Meet Tanniesha Franklin | Certified Sign Language Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tanniesha Franklin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tanniesha, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I believe effective communication is important. Butterfly Hands opens communication between parents and their young children. Not only is my business beneficial to families, but also brings awareness to the Deaf community. I teach basic sign language that anyone can learn at all ages. Our world is all about connection and communication. I am aware of some of the struggles many people in our lives experience, and therefore I ask you to love and include those who are different.Just by learning a few signs, we can turn our world into a more inclusive community, opening doors for many. Who knows, one day you may cross paths with a Deaf individual. That’s what inspired me to learn the language.

Ive taken up classes at Dallas College, and Tarrant County Community College interpreting program to receive my certification. While studying, I also began volunteering at an elementary with Deaf and disabled students; I became more in love with the language and communication disorders. I am now enrolled in school to become your future Speech Pathologist. 

What should our readers know about your business?
Finding my path in creating my own business has not been the easiest. I am thankful to have had a mentor to help guide me through out this journey. The biggest lesson I have learned is to BE PATIENT! Without patience, you will not get far. I still encounter many challenges, but you have to take things one step at a time.

I want the world to know that Butterfly Hands illuminates new and fun ways to encourage communication and speech development with parents and their children. Many parents are not aware of the benefits sign language brings to their little ones, including:

-less agression
-melt downs
-increased vocabulary
-bonding and more

Butterfly Hands teaches adapted signs and Sign Exact English (S.E.E.). Both methods are visually based and provides mode of quick communication. The beauty of sign language and its linguistics serves as a visual stimulation of speech and language development. Sign language can be used with children as young as 6 months, autistic and also nonverbal. I strive to help parents communicate effectively with their children. Your child may not vocally be able to tell you what’s wrong, but with sign language they can express themselves freely.

In the next couple of years I hope to become not only your sign language instructor but your Speech Pathologist as well.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Whew this is a tough question since Dallas has a lot of options. If had to pick build an itinerary I would probably start the day off at The Common Table in Frisco. It is a great brunch location with mimosa towers and solid food options. The hip hop brunch there on weekends is a great atmosphere to sit back and enjoy music from the 90s while you eat. As a bonus it’s located near the Dallas Cowboys training facility, which is always a great tourist attraction, as well as The Shops at Legacy which offer for ton of shopping and dining options.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First I would love to give a shout out to the man upstairs. Thank you God for giving me the vision.

SHOUT OUT TO THE DEAF COMMUNITY! For sharing such a beautiful language with the world. Also shoutout to my daughter for keeping me motivated, and being supportive while I achieve my goals and continue my education to pursue my dreams. Ive had so much support from many friends and family members as well. You all are loved, and much appreciated.

Website: www.butterflyhands.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/butterly.hands

Facebook: www.facebook.com/butterflyhands26

Other: www.linktr.ee/butterflyhands

Image Credits
Joi Caruthers Photography