Wroclaw, Poland
Darleen Cubas
Started a bilingual kindergarten in Poland with no local language skills, connections, or institutional support—driven by the need to create better education for her own child. Navigated red tape, language barriers, and unfamiliar systems to build a space rooted in nature, creativity, and European educational values.
Country of origin
Honduras/USA
Year of arrival in Europe
2022
Where you started your business
Wroclaw, Poland
Business name
Magnolia Academy
Sector of your business
Education
Business description
Magnolia Academy is a bilingual (English-Polish) kindergarten inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, located in Swojczyce, near the Strachociński Forest. We provide a nurturing and stimulating learning environment where children explore, create, and develop critical thinking skills through hands-on, child-led experiences. Our curriculum emphasizes language immersion, creativity, nature-based learning, and social-emotional development. We foster a strong sense of community by engaging families and incorporating European educational values, ensuring that each child grows with confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning.
Journey to entrepreneurship
What motivated you to migrate to Europe?
Family
What inspired or motivated you to start your own business here?
I wasn’t satisfied with what was available, I have a young child and was motivated by them to make a way for them. Our families motivate us to do the impossible.
Key challenges
What were the main challenges you faced when starting your business?
Lots of red tape, language barriers, lack of support, funding at some point and networking.
How did you face and overcome these challenges?
Starting Magnolia Academy has come with its fair share of challenges, but each obstacle has also been an opportunity for growth and problem-solving. I won’t speak Polish, I didn’t have connections, know one knew me or knew about the type of business I was proposing but with each challenge I made a plan. I hired someone who spoke my language, starting to go out and meet people in the industry, consulted with legal professionals, transparency with families so that I can gain their trust and support, collaborated with other educators, I stayed patient, persistent, and well-prepared, ensuring every document and requirement was met efficiently.
Did you receive support from any organization, program, or mentor? How did they help you?
Not any one particular group or people, I consulted with the board of education, cityhall, accountants, lawyers, educational professionals, they each provided answers for the many questions I had. Sometimes the information didn’t apply to me so I had to research some more.
Key lessons learned
What are the key lessons you have learned from this experience?
Each of these challenges has strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Magnolia Academy is not just a kindergarten, it’s a vision brought to life through dedication, problem-solving, and a passion for quality education.
What advice would you give to other migrants who want to start a business in Europe?
Starting a business in Europe as a migrant comes with challenges, but it’s absolutely possible with the right mindset. First, learn the local regulations, seek legal advice and ensure compliance from the start. Build a strong network by connecting with local entrepreneurs, expats, and business organizations. Improve your language skills to navigate bureaucracy and communicate effectively. Be financially prepared and explore funding options. Most importantly, embrace persistence and adaptability, setbacks are part of the journey, but with resilience and a clear vision, success is achievable. Stay patient, seek support, and believe in your mission.
Propose your project
Citizens Solidarity lab encourages citizens, associations and entrepreneurs to propose their projects that contribute to strengthening the community and creating new employment opportunities. If you have an idea that could improve the local community, share it with us!