Lorena Aceves Hernandez & Brenda Sanchez, Founders of TeleLingo
As bilingual speech language therapists, Lorena Aceves Hernandez and Brenda Sanchez are on a mission to bring Spanish — the language they grew up speaking at home — to kids of bilingual families everywhere through their online platform, TeleLingo. Unsurprisingly, it’s their Mexican heritage and their firsthand experience working with families facing communication barriers that sparked the idea to launch this accessible resource.
“This identity fuels our commitment to inclusivity at TeleLingo, motivating us to bridge gaps and provide resources that cater to the unique needs of our community,” says the pair of how their Latinidad influences their work.
Keep reading to meet las mujeres de magia behind TeleLingo.
Grace Gavilanes: What inspired you both to team up and start Telelingo?
Lorena & Brenda: As bilingual speech-language pathologists, we have the privilege of working with children from diverse backgrounds daily. We have observed the challenges that Spanish-speaking families face in finding resources and high quality educational content in their native language.
In the field of speech-language pathology, only 8.2% of professionals identify as multicultural and multilingual. We believe it is our duty to represent our community and provide much-needed resources to families, given our expertise in bilingual speech and language development. We chose YouTube as our platform because it is free and accessible. We believe that bilingualism is the greatest gift you can give your child, and we are committed to helping families achieve this goal.
Lorena Aceves Hernandez & Brenda Sanchez (left to right)
GG: What has been the response? Are there any reviews that have stayed with you?
L&B: We have received an overwhelmingly positive response and we are extremely grateful for it. The amount of engagement and views we gained in a short amount of time confirmed the need for the type of content we were creating.
The reviews that have resonated with us the most were the ones where families shared that their child learned a new word while watching our show, or that we are helping their child be bilingual. This feedback is priceless to us. We take the time to read every single message and comment we receive as it serves as a reminder and driving force for us to continue creating more content, even when it is challenging.
GG: What would you say has been your biggest obstacle in creating such a thriving business?
L&B: When we first launched TeleLingo, our biggest challenge was learning all the aspects that come with being business owners and content creators. Both of us had pursued a career in speech pathology, therefore had no prior experience or training in things like marketing, video creation, editing, social media, etc. We had to start from scratch and learn everything on our own.
To overcome this challenge, we relied on our support system and sought advice and assistance from experts in areas where we lacked experience. We fully embraced the learning curve, recognizing that making mistakes, asking questions, and adapting to new roles were essential parts of the entrepreneurial journey.
Acknowledging that we were beginners in the business world allowed us to grow and evolve. During tough times, our partnership was crucial in providing mutual support and motivation. We reminded ourselves of our mission and the bigger picture, which helped us stay focused and resilient in the face of challenges.
Lorena Aceves Hernandez & Brenda Sanchez (left to right)
GG: In your professional experience, what’s a good first step to introducing your child to a new language?
L&B: Every situation is unique, but it's important to remember that children are like sponges when it comes to learning language. They are naturally wired to pick up new languages without any special instruction. The earlier you expose your child to a new language, the better. Children are highly receptive to learning languages during their early years. A good first step is to create a positive and immersive language environment at home. You can incorporate the new language naturally into daily routines and activities, such as labeling household items, describing daily routines, or engaging in simple conversations during playtime. However, it's not recommended to pressure your child to speak the new language. Learning should be a positive experience, and forcing can lead to resistance.
GG: What are common misconceptions about bilingualism?
L&B: There are so many misconceptions we hear, but the most common one we hear is definitely that introducing your child to a new language will cause confusion or contribute to language delays. This is 100% false and we are so passionate about advocating for bilingualism. Research shows that bilingual children generally meet language development milestones at the same pace as monolingual children. It also offers cognitive advantages, such as enhanced problem-solving skills, multitasking abilities, and a heightened awareness of language structures.
Lorena Aceves Hernandez & Brenda Sanchez (left to right)
GG: What advice would you give someone who’s looking to start their own business?
L&B: Based on our experience, it’s important to choose something you're genuinely passionate about; it'll be your main driving force. Embrace learning as you go — asking questions is part of the process, and it's okay not to have all the answers upfront. Lastly, build a solid support system and network. Seek mentorship and surround yourself with a community to help you through the tough times. Be flexible and continuously open to feedback. Honestly, with social media being so prominent, there has never been a better time to start a business. If your idea is strong enough, you can spread your message like wildfire.
GG: Hustle culture and burnout is so prominent in our community. How do you make sure to take care of yourself first?
L&B: We've learned that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury but a necessity. In the beginning, we felt the pressure to create as much content as possible. We were working tirelessly, pushing ourselves to the limit and pulling all-nighters. However, we soon realized that this approach was unsustainable, and it began to take a toll on us. We took a step back and re-evaluated our goals. We made a conscious decision to prioritize our well-being by setting boundaries and making self-care a fundamental part of our business. This means carving out time for our loved ones, practicing mindfulness, and simply unplugging to recharge our batteries. By doing so, we are better able to bring our best selves to TeleLingo and it helps us fuel our creativity. Ultimately, we’ve made a conscious effort to move away from burnout culture and redefine success on our terms.
GG: What does being Latina mean to you? How has it influenced the way you approach your personal and professional life?
L&B: Being Latina is a source of pride, shaping our personal and professional lives. It means cherishing our cultural heritage, family traditions, and fostering a sense of community. This identity fuels our commitment to inclusivity at TeleLingo, motivating us to bridge gaps and provide resources that cater to the unique needs of our community. It's not just a part of who we are; it's a guiding force influencing our decisions and driving our mission. In our videos, we weave in cultural aspects to foster connection and education, ensuring our content resonates authentically with the community we serve.
