Building a Startup from the Ground Up - Bringing Communities into Focus
Today, I want to take you on a journey through the vibrant and often unexpectedly sumptuous threads that weave the TA-DA! Language Productions story.
At the heart of TA-DA! lies a symphony of collaboration – spanning families, schools, zoos, and even legendary music producers who've collaborated with icons like Lady Gaga, Yo-Yo Ma, and Michael Jackson.
They've all enriched our narrative.
But, here's the thing – behind this seemingly grand tapestry is just a simple mama/teacher from Nashville.
Me.
My family, my rock - continually supporting me on the TA-DA! journey.
It might sound fancy on the outside, but deep down, I'm someone who dared to not just dream big – but to chase that dream with every fiber of my being. I poured everything I have into creating something special and meaningful for our kids. Not because I had endless resources or a big team behind me. In fact, I'm still in the trenches, fighting for our voice to be heard, often relying on pure grit and passion.
This isn't about glitter and glamor. It's about a community coming together for a bigger vision, a shared dream.
The TA-DA! team celebrating our collaboration with the San Francisco Zoo.
Even on the most tiring days, the passion for TA-DA! keeps me going.
While it's an honor to work with some legendary names, building this business largely falls on simple, little ol' me. So, when you hear our story, know that it's one of passion, persistence, and genuine dedication.
Today, I would like to spotlight the communities that are the soul of TA-DA!, whose tales of support and encouragement drive our vision (and helped see me through a startup roadblock or two).
This post is for them, but I hope in sharing our story, you'll find a bit of your own – an inspiration to dream big, work hard, and never forget the heart of why you started.
A cherished moment with 4x Grammy-winning music producer Jesse Lewis and our pillars of support from San Jose.
A Children’s Multilingual Startup With Monolingual Origins in Nashville, TN
This might surprise you. The Genesis of my company, TA-DA! Language Productions, a family startup that brings children the bounty of bilingualism+ has monolingual origins.
Nashville, where I grew up, was a place of song, rhythm, and tales. However, my heart always drummed to the beats of languages and cultures different than my own.
This rhythm led me from my hometown to corners of the world I'd never imagined, teaching languages to kids across various landscapes.
Fast forward to today.
Picture a platform where kids can be introduced to the world's languages, not just through mundane repetition, but through authentic voices and melodies. A place where learning isn't a chore, but a delightful play, akin to stepping on the stage of a foreign land.
This is what TA-DA! is all about:
Witness the joy of language learning! Friends diving into 1000 words with our immersive talking children's word book.
While technology offers many benefits, its omnipresence often leaves a void. There's a growing yearning for genuine, tactile experiences that nurture young minds, free from the constant glare of screens.
That's where TA-DA! Language Productions stands apart. (And perhaps why so many legendary names are listening to little ol’ me and joining the TA-DA! revolution!)
A young learner's touch ignites wonders. Our revolutionary TA-DA! Talking Dictionary merges the beauty of a traditional paper book with cutting-edge, seamlessly embedded technology.
Our commitment is unwavering: to offer age-appropriate and screen-free solutions. Why? Because we believe in the power of raw imagination, the magic of physical touch, and the value of real-world interactions. Kids don't just need another app or game; they need genuine experiences that fuel their natural curiosity and growth.
A journey of language discovery begins with a single touch. Here's our young scholar engaging with native voices from the TA-DA! Talking Dictionary.
Every word learned is a step forward. The joy of mastering a new language is evident in her smile.
Beaming with pride! Each page turned, each word mastered, fills her with boundless joy.
Proudly presenting her most treasured companion in her language adventure - the TA-DA! Talking Dictionary.
Mexican Mamas of San Jose, CA: Pillars of Our Foundation
In the earliest days of TA-DA!, before it even took that name, it was a mere idea, a dream fueled by passion. A defining chapter of this dream came during my encounters with a group of Mexican mamas in San Jose, California: Lulu, Gaby, Marybel, Moni... These mamas weren’t just a part of our journey – they were its foundation. At a moment's notice, they'd rally their communities, organizing recording sessions with children in their community, warmly inviting me into their homes. Here, I was privy to the authentic sounds and spirit of their language, one I did not speak.
