July Alumni Accolades
Karla Yatckoske's Innovative Approach to Spanish Tutoring
Karla Yatckoske’s business Uplifting Melodies Tutoring has evolved from offering one-on-one personal tutoring to hosting group-guided learning sessions. "At El Loro Club, we emphasize practical speaking skills within a supportive and enjoyable environment. Whether you're preparing for a business meeting or your next adventure abroad, our community is here to help you succeed," Karla explains. "I provide a safe and supportive community for professional adults to increase their comfort in Spanish conversations through effective and enjoyable practice, with a scalable subscription model." For Karla, a dedicated business owner, Sunshine Enterprises provided the pivotal support she needed to take her business from a mere concept to a thriving entity.
Karla's connection with Sunshine Enterprises began through a personal referral. "I found out about Sunshine through former Sunshine employee Jair Pinedo, who attends my church," she recalls. This introduction in Fall 2020 marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Karla. Enrolling in the Community Business Academy (CBA) was a game-changer for Karla. Reflecting on her experience, she highlights the interactive and practical aspects of the curriculum. "I really enjoyed the role-playing game we played a few times throughout the course, and how each time, it got more complex," she shares. The practical coaching, coupled with assignments like writing the Executive Summary and Cash Flow Plan, provided Karla with a solid foundation to understand and manage her business effectively. Sunshine Enterprises' Business Acceleration Services proved to be an invaluable resource for Karla. "I think I’m on my 6th round of 90 Day Coaching! I have worked with 4 different coaches, and each one has brought new perspective on my business as it evolves," she notes. This ongoing mentorship helped Karla navigate the challenges of growing her business, ensuring she always had expert advice to rely on.
One of the significant benefits Karla received from Sunshine Enterprises was through their Access to Capital services. This support allowed her to host three interns through the Trinity Community Alliance Program, a partnership between Trinity Christian College, Sunshine Enterprises, and Parker Dewey. "Although the interns were paid, my company did not have to pay them," Karla explains. This arrangement was instrumental in launching El Loro Club (The Parrot Club), a subscription-based online community that helps professionals speak Spanish with ease. The bilingual interns significantly contributed to the development and marketing efforts of this new venture. Before joining Sunshine Enterprises, Karla faced several challenges typical of many new entrepreneurs. "I was a sole proprietor and did not even have an official business name," she reveals. Sunshine's comprehensive support enabled Karla to establish her business as an LLC, set up a business bank account, plan her business, and develop a scalable business model. This structured approach was crucial in transforming her vision into a sustainable business.
Words of Wisdom for Fellow Entrepreneurs
“Keep going! You will have many ups and downs as an entrepreneur, sometimes in the course of one day. Allow yourself to feel your feelings as these ups and downs come, then get up and keep going. Surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you, as well as give you a gentle nudge when you’re headed in the wrong direction. You’ll find a lot of those people at Sunshine!”
