This week, The Mogul Mom features Nathalie Simmons Jorge of Professor Pocket. About a month ago, Nathalie emailed me with a link to the video below. I literally had chills watching it & emailed her back to chat more about her mission to help children develop a lifelong passion for learning languages. In this week’s interview, she shares her story with great honesty & energy. Enjoy!
Q: What is your name & how many children do you have?
A: Nathalie Simmons Jorge
The “h” in Nathalie is silent and Jorge is pronounced Hor-Hay (just had to throw that in because most people call me Na-tha-lee George!)
I have two children. Louis (pronounced “Louie”) is 7 and Sophie is 4.
Q: What is the name of your company and when did you start it?
A: I started Professor Pocket with my sister-in-law Paula Jorge Guglielmino in January 2005.
Q: What was the inspiration behind your company?
A: Paula and I live across the country from each other (I’m in Charlotte, NC and Paula lives in Long Beach, CA), but during a family gathering, we decided to start a business together and that modern technology would enable us to do so despite the physical distance between us. At the time, my youngest child was 8 months old. Having been an entrepreneur before, I was itching to try my hand at another new business. Paula had (and still has) a full time job but knew she wanted to branch into something more entrepreneurial as well. We immediately began brainstorming different business ideas.
The more we talked about building a business together, the more we realized how much we both wanted to do something that reflects the value we place on multiculturalism. We discussed how fortunate Paula and my husband Carlos (Paula’s brother) were to have grown up in a bilingual home, and how I wanted the same experience for my two children. Carlos and Paula were both born in the Dominican Republic and are native Spanish speakers. Not being a native Spanish speaker myself, I felt intimidated picking up Spanish children’s books and reading them to my kids for fear that I was pronouncing words incorrectly. We figured other parents and teachers might feel the same way and could benefit from high-quality, bilingual audio products that would be so entertaining that kids and adults would want to listen to them repeatedly.
Q: How long did it take you to earn a profit from your business?
A: Hmmm….we’re not there yet. Our sales are growing, but we reinvest every dollar we earn back into the business and new product development. Right now, we are working on self-publishing our first picture book!
Q: What obstacles (if any) did you face along the way & how did you overcome them?
A: Lots of obstacles.
1. Before starting Professor Pocket, neither Paula nor I knew anything about writing or producing music CDs. We’ve had to learn as we go, especially on the legal front. We have been very fortunate to assemble a talented cast of actors, musicians, and a top-notch production team.
2. Generating sales. We have a product that has to be experienced to be understood. A children’s Spanish CD is not an easy sell, and lots of people look at us cross-eyed when we first approach them.
3. We’re self-funding. We have to get creative in how we use every dollar.
Q: Did you ever feel like quitting? What kept you going?
A: Yes. I still have those days. In the end, I am passionate about making a difference. It is extremely gratifying to know that kids are enjoying learning Spanish because of Professor Pocket.
Q: What quality/qualities (i.e., tenacity, discipline, time management) do
you think are necessary for a mom entrepreneur?
A: I think any entrepreneur has to be willing to roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty. I think most moms have an edge since we’re used to unglamorous work and know what needs to get done. Persistence is also key and what better teacher than a strong-willed 2 year old. Finally, I think it’s really important to be willing to stretch yourself and move outside your comfort zone. I remember the first time I cold called a store. I was horrified. I mustered up the guts to approach the owner in person. I pitched Professor Pocket. He said he didn’t think my CD would sell in his store. I walked out of the store, got in my car and sank into the seat. It was really hard to gear myself up to cold call again, but I got back out there. I am making my dream happen.
Q: What one thing (book, website, coach, tool, blog, service, etc) was VERY
INSTRUMENTAL in your success?
A: I have two:
My husband. He is my advocate and a huge source of support. It helps to have a cheerleader.
My business partner Paula: 2 minds are definitely better than 1.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: Thanks to a great friend, this one from Max Ehrmann is hanging on a wall in my home office: “Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and stars. In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.”
Q: What advice would you give to a new mom entrepreneur?
A: Go for it! Read the above quote often and remind yourself to measure your success by what makes you happy.
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