Before TA-DA! had established formal partnerships with Spanish educational institutions, these mamas were our guiding stars. They painstakingly reviewed our word selections, endorsed (and even introduced) cultural nuances, ensuring we stayed true to our mission.
Embracing new traditions and cultures. My son cherishes his first traditional Mexican birthday party, a testament to the bonds we've formed with San Jose's Hispanic community.
But their warmth and generosity extended beyond just work. As a newcomer, somewhat adrift in the community, they didn't just see me; they embraced me.
They'd urge me to bring my 4-year-old son to recording sessions, including him into their vibrant community (despite his inability to speak Spanish), and even feed him. (Delicious meals, I might add!)
This loving, heartwarming tight-knit group of Spanish-speaking mamas went so far as to invite me cherished ‘mamas evening out’, offering to shift their language, simply to make me feel included.
They embraced not just me, but my entire family, hubby too, inviting us to celebrate their own children's birthdays.
Those special moments, among Mexican guitars and piñatas, were infectious - and probably a huge part of what kept me going to work unwaveringly for years to come, even amidst Covid - and burnout. It was a story I needed to figure out how to tell…. an overwhelming feeling of being part of something larger than me.
A Wild Twist: From Mexican Streets to Animal Beats at the San Francisco Zoo!
As beautiful as those moments with the Mexican mamas were, no exploration of community collaboration would be complete without the story of our partnership with the San Francisco Zoo. This collaboration adds a distinctive dimension to our materials, allowing children not only to learn language but also to embark on a captivating journey into the world of animals and nature.
Decisions in the making. A memorable day at the San Fran Zoo, where we chose the perfect locale for our language party.
As we recorded communities, including alongside the formidable Mexican women of San Jose for our very first talking book, a Funny Day at the Zoo, an integral question surfaced: were we certain that the sounds we used to represent these magnificent creatures were authentic? The answer had to be an unequivocal yes.
I'm not one for shortcuts, especially when it comes to the authenticity and heart of TA-DA!'s mission. So, I headed straight to the San Francisco Zoo, one of the very best in the world, determined to ensure the veracity of our animal sounds. If we were going to introduce children to the enchanting world of animals, it had to be right in every aspect, not just language and culture. People laughed at me for aiming so high, but you know what, they responded, and even took it a step further.
To my astonishment, the zoo shared that most children's sound toys in the market today don't use accurate animal sounds. Worse, some might even be from animals in distress. Imagine the joy on the zookeeper's faces when they learned we were seeking their expertise to validate our sounds! It was a win-win. We were on a mission to achieve genuine animal representations, and they were eager to assist.
But the relationship didn't end there.
Introducing the wonders of TA-DA! at the San Fran Zoo. Our information table, where eager guests preordered our first title, 'A Funny Day at the Zoo.
Our commitment to authenticity and the deep respect we showed for their expertise left an impression. I was soon introduced to the director of the zoo. Overwhelmed by his admiration for our mission and work, he did something extraordinary: he opened the gates of the San Francisco Zoo to TA-DA!
They didn't just offer insights; they invited us to showcase our brand right there, on the zoo premises.
It culminated in a unique event: the zoo language party for kids. Surrounded by the wonders of the animal kingdom, children experienced languages in a setting that was both educational and magical.
This partnership, born from a simple quest for authenticity, became a testament to the lengths TA-DA! goes to ensure genuine and heartfelt experiences. It’s not just about languages. It's about bridging worlds, building bonds, and crafting memories that last a lifetime.
UNAM and TA-DA!: A Melody of Authenticity and Collaboration
In the bustling heart of Mexico City lies UNAM, one of the world's top universities, renowned for its rigorous academic standards and its commitment to promoting cultural and linguistic diversity. As our quest to bring genuine Spanish language experiences to children continued, our paths inevitably converged with UNAM.
