Today we’d like to introduce you to Terra Trofort.
Hi Terra, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2002, I left my position in the public school system with a vision—to bring language and cultural education to children who otherwise had little to no access.
As an inspiring entrepreneur and single mom with no investors and limited resources, I built my company on determination, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to my mission. It was important for me to show young kids who looked like me the opportunities and possibilities of learning a second language and making connections with people from diverse backgrounds.
My early years were marked by long days and countless challenges—leasing spaces, developing curriculum, hiring staff, and finding ways to market my program on a shoestring budget.
Through perseverance and community engagement, Lingual Kids Inc. has become a reliable source for early foreign language education and thoughtful cultural experiences in the metro area. We have partnered with early childhood centers, public schools, libraries and non traditional education leaders who embrace our core belief that early literacy and second language acquisition are foundational to the development of young minds.
Through the years we have navigated economic downturns and shifting educational landscapes by reinventing programs and embracing innovation. Today, Lingual Kids Inc. continues to thrive, inspiring a new generation of children to explore the world through language and culture.
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?
The road has been paved with many challenges, however I think the strength of our program lies in showing up, one more student, one more class, one more story time. At one point I personally carried 18 schools on my weekly rotation after a teacher left for a better gig. I pulled it off, but with great impact to my mental and physical well being. During the pandemic all of our childcare clients disappeared in one day. It was a devastating blow to our financial
ecosystem as my teachers and I all depended on that as a source of income. My biggest challenge still remains not having enough working capital to expand our reach farther in the community and beyond.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We specialize in teaching children ages 0-10. Our program has three teaching delivery models traditional group setting, private lessons, and bilingual story time. Fluent in the language of the littles we focus of integrating music, movement and hands-on experiences that make learning fun and seamless. We started working with the local library systems in 2009 and have traveled as far as middle GA to deliver our engaging story time and cultural programs. We have regular story time spots at several Atlanta-Fulton County Library branches. Our Bilingual Story Time has gained wide popularity and is a crowd favorite per the librarians and patrons.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I would consider myself a low risk taker however, I believe in the power of your owning and sharing your story. Up until recently I had been okay with flying low under the radar- content with playing small and not taking the risk but recently my mentality has shifted. With years under my belt and wisdom gained along the way, the risk of sharing my story and being criticized or judged is no longer the threat. I am more terrified now about NOT sharing my story and embracing all of the things that uniquely make me who I am. As a company, we have expanded our program to older students, adults, and virtually as a result of the pandemic. Entering new markets is always at a risk because of the unknown. In our experience, as a small company our flexibility and adaptability have proven to work in our favor being able to cater to the needs of our clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lingualkids.com
- Instagram: @lingualkids
- Facebook: @lingualkids
- LinkedIn: @ Terra Baker-Trofort
