it truly has been a journey! Transitioning from a biweekly paycheck to now working for myself was not easy. However, in the midst of all the risk-taking, there are four things that have kept me grounded throughout this entire transition to entrepreneurial life: (1) my three years living abroad in Costa Rica and experiencing “pura vida” even while making minimum wage, (2) reflecting on the resilience of my people and my ancestors, (3) listening to encouraging messages and songs (“Do it anyway” by Erica Mason is regularly on repeat lol), and most importantly, (4) being a part of a supportive community that holds me accountable and encourages me along the way.
And now, by launching the Spanish S.W.A.G. On Demand Learning Program and opening the brick and mortar of the Jessie Feliz Learning Center here in Detroit, Michigan, I am taking another risk and I couldn’t be even more excited! After mastering how to engage students the same way I do in person with live, virtual classes, I am now venturing into the world of edtech to scale my business with on-demand learning solutions that can reach even more learners. This risk is driven by my unwavering belief in the power of language education and the desire to make it accessible to as many students as possible. At the same time, with my afterschool in-person bilingual learning program, I can give back to my community and bring bilingualism to Brightmoor, an underserved neighborhood that deserves equitable access to high-quality learning experiences for their children, just like any other community. Together, we can make a difference and open doors of opportunity through language learning.
Jessica, 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?
I’m Jessie Feliz, a passionate educator with over 15 years of experience teaching Spanish. I got into the field because of my love for the language and my desire to empower students, especially Black American Youth, to become bilingual and unlock new opportunities. I provide language learning solutions through my business, including the Spanish S.W.A.G. On Demand Learning Program and live language classes.
Through Spanish S.W.A.G., I offer a transformative framework that integrates language education with cultural responsiveness, preparing learners to thrive in an inclusive, globalized world. My programs not only foster proficiency in Spanish but also cultivate cultural competence, empowering students and educators to embrace diversity and connect with the world through language.
What sets me apart is my deep understanding of the importance of cultural capital in the learning process. By weaving students’ identities and contexts into lesson planning and delivery, I create engaging and rigorous learning environments. I’m thankful of the impact I’ve made in promoting bilingualism in the Black American community and dismantling limitations on linguistic capability.
In addition to my passion for working with children, I equally love training teachers and helping them become more effective educators. I offer professional learning experiences designed to accelerate their effectiveness and strengthen the connections they make with their students. I believe that by supporting and empowering educators, we can create a positive and transformative learning environment for all.
Potential clients and followers should know that I’m dedicated to providing meaningful and impactful language learning experiences for schools, students, and families. I believe in the power of language to bridge cultural gaps and open doors to new opportunities. I invite them to join me on this journey of learning, growth, and connection.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been through word of mouth and referrals. When current clients or partners share their positive experiences with others, it creates trust and credibility in my services. Additionally, I have found that establishing a strong online presence and leveraging social media platforms to showcase my expertise and offerings has also been instrumental in reaching a wider audience and attracting new clients.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
My ability to get kids excited about learning and increase their cognitive engagement through cultural responsiveness has been instrumental in building my reputation. I understand the importance of connecting with students on a personal level, integrating their cultural backgrounds and experiences into the learning process. This approach not only fosters a positive and inclusive classroom environment but also enhances their motivation, interest, and overall learning outcomes. By valuing cultural diversity and incorporating it into my teaching methods, I have gained recognition and praise within the market for my ability to create meaningful and impactful learning experiences for students. 
Contact Info:
- Website: JessieFeliz.com AND Spanishswag.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessiefelizplus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessiefelizplus
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessiefeliz/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessiefelizplus
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/jessiefeliz
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ll3eeAZnnc