In this episode, Toni and Leslie talk with Irma Gomez, founder of Spanish Lessons York. Irma shares her inspiring journey from Mexico City to York, England, where she transformed her passion for teaching languages into a thriving business. Discover how Irma balances motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal growth while creating a unique learning experience for her students.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Irma's move from Mexico to York for education led to unexpected personal and professional opportunities, highlighting the importance of embracing change.
• Transitioning from corporate life to motherhood prompted Irma to reevaluate her priorities and create a business that aligned with her passions and family needs.
• Starting a local language teaching business required tenacity and creative marketing, including leveraging social media to find and connect with potential clients.
• The COVID-19 pandemic forced Irma to adapt her teaching methods, opening up new possibilities for online lessons and expanding her reach beyond local boundaries.
• Irma believes in the importance of knowing your market and understanding that your ideal client may have different needs and preferences than your own.
• Continuous learning and adapting to new technologies, like AI, is crucial for staying relevant and growing a business in the constantly changing digital world.
• Irma's approach to teaching Spanish goes beyond grammar, incorporating cultural elements and personal experiences to make lessons more engaging and relevant.
• Finding a balance between work and personal life is essential, as demonstrated by Irma's focus on family and pursuit of personal interests like baking.

BEST MOMENTS 

"I don't want to be skint, but I then knew that I could do something alongside motherhood because I didn't want to give up motherhood at all."

"So it's teaching. It's definitely teaching. So I, I started to get as well, like qualifications to teach Spanish because of course I knew how to teach English because I did it."

"Languages are my passion. So I keep training on things."

"I think this age. Because I think it's  the here and now is what I like more. I already been however many years I was and did what I did and right now I'm more focused on the here and now."

"And I think it's really important that when, you know, when you're trying to find a business or a job that it actually does light you up."

ABOUT THE GUEST

I'm Irma and I love making sure people who are learning Spanish have a wonderful experience and speak with confidence. Languages are doors that open your mind into other worlds. Learning a language keeps you fit and engaged, so having experienced that myself, I now make sure everyone who attends my lessons feel the same. I'm originally from Mexico City, a colourful and vibrant, busy and chaotic city. I'm a mum, a wife and I now live in the beautiful city of York, UK.

 

Website:

www.spanishlessonsyork.co.uk

www.spanishlessons.club

 

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/spanishlessonsyork

https://www.youtube.com/@SpanishLessonsClub

https://www.linkedin.com/in/irmagomezcruz/

 

HOST BIOS

Toni C. Eastwood OBE, MBA, (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator)

Award-winning entrepreneur, who knows exactly what it’s like to start and scale NFP Business, raising multi-millions in funding. She has served as a non-executive board member and Chair of several charities and NFP organisations. With 30 years’   experience in SME, Business startup and growth, as Director of a FTSE 30 Company, starting and growing two businesses over the last 12yrs. Toni knows what it’s like to leave the familiar behind, to personally risk  everything to follow your passion for service and importantly to handle the inevitable obstacles along the way. 

Lesley Craven MA – Programme Director – (Business Transformation Coach and Facilitator)

Lesley has spent 30+ years leading public and social sector delivery, and as a CEO of numerous NFP organisations. She is an accomplished bid writer, facilitator, and business coach leading our delivery to 1000s of Small Business Owners and Leaders over the last 4 years.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

The Women On Purpose Podcast is where we keep it real, have fun, an authentic and entertaining platform for individuals seeking personal growth, purpose-driven living, and the full range of emotions that make life an adventure.  We share some laughter, and yes, there might even be a few tears along the way. We want the conversation to flow and will be chatting with our guests learning more about their successes, challenges, and how they have navigated these sharing the tools and techniques they may have used alongside us sharing our tips and techniques from our ASPIRE Model.