Meet Juliana Russell! A native saratogain and inspirational woman. Coming from a family that was driven by entrepreneurship she knew this was her path. Using her skills from teaching in schools alongside with her drive she has planted herself as a business owner to be watched! I grew up with Juliana and always admired her kindness and thoughtfulness in life. Watching her videos and posting on social media I was captivated by her passion for what she does and know you will be too!
Q. 1 When did the entrepreneur bug bite you?
Juliana: Entrepreneur drive runs in my family. Both sets of grandparents and parents were entrepreneurs at one point in their life. I finally took the leap after 7 years of teaching in private and public schools. There were budget cuts and because I was the least senior, they had no choice but to cut my position. After being offered another job at a new school, there was a gut feeling not to accept it. I come home from the interview to tell my husband I'm started my own language business! It's going to be 3 years this June.
Q. 2 What is your passion?
Juliana: I love making language learning enjoyable. Everyone is capable of learning a new language. My passion is to show how capable we are to learn languages, it's the best gift you can give yourself.
Q.3 Who were the women mentors that encouraged you or inspired you?
Juliana: My grandmother is a constant source of inspiration. She and my grandfather started a lumber business before Lowes was very popular. My grandma was a force to be reckoned with, she was a strong business lady in the 1950s in a man's world. It was known that Mary meant business. As I work side by side with my husband in our Timber Framing business, a widely male occupied, I gain strength from my grandmother who did this 70 years ago. today.
Q.4 Why did you pick your business niche? Was this something you went to school for etc?
Juliana: Once I failed Spanish in high school and self-taught in 3 languages, I knew that I had something to offer. I received a BA and Masters in Spanish Education, teacher certified in New York state. My ideas were much bigger than conventional education.
Q.5 What do you do for encouragement or to be motivated?
Juliana: Horseback riding and learning languages!
Q. 6 How do you balance your entrepreneur life with friends/family that don’t understand the challenges we experience?
Juliana: Entrepreneur life can be lonely at times, your challenges are very unique. Within the past year, I've developed a community of other strong female entrepreneurs. It's important to have a coffee with someone who understands the ups and downs, joys and disappoints to realize you're not alone.
Q.7 What Is the mission of your business/job?
Juliana: For Language Mindset, the language business, it's my goal for people to believe they can actually speak another language. The process can be joyful and it's okay to make mistakes. As for the Tall Pine Timber Frames, my husband, Nicky and I believe in the beauty of the sustainable strong structure, the ancient craft of carpentry.
Q.8 What do you want readers to know about your business?
Juliana: Giving your child the gift is language is a gift that will give for your whole life! Your child can study Spanish and Italian with me. There are fun, interactive in-person and online classes for your child to be immersed in the language. Tall Pine Timber Frames is a small family-owned business that believes in building the structure you call home.
Q.9 With many challenges with being a woman in business, what about being a badass woman has benefited you and your business?
Juliana: Understanding that success doesn't happen overnight, that having the grit to see it through makes you a strong female.
Q.10 Finally - What is a quote that inspires you!
Juliana : A Japanese proverb I live by, " Fall down seven times, get up eight" 七転び八起き. We all need rest and reflection, just remember to get up again and keep going. "
To learn more about how this Bad Ass Woman can help you visit their site! This business is a fantastic, unique small business locally that deserves our support! Please follow her on her social media pages to give support! Check out her husband's page too, he is a true craftsman!
