Battersea is not only a great place to start a new business but a community renowned for its mix of nationalities. Battersea Spanish covers both: a successful SME that encourages anyone with a passion for Spain to come through its doors – and their personal approach keeps them coming back.
Founder and Director Sara Caba is bringing the fiesta to Le Bureau on September 14 so we decided to catch up with Sara to talk tango and tapas, bringing people together and why anyone can learn a new language.
First things first: what’s the idea behind Battersea Spanish?
Battersea Spanish was founded in 2012 to offer a warm, high-quality space for every single person who loves the Spanish/Latin culture and language.
Battersea Spanish was founded in 2012 to offer a warm, high-quality space for every single person who loves the Spanish/Latin culture and language.
I am from Costa Rica and originally studied psychology – I have always been interested in the emotional motivations behind the things we do. We stay where we feel safe and looked after, which is exactly what Battersea Spanish does.
I studied at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and it was there that I had the idea for a deeper, more meaningful style of learning. When I moved to Battersea in 2011, it was a natural step to start Battersea Spanish.
What began as a small Spanish school has grown into a cultural hub, offering language, dance and much more besides. How have you grown your business?
With passion and hard work. We started teaching Spanish solely to adults, and gradually expanded into Salsa, Tango, Flamenco, Creative Writing, Kids sessions and lots and lots of fun events: film, cooking, cabarets, and even trips abroad!
With passion and hard work. We started teaching Spanish solely to adults, and gradually expanded into Salsa, Tango, Flamenco, Creative Writing, Kids sessions and lots and lots of fun events: film, cooking, cabarets, and even trips abroad!
We do every single thing with love and always do our best to deliver the best quality with a personal touch. We are blessed to attract the best teachers, who are a key element to Battersea Spanish.
Describe an average day for you.
Haha, I would need another blog for that!
Haha, I would need another blog for that!
As an entrepreneur, my days change so much, which is something that I love and keeps me fresh. A day can be spent in my home office with my cats, typing, researching, calling, selling, creating and promoting – or cycling around Battersea collecting flowers, red wine and tapas to host an event.
Why did you choose to set up a business in Battersea?
In all honesty, it was a random decision. I moved to London when my husband got a job in Chelsea, so we looked for houses in the area. Battersea has become my home and proven to be a wonderful place to create our community.
In all honesty, it was a random decision. I moved to London when my husband got a job in Chelsea, so we looked for houses in the area. Battersea has become my home and proven to be a wonderful place to create our community.
What challenges have you faced along the way?
London is an incredibly hard place for small businesses to thrive. The rents are so high and the taxes so big – these things have definitely been the hardest, but luckily they haven’t stopped us from growing year after year.
London is an incredibly hard place for small businesses to thrive. The rents are so high and the taxes so big – these things have definitely been the hardest, but luckily they haven’t stopped us from growing year after year.
What have been your highlights?
I love the events. They are crafted with so much love, and people feel it; there is this beautiful energy when all these people get together.
I love the events. They are crafted with so much love, and people feel it; there is this beautiful energy when all these people get together.
They offer students and non-students a chance to meet, establish bonds and share experiences.
You were awarded ‘Best Spanish School in London’, which is a fantastic achievement. What distinguishes you from your competitors?
Everything. Our standards, our personal touch, our forward learning methods, our quirky love!
Everything. Our standards, our personal touch, our forward learning methods, our quirky love!
Can anyone learn another language?
Yes, of course. People are intelligent in different ways, and the main task of a tutor is to discover what works for the individual and adapt the learning.
Yes, of course. People are intelligent in different ways, and the main task of a tutor is to discover what works for the individual and adapt the learning.
The process might be faster or slower, but everyone can learn a second language. There are lots of benefits, but let’s start with the fact that learning Spanish allows you to engage with the 21 most beautiful countries in the world!
For more information about Le Bureau’s event with Battersea Spanish on September 14, please see Magda G.
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