Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Hagen.
Hi Lily, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for languages started when I reached bilingual proficiency at the age of 15. That experience sparked a passion for languages and cultures that has shaped my career ever since.
I became a certified foreign language educator and, over the years, have taught over 5,000 language classes to students from diverse backgrounds in different countries. It’s been incredibly rewarding to witness students from various cultures connect through language.
However, raising bilingual and bicultural kids has deepened my understanding — despite many tools available today, most are boring, too short, or ineffective. I’m committed to improving language and cultural education and supporting other families on this same journey with Lingo Plaza.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth. Like many startups, we’ve faced significant roadblocks, and with us choosing to bootstrap it truly has come down to having enough cash flow — which in the end, is related to finding the right audience that needs our product.
As a founder, this approach has not only allowed me to be resourceful and scrappy but also to immerse myself in various areas of the business, gaining invaluable insights and experience along the way.
We’ve been impressed with Lingo Plaza, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Lingo Plaza, we’re building the hub to learn the language and cultural skills you need from the playroom to the boardroom.
Currently, we are focusing on Spanish and Hispanic culture, offering resources designed to help families guide their children (ages 4-12) to language proficiency through immersive experiences.
Our main product, live Spanish lessons with tutors from Latin America, provides the closest experience to learning the language in a Latin American country and delivers an enriched cultural experience. This is our key differentiator. It’s all about creating a positive and exciting transcultural experience for our students.
How do you think about luck?
More than luck, I believe everyone reaps the rewards of the hard work they put in. For me, even though I understood my customers’ struggles, I knew that wasn’t enough. I had to do a lot of research because everyone’s bilingual experience is unique — it’s a constant learning journey.
But more importantly, my faith in God has been a huge part of my life and business. I seek wisdom daily, and His guidance has been really important to me. In the end, I work to serve people and aim to do it in the best way possible, and that is no small task.
Pricing:
- $68
- $128
- $180
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.weareplaza.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lingoplazaofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lingoplaza
