We had the pleasure of connecting with Laura Bruce, the founder of Mi Casa Es Tu Casa®, a music program that transcends mere musical notes.
Quickly, we discovered that Mi Casa Es Tu Casa® is far more than a simple music class. Their parent-child program is thoughtfully designed to create a safe, judgment-free environment where caregivers can connect with their babies, learn a new language, and find a sense of community and support.
In today’s fast-paced world, parenting is undeniably challenging. Mi Casa Es Tu Casa® aims to provide parents with a variety of tools for conscious parenting, making life with young children more manageable. It was inspiring to learn about the depth and uniqueness of this program, which focuses on the well-being of families.
Laura, could you share more about the inspiration behind this innovative idea?
Diving into motherhood was like accidentally falling into a pool—shocking at first, but you quickly learn to swim. My professional dreams took a backseat as my baby took the wheel. But here’s the twist: I discovered the secret sauce to thriving as a mom-community and a sprinkle of self-discovery.
Without friends or family nearby, I became a mom-detective, seeking out other moms for some much-needed camaraderie. It was like finding my tribe in an unexpected adventure, teaching me that parenting is less about perfecting the art of diaper changing and more about embarking on a journey of self-growth.
Hailing from Venezuela, I had this dream of raising a little bilingual wizard, but the perfect program was as elusive as a unicorn. So, what’s a mom to do? Invent her own magic, of course!
Mi Casa Es Tu Casa is my homemade concoction of Spanish, music, and a dash of early childhood development, all stirred together with conscious parenting. Picture it as a musical fiesta where babies and toddlers get their groove on while parents dive deep into the realms of self-reflection and community building. This wasn’t just a program; it was a revolution disguised as a music class, meticulously brewed over years to add flavor to the parenting journey.
Families come for the tunes and stay for the transformation. They sign up thinking it’s all about baby bops and toddler tunes, but stay for years, captivated by the profound impact on their daily lives and the journey of rediscovering themselves to be the rockstar parents they’re meant to be. And here’s the insider scoop: while the littles think they’re the stars of the show, it’s actually a backstage pass for the grown-ups to rock their parenting world.
What are the things you love the most about Mi Casa Es Tu Casa®?
- Every time I do a recap evaluation with my employees, the number one thing that they like the most about their job is the environment that we have created and how amazing it is to work with one another.
- Over the years, families make a point to tell me how impactful Mi Casa Es Tu Casa has been in their lives, especially as parents, and how we have shaped the way they parent in a more connected, respectful way.
- That every single time I step into my studio, I feel so much love. I feel like the walls emanate love. I find myself inevitably taking a deep breath and smiling with so much peace and gratitude.
Do you manufacture products?
I almost wanted to say we didn’t manufacture products, when in fact, we manufacture amazing music and have been nominated for 2 Latin Grammy’s for Best Latin Children’s Album (2021, 2022)!
Children’s music can get a bad rap, but we’ve truly created an array of beautiful original songs, both easy and joyful to adults and children.. all while inhibiting seamless language learning.
I’m privileged to collaborate with musicians who are not only longtime friends but also highly respected professionals in the music industry. They have shared stages and studios with luminaries such as Armando Manzanero, Sin Banderas, Cristian Castro, and artists from Cirque Du Soleil. Their enthusiasm for joining this project was both humbling and inspiring, leading to the creation of over 150 unique original songs.
I went from having no idea where to start, to sitting next to giants of the industry at the Latin Grammys as a nominee – twice! It has been an incredible adventure to dive into the music world with such amazingly talented friends. You can find our music on Spotify and Apple Music if you search for “Mi Casa Es Tu Casa”.
Congratulations, it is a major achievement to be nominated for the Latin Grammys! I’m sure it wasn’t easy tho. Can you share a story of a time you had to pivot?
When I think of pivotal moments, Covid immediately springs to mind, but it was an internal battle that truly transformed Mi Casa into the success it is today
The pandemic hit the service industry hard, and I watched many similar businesses fall. However, I wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. I dived into 16+ hour workdays, seven days a week, determined to find a solution.. Eventually, the biggest challenge turned into our biggest blessing by birthing our online program which now streams across the US, Europe, and Australia! Four years on, we’re excited to launch a new platform that will highlight our At-Home program, showcasing it as a cornerstone of our brand..
I firmly believe the darkest moments are the ones that hold the most light, beauty, and growth if you are willing to face your fears to discover that light.
Despite all these challenges, the biggest pivoting was a mindset one! I was having the hardest time finding qualified individuals to teach my classes. I was looking for unicorns: somebody fully bilingual, who could sing in key, passionate or at least knowledgeable about mindful parenting and especially, who loved my babies and caregivers as much as I love them.
I remember coming home in tears, completely exhausted telling my husband I had crafted a business that only I could manage. Trapped and drained, the workload—from running classes to creating, recording, and publishing an entire digital program—felt like a mountain too steep for one person.
Then, it clicked: instead of scouring the wilderness for unicorns, I needed to create them. I began to look for individuals with hearts as big as the sky and a life attitude brimming with gratitude and love. Everything else could be taught. This epiphany led me to understand that nurturing my team’s personal growth was the secret to preserving the high quality of our classes. Embracing this approach not only liberated me but also enriched our community with a team as dedicated and loving as the unicorns I had envisioned.
We went from asking for an impossibly curated CV to apply to asking for a warm introduction and a song. Good hearts are far more powerful in our classrooms than professional backgrounds.
This shift in perspective allowed Mi Casa Es Tu Casa to not just expand the team but to cultivate an environment brimming with love. It became a sanctuary for those who arrived with open hearts, eager to share and learn. Through this evolution, we ensured that our growing family of teachers and learners thrived without compromising the well-being of my own family and me.
In embracing the power of warmth and authenticity, I discovered the true essence of our mission: to build connections that resonate deeper than any credential ever could. This journey of emotional and communal growth has woven a tapestry of relationships that are the heartbeat of Mi Casa Es Tu Casa, keeping us united in love and dedicated to nurturing every soul that steps through our doors.
The program you have created is truly a gem, Laura. What a fantastic and refreshing way of offering a service to little children that can truly impact the rest of their lives for both parent and child. Thank you so much for sharing this time with us!
To find more information about Mi Casa Es Tu Casa you can visit their website at www.SpanishMusicClasses.com and follow them on all social media platforms @MicasaSTUcasa.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.micasastucasa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micasastucasa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micasastucasa
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/laura-b-bruce-a303b041
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@micasaestucasa8481
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mi-casa-es-tu-casa-austin-2?osq=mi+casa+es+tu+casa
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Mi Casa Es Tu Casa® Inked Fingers