We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karina Estrada a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Karina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The story of how our bilingual preschool came to be is one of passion, dedication, and a shared dream. As two certified teachers, Nelly Garcia and I, Karina Estrada, both born and raised in Mexico, we’ve had the privilege of living and working in the United States for over 20 years.
Our journey began in Texas, where I worked as a teaching assistant while pursuing my teaching license as a bilingual educator. Nelly, with her bachelor’s degree in education from Mexico, and I, with my accounting background and MBA, may have seemed like an unlikely duo, but our shared vision and experience brought us together.
We met through our husbands, who worked together, and as we shared our stories, our dream of creating a bilingual preschool began to take shape. We saw a growing need in our community, with parents approaching us, asking for Spanish lessons for their children. We realized that there was a gap in early childhood education, where children could learn a second language, immerse themselves in diverse cultures, and develop essential skills for a globalized world.
Our preschool, the first center-based bilingual preschool licensed through the state in Knoxville, TN, was born out of this vision. Since 2019, we’ve had the privilege of serving the Knoxville community, providing a unique and nurturing environment where children can thrive.
For us, this is a dream come true. There’s no greater joy than seeing young children learn not only a second language but also traditions, customs, and values that will stay with them for a lifetime. We believe that bilingualism is a gift, one that opens doors to new opportunities, fosters empathy, and enriches their understanding of the world.
Our students come from diverse backgrounds, and we feel fortunate to have wonderful families from different countries and the US. We celebrate this diversity, incorporating various cultures, traditions, and languages into our curriculum.
As educators, we’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of bilingualism on young minds. It enhances cognitive skills, improves academic performance, and broadens their perspectives. Our preschool is more than just a learning environment – it’s a community that embraces the beauty of diversity and the power of language.
We’re proud to be part of this journey, shaping the minds and hearts of future generations. As we continue to grow and serve our community, we’re reminded that our dream has become a reality, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students and their families.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Our preschool, Inicios, is intentionally named to reflect our mission. “Inicios” means “the beginning” in Spanish, symbolizing the start of a new journey in language, culture, and traditions for our students. We believe that the early years are the most critical in shaping a child’s perspective and appreciation for diversity. At Inicios, we provide the foundation for our students to develop a lifelong love for learning, languages, and cultures.
As the first center-based bilingual preschool licensed through the state in Knoxville, TN, we offer a nurturing environment where children aged 2 1/2 – 5 years old can develop essential skills, learn Spanish, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures. Our experienced, certified teachers create personalized lesson plans that cater to each child’s needs, ensuring they receive a well-rounded education.
Our curriculum covers all areas of early learning, including:
– Language and literacy
– Math and problem-solving
– Science and exploration
– Social-emotional learning
– Physical education and motor skills
– Art and creative expression
We’re proud to say that our graduates are more than prepared for Kindergarten and beyond. Our comprehensive program ensures that children develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in their future educational endeavors. In fact, we’ve seen our graduates excel in Kindergarten and beyond, consistently performing above average in their academic pursuits.
We solve a significant problem for parents seeking bilingual education for their children. Many parents recognize the benefits of bilingualism, such as enhanced cognitive skills, improved academic performance, and broader cultural understanding. However, finding quality, immersive bilingual programs can be challenging. Our preschool fills this gap, offering a unique blend of academic excellence, linguistic immersion, and cultural enrichment.
What sets us apart is our commitment to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that celebrates diversity. Our students come from various backgrounds, and we believe this diversity is our strength. We incorporate different cultures, traditions, and languages into our curriculum, empowering children to become global citizens.
By attending Inicios, our students gain more than just a new language; they develop an appreciation for different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. We instill in them the value of empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity. Our goal is to raise a new generation of open-minded, curious, and compassionate individuals who will make a positive impact in their communities.
I’m most proud of the positive impact we’ve had on our students and their families. Seeing children develop a love for languages, cultures, and learning is incredibly rewarding. We’ve also built a supportive community of parents who share our vision and values.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want to emphasize that Inicios is more than just a preschool – it’s a community that fosters growth, inclusivity, and a love of learning. We’re dedicated to providing a nurturing environment that allows children to thrive and reach their full potential.
