Today we’d like to introduce you to Paulina Enriquez.
Hi Paulina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Wonder Kids Learning Center was founded in August 2022 in Arlington, VA. Before starting my business, I had worked in Early Childhood Education for 20 years. The pandemic made me reflect that even though I was loving what I was doing, I could do more with my personal touch, something that gives the community what I believe is important: a second language and a focus on social-emotional learning. My passion for education led me to open my own center and incorporate a Spanish immersion aspect for the children, because of the great importance of immersing oneself in different cultures and the strength of knowing another language.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of my biggest challenges was having years of knowledge and experience in childcare and education, but I lacked the business knowledge needed to open and run my own business at first. With the help of a business mentor, I was able to overcome the obstacles one can face in the business world. The majority of these were the approval of the required licenses and permits when it comes to childcare. As a Hispanic woman, I feel very proud of what I have accomplished and hope that others can be inspired by what I’ve been able to do and follow their own dreams. Yet, I feel that in some cases, a challenge we face as Hispanics is that we have to prove ourselves more to others to gain their respect when it comes to aspects of business
As you know, we’re big fans of Wonder Kids Learning Center. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Wonder Kids is a high-quality childcare program for children between 3 months and 5 years old with a focus on Spanish immersion and Social-emotional Learning. The community that we have created at Wonder Kids between the teachers, parents, and children has created an environment where the kids feel loved, respected, and cared for by all of us.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My greatest strengths for succeeding in my business are my ability to connect with people, my capacity to listen, and my leadership skills. My passion for education drives me to work hard every day and makes me enjoy what I do.
I believe that education can change the world!
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