Meet Erika Sanchez | Founder & Teacher

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

Hi Erika, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Necessity is the mother of invention, right? I was teaching in a public school, which I loved, but I wanted to be more present with my children. I started this business with the hopes of being able to share my passion for the Spanish language with those around me, but on a more part time basis.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I never set out to start a business. Once my first child was born, I left my job as a public school teacher to be a stay-at-home mom. I thought that I might tutor some high school students in Spanish on occasion, but once I put my information out there, my inbox blew up! There is such a lack or resources and opportunities for English speaking children to learn a foreign language in the Fort Worth area. The idea to tutor a few high school Spanish students quickly blossomed into an afterschool program for elementary aged kiddos. And thanks to the pandemic, we’ve added on a virtual program that allows students across the country to join us. When I was a child I learned Spanish as a second language and I’m excited to now be able to help others do the same.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would definitely start with a run on the Trinity Trails. I’ve been a runner for a long time and I think one of the best ways to get the lay of the land in a new city is to go for a long run! We’d get some breakfast and coffee at Press Cafe, and then we’d walk around the Clearfork shopping center for a bit. Lunch would be at Los Vaqueros in Willow Park. Later in the afternoon we’d head over to Sundance Square and sit out by the fountains while doing some people watching and enjoying some chips & salsa from one of the local restaurants. We’d head back to Clearfork for dinner at Grimaldi’s and might catch a movie while we’re there!

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?
My friend, and owner of Mary Hale’s Studio, has been an encouragement, sounding board, and mentor for me since I started La Puerta. When I only had 8 students register the first semester she encouraged me to keep going, keep putting the word out there, and to trust the process and the results would come. I’m happy to say that she was right!

Website: www.lapuertaspanishcenter.com

Instagram: lapuertaspanishcenter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaPuertaCentrodeEspanol

Image Credits
Ashley Rothrock Photography Eden Williams Photography