If you’re looking for a unique, immersive bilingual education for your child, I invite you to explore Inicios. We’re passionate about empowering the next generation of global citizens, and we believe our preschool is an ideal place to start this journey.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
The story of how I met my co-founder and business partner, Nelly Garcia, is a testament to the power of serendipity and shared passions.
It all began when our husbands met through work. As they became friends, our families would often gather for social events. During one of these gatherings, Nelly and I struck up a conversation, bonding over our shared love of education and language.
As we talked, we discovered that we shared a dream of creating a bilingual preschool that would provide young children with the gift of language and cultural immersion. Our conversation was filled with excitement and enthusiasm, and we both knew that this was just the beginning of something special.
As we continued to talk, we realized that our skills and experiences complemented each other perfectly. Nelly brought her expertise in early childhood education and language acquisition, while I contributed my experience as a bilingual teacher and my passion for creating a nurturing learning environment.
Our shared vision and values created a strong foundation for our partnership. We both believed that language and cultural immersion should be accessible to all children, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. We wanted to create a preschool that would not only provide a high-quality education but also foster a sense of community and belonging.
As we began working together, our partnership flourished. We spent countless hours brainstorming, planning, and refining our curriculum. Our husbands, who had introduced us, became our biggest supporters, encouraging us to pursue our dream.
In 2019, our bilingual preschool, Inicios, was born. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished. Our preschool has become a vibrant community of learners, where children can explore, discover, and thrive.
Looking back, I’m grateful for that initial conversation with Nelly. It was as if the universe had brought us together, knowing that our shared passion and expertise would create something truly special.
Inicios is more than just a preschool – it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, shared vision, and a commitment to providing high-quality education. Nelly and I are proud to be co-founders of this incredible institution, and we look forward to continuing our mission of empowering young minds and fostering a love of language and culture.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The journey of turning our dreams into a business has been nothing short of challenging. As two immigrants, Nelly and I faced numerous obstacles that tested our resolve and perseverance.
During the initial two years, we encountered a multitude of setbacks. The process of obtaining necessary permits and licenses was arduous, to say the least. We had to navigate a complex web of local and state regulations, each with its own set of requirements. It felt like we were constantly hitting a brick wall, with every “no” we received making us question whether our dream was worth fighting for.
We invested our own savings, poured countless days and nights into the business, and sacrificed precious time with our loved ones. The financial burden was substantial, with rent, utilities, and payroll expenses piling up while we waited for approvals. There were times when we were perilously close to depleting our resources, and the fear of losing everything we had worked for was overwhelming.
Despite the setbacks, we refused to give up. We drew strength from our families, who believed in us even when we doubted ourselves. Our community rallied around us, offering words of encouragement and support. Their collective faith in our vision helped us push through the darkest moments.
I vividly remember the sleepless nights, the endless cups of coffee, and the tears of frustration. But I also recall the moments of triumph, no matter how small they seemed. Each tiny victory gave us the courage to keep going, to keep pushing forward even when the odds seemed insurmountable.
Looking back, I realize that those near-death moments for our business were, in fact, opportunities for growth. We learned to adapt, to pivot, and to trust in each other. We discovered that our resilience was far greater than we ever imagined.
Today, as I look around at the thriving community we’ve built, I’m filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. Our bilingual preschool, Inicios, is more than just a business – it’s a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and community support.
To anyone who has ever doubted themselves or felt like giving up on their dreams, I want to say that it’s okay to stumble. It’s okay to face setbacks and rejections. But don’t let those moments define you. Instead, use them as fuel to drive you forward. Draw strength from those around you, and never lose sight of your vision.
Our story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope. And with hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes, you can turn even the most impossible-seeming dreams into a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inicios123.com
- Instagram: @inicios123LLC
- Facebook: @inicios123LLC
