Today we’d like to introduce you to Mara Wearden
Hi Mara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hello! My name is Mara, and I am the founder of The Language Lounge!
I have loved languages for as long as I can remember. When I was three years old, my preschool teacher taught some basic sign language signs to the class and that was the first time that I realized that there are SO many different ways to communicate with each other, and I only knew one of them.
As an elementary-schooler, the birthday gifts I asked for were an Italian-English dictionary, a Japanese CD, and The Ultimate Grammar Reference book. Weird, yes, but how cool is it to feel so passionate and inspired by something at such a young age?
As I got older, I studied languages in a more academic setting. It was during my study abroad experience in Shanghai, China, when that same realization I had as a three-year-old hit me again, but this time, not only was I recognizing how many different ways people communicate with each other, I was recognizing that the more languages you know, the more people you can talk to, build relationships with, and learn from. From this moment on, this has always been what language learning means to me.
After returning back home to the United States and after another summer spent at Middlebury College’s prestigious Summer Chinese Language School, I ultimately earned degrees in both Chinese and Communication Science from the University of Pittsburgh.
Following graduation, I went on to teach at the elementary school level for four years and was blessed enough to gain experience with students from PreK to 5th grade. Because of this, I have a great overall view of education—where students come from and where they need to go.
During my years as a teacher, I taught both Chinese as a Second Language and English Language Arts. As a language nerd, one of my absolute favorite things to do is help students master phonics skills, giving them the confidence needed to learn how to read.
The stress of Covid and being in the classroom led me to taking a couple years off from the field of education. I explored other interests and careers, but ultimately found myself longing to teach again—longing to share my love of language with others—which led me to creating The Language Lounge in May of 2024.
Owning my own business has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I want languages to be accessible to everyone, regardless of where you come from or where you are headed. I want this, because everyone deserves to be able to communicate with others, and I believe that the more people there are who can communicate, the more peaceful this world will be.
Currently, The Language Lounge offers Spanish as a Second Language, Mandarin Chinese as a Second Language, English as a Second Language, and English Language Arts classes. Classes are available to people of all ages. There are private and group class options, as well as in-person and virtual options!
My dream is that one day The Language Lounge will become a one-stop-shop for any language lover like myself. No matter the language you want to learn, I hope we have it available for you! I dream of The Language Lounge being a place where people of all backgrounds can gather and feel a sense of community over their shared love for making the world just a little bit smaller, one language at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has certainly not been a smooth road. To start, learning Mandarin Chinese is no easy feat! I spent many, many, many hours and many, many, many notecards trying to learn the language, and I still feel like I don’t know it completely!
I think one of my biggest challenges in forming The Language Lounge though was believing in myself. Although starting a business is something I have wanted to do for a long time now, I don’t think I ever truly saw myself as a business owner. I used to ruminate over ideas, but always felt like my idea and plan had to be PERFECT in order for me to go through with it.
It wasn’t until a conversation with a local business owner, who shared how they started a subscription-based business during the pandemic, that I realized I didn’t need to have everything figured out to start. I just had to start.
There have definitely still been moments throughout this journey so far where I doubt myself, have imposter syndrome, and wonder if I am really up for the challenge of being an entrepreneur, so I would say these continuous feelings are a struggle as well. I try to push through them by remembering that for the first time in my life, I’m truly doing what I love.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Language Lounge?
The Language Lounge currently offers:
1. Private English Language Arts tutoring for students in grades K-12.
2. Private lessons for students of all ages learning English as a second language
3. Private lessons for students of all ages learning Mandarin Chinese as a second language
4. Private lessons for students of all ages learning Spanish as a second language
5. Virtual small group classes for adults learning English as a second language
6. Virtual small group classes for adults learning Mandarin Chinese as a second language
7. Virtual small group classes for adults learning Spanish as a second language
The Language Lounge hopes to one day offer any language you want to learn!
I think what really sets The Language Lounge apart is our personalized teaching approaches. We adapt our lessons to meet each student’s specific needs. For our littlest learners, this includes playing a lot of games so they hardly even know they’re learning. For our adults, this may mean tailoring lessons to include job-specific vocabulary.
My goal with The Language Lounge is to make language learning accessible to EVERYONE—regardless of learning differences, age, reason for wanting to learn, etc., The Language Lounge is the spot for you. If we don’t currently offer what you’re looking for, just ASK! It is our goal to help as many people as we can, because we believe that language makes the world a better place.
Pricing:
- Private Lessons: $53-58/hr
- Small Group Classes: $20-25/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thelanguagelounge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelanguagelounge_atx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561951163163&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lang-lounge