From our first interactions, it was evident that our partnership was destined for greatness. I reached out, hoping to consult with a few experts to ensure the linguistic accuracy of our materials. But the response I received was overwhelming. Not only did they express eagerness to collaborate, but they also approached us with the dedication of a full-fledged partner.
I still recall my astonishment when, during one of our initial meetings, they inquired if they should compensate me for the collaboration. It was a testament to how much they believed in TA-DA!'s mission and vision.
A pivotal gathering of minds. The TA-DA! team, honored to meet and collaborate with the esteemed directors from UNAM Texas and UNAM Mexico.
Our partnership with UNAM was not just a stamp of approval; it was a rigorous, detail-oriented collaboration. Together, we conducted extensive polls, seeking feedback from a diverse range of Spanish speakers. This ensured that our content was not only linguistically accurate but also culturally resonant. The university's vast network and outreach provided invaluable insights, ensuring that our language materials represented the rich tapestry of the Spanish-speaking world.
The dedication and support I received from UNAM were unparalleled. From the linguists to the administrators, every individual we interacted with was driven by a shared goal: fostering cultural and linguistic acceptance and diversity for children everywhere.
When the time came to record for our Spanish talking dictionary, a sudden turn of events made Mexico a red zone, rendering us unable to travel there. In a remarkable show of support, both UNAM Texas and Mexico rallied to our cause. They set up our recording gear, guided meticulously by the insights from TA-DA!'s celebrated sound engineer, the 4x Grammy-winning Jesse Lewis. And then, they took on the herculean task of doing the recordings for us.
Presenting the Spanish edition of our cherished TA-DA! Talking Dictionary. Immense gratitude to every soul who contributed to this masterpiece.
To this day, we're in awe of the collaborative spirit they demonstrated and the lengths they went to ensure our project's success, even amidst the challenging circumstances of Covid outbreaks.
Their commitment and generosity highlight the game-changing potential of TA-DA! And while many names and faces contributed to this invaluable collaboration, I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Alfredo, Salvador, Alex and Loren, whose unwavering support and dedication have played an instrumental role in shaping our journey. The Spanish version of our dictionary, crafted with so much love and effort, is now in its very last stage of development, being fine-tuned by the expertise of 18x Grammy award winner and our recently announced music director, Rafa Sardina, alongside the multi-Latin Grammy winning sensation, Andres Landinez. The anticipation is palpable, and we can't wait to share this labor of love with you!
After pouring our heart and soul into this endeavor, we're now actively engaging in an angel round of funding to bring the Spanish Talking Dictionary to life. We believe in the transformative power of this tool, and if our journey resonates with you, we invite you to join us in making it accessible to countless learners.
The English version of the TA-DA! Talking Dictionary, available on our website, Amazon or your favorite bookstore.
Every one of us has encountered unexpected allies, communities, and moments of magic on our life's journey. Those serendipitous encounters that transformed an ordinary path into something extraordinary. Who or what has been your 'Mexican Mama' or 'San Francisco Zoo' moment? Who has uplifted you, supported you, or added a unique dimension to your own story? Share your tale below – I can't wait to be inspired by your own symphonies of collaboration!
Don't miss our next chapter this week where we'll dive deeper into our incredible community. You might be surprised to discover connections with 15x Grammy winner Béla Fleck — and just how his little boy plays a special part in a TA-DA! talking book. Stay tuned for stories that even the spotlight often misses!
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As TA-DA! continues to bloom, we reach out to passionate souls everywhere. Be part of our mission to nurture minds, celebrate cultures, and co-create a brighter, united future. With every story, let's bridge gaps and amplify the joy of learning.
Thank you for journeying with us. Stay with us as we continue to unravel more tales that have shaped TA-DA! Language Productions. Dive into the rich mosaic of stories that reflect our commitment, passion, and vision.
Step into our world, and let's create symphonies together.
