Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Nascimento.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It’s crazy to think how much of my life shifted because of the decision to study abroad while in college. I started college with the intention of getting my degree in Psychology and continuing to a Ph.D. program (without a real direction of what I’d do with it). However, while studying in Spain, I had the opportunity to travel around Europe and experience people, culture, language, and knew in my heart this original plan was no longer for me.
I did finish though, got my degree and decided to postpone grad school and move to Australia. There, I met my husband, which eventually led me to his home country of Brazil where I dove into (English) language teaching and more language learning (Portuguese). When we decided to move back to the States, I got a job teaching in a local school, and after a while, I felt that burning desire to do more, to make a bigger difference. This was when I started my first business, English Outside the Box, which helps students around the world improve their skills to achieve their personal, professional or academic [English] goals. It felt good knowing I was no longer helping the 15 students in my class, but hundreds around the world through Instagram “lessons,” YouTube videos, online courses, and programs. The online English space is pretty connected, so I met another teacher Dan from the UK, and we had the wild idea to create a podcast, helping students learn and understand the differences between the American and British English accents – so this was how my second business, English Across the Pond began. EATP creates weekly (free) episodes teaching natural expressions through conversation while offering a membership community with more practice, exercises, and study materials.
All of this was and has been fabulous; however, in 2016 I experienced the greatest transition of all – I became a Mama. This transformed so much of me in terms of self-growth. I think differently, I feel differently, and that strong desire to make a big difference was ignited again. I realized language isn’t my true passion and wanted to connect with people on a deeper level. So, this has led me back to the field of psychology and onto the path of becoming certified in Positive Psychology and yoga!
This shift also created my newest business, The Karma Mamas, which is where I am today!
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road but an extremely fulfilling road! There is a picture created by Derek Halpern called “A day in the life of an Entrepreneur,” and it’s a funny but true feeling on a lot of days. These are a lot of the struggles (I messed up, I am going bankrupt, this is hard, etc…) But – find the humor, keep smiling, and keep pushing forward! Starting a business requires some, no… a lot of hustle, but my biggest piece of advice is to stay focused on your goal and keep the passion alive. Always have a reason, bigger than yourself, for what you’re doing – and when you focus on that, the challenging times pass a little easier. It’s also important to have realistic expectations and to go easy on yourself. I knew the freedom and flexibility that I wanted to create would require working harder, especially in the beginning. Knowing this and keeping this in mind has helped a lot.
There’s always a fear of failure, too, but understanding where this fear is coming from can help you overcome it. Ultimately, it always comes back to the need to have an answer to “why are you doing what you’re doing?”
We’d love to hear more about your business and The Karma Mamas.
As I mentioned, I’ve created three business (two as a co-founder) since 2014. Much of the past few years have been spent teaching English online – and I’m incredibly proud that I’ve grown English Outside the Box and English Across the Pond from nothing to something successful that supports my family and our lifestyle. I’ve watched students get new jobs, move abroad, and achieve goals. I’ve also got to travel and meet some! It was amazing to visit São Paulo, Brazil this year and meet students I had only previously known virtually for the first time.
I’ve always been told that my energy and clear passion for what I do sets me apart. Everything I do, I give 110% with zest, with enthusiasm and I truly believe that has been what’s attracted my students, clients, and continues to inspire the work that I do.
I’m eager to finish my Positive Psychology and yoga certifications that will allow me to continue inspiring people around me, especially in my newest business venture, The Karma Mamas. We (my co-founder Sabrina and I) have just begun building the community to support Mamas on their journey and connect them to the power of self-love. I am proud of the difference we’ve made already with inspiring Mamas around our communities.
Our first retreat will be in May 2019, and I’m looking forward to the unique, one of a kind experiences our Mamas will get. With our backgrounds and expertise, we’re offering a cohesion of self-growth workshops, goal coaching, pilates/yoga and other forms of movement, mindfulness, community, and much more to increase overall well-being. It’s exciting because we’ve created something we previously tried to find with no luck. Now other Mamas can find what they need, too.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
In the face of every challenge, there is an opportunity – an opportunity to rise above, to stand up and fight, and persevere to make a difference. Or if an opportunity so large doesn’t seem immediately obvious, there is an opportunity to learn. With heightened attention on the challenges women face, there is an opportunity for more self-awareness of what we, women, can do to change that. There are so many platforms available to make our voices heard, and I think we’re in a great position today to do that. There are also some incredible people and companies helping women overcome these challenges and do great things. One, for example, is Hera Labs/Hera Hub/Hera Angels who offer so much support for female entrepreneurs and workers. There are a lot of opportunities out there that we’ve got to find and see in the face of our challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thekarmamamas.com/
- Email: hello@thekarmamamas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna_leao/
- Other: https://www.englishoutsidethebox.com/
Image Credit:
Celesteal Photography (Computer Image)
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
