In the latest Getting to Know blog post, we chat with Rachael Goh, franchisee of Mandarin Stars Perth South, about the importance of learning a foreign language from a young age.
Hi, Rachael. Please tell us a bit about yourself, your family and your business.
My husband and I migrated to Australia in 2006 from Malaysia. We were renting a house in Mount Pleasant back then until we got a house of our own in Piara Waters in 2010. However, we decided to move back to the area again in 2016 when our eldest daughter Reyenne started Kindy because of the good reputation of the local schools around. Since then, we’ve lived in Myaree with two beautiful girls, aged 7 and 11 years.
I have a close relationship with the local community as I worked as an Early Childhood Educator in one of the childcare centres in Booragoon for almost 10 years (2007-2017) before starting Mandarin Stars.
What inspired you to start offering Mandarin Stars classes to local families?
Born and raised in Malaysia, learning multiple languages from a young age is just part of growing up there. My husband and I always wanted our girls to learn the mother tongue (Mandarin) as they grew up here in Australia. I started to look for Mandarin classes in Perth but couldn’t find one that suited us. I believe that children have an incredible ability to learn a second language at an early age and this becomes even easier when they are having fun!
I became the franchisee for Mandarin Stars Perth South in 2017 and the business has been operating for almost 5 years. As a Qualified Early Childhood Educator working in the industry for 10 years, I am passionate about teaching Mandarin and working with children. Back in 2017, I noticed the gap in the Perth community of Mandarin Language Programs for young learners. I found that the Mandarin Stars program matches my teaching philosophy and, with a shared vision, it motivated me to become a franchisee and brought the program to Perth. It has been well-received by the community, and the business has grown rapidly over the past five years.
What do you love most about what you do?
I am passionate about inspiring in our students a love for learning! I hope that for all of our students that they can develop the capacity and confidence to communicate in Mandarin, thus connecting with a wider global community and also engaging with 1.5 billion other Mandarin speakers worldwide!
The Mandarin Stars program provides immensely enjoyable Mandarin classes for children. Our classes enable children (and parents) to explore Mandarin and Chinese culture in an interactive and engaging setting. I am so grateful to be able to offer the Mandarin Stars program to local families.
Is there anything new/exciting coming up for Mandarin Stars?
With continuous efforts in developing Mandarin Stars programs by our teaching team, Mandarin Stars continues to be the market leader in Australia, as well as the best Mandarin language service provided locally in Western Australia in the next 2 years. My aim is to bring the program not only to the Perth metropolitan areas, but also to regional areas so that more children can benefit from learning this beautiful language. Mandarin Stars Perth South has been doing a lot of Cultural Incursions to childcare centres and schools in the past and sees it as a good introduction to the Mandarin Stars program for the wider community group.
What are some of your favourite places or things to do in the local area?
We love visiting the local parks and playgrounds like Heathcote Reserve, Kadidjiny Park (Dr Seuss Playground), Deep Water Point Reserve and Point Walter Reserve. My girls could spend hours at the park and in the water!
We are fortunate enough to live in the City of Melville that is like a melting pot of cultural diversities of its residents. Our favourite place for eateries is Hulme Court in Myaree where you’re spoilt for choice with the various cafes and restaurants!
Do you have any advice for mums looking to start their own business?
- Be passionate about what you’re doing.
- Know your local community, know your customer.
- Remain focused, motivated and dedicated.
To find out more about Mandarin Stars Perth South, head to their website or Facebook page.
If you loved this post, check out our Getting to Know… blog series, which features local business owners who share their stories with us.
