Letters from the Founder
For newcomers to here, please allow me to introduce myself.
Beyond my role as the founder of B.C.D. ( Art music school and Academy), I view myself as a collaborator on this shared journey.
In our increasingly busy world, where interactions are often brief, I deeply value the opportunity to genuinely connect with each of you.
In addition to our regular monthly newsletter, I personally wanted to craft this letter as a way to connect with you on a deeper level.
It's a chance to share my thoughts on parenting, offer educational resources, life hacks, and hopefully bring an extra layer of value beyond our usual emails.
.
Feb and March The letter from the founder: “ I quit at 22…”
Haven't talked for a while. Want to drop you a note today! I am back from Japan last month with a fresh brain. It's fun to visit Museums, take pics with Kimonos and visited Mt,Fuji.
During the visit, I wrote this month’s “Letter From the Founder.”, which is my periodic update on what’s going on with me and the school.
( If you are the 1st time receiving this, congrats to join the BCD family)
Surprise for the subject line? Let me tell you a story today.
The week before the trip was all about interviewing guitar teachers with Ms. Judith, our piano director. It was pretty cool to meet so many musicians and hear about their love for music. What got me was how they all lit up talking about their passion for the guitar and working with kids.
You could tell it was real love, no faking.
Even with the music world being as tough as it is, their passion is what keeps them going. This whole thing took me back to my own story.
I started playing the piano as a teen because things at home with my mom were rough.
She thought learning something new might help. And you know what? Music became my thing.
It opened up a whole new world for me.
I was hooked, playing and practicing any chance I got. I even made it into the Xinghai Music School for performance art. But then, the pressure of needing certifications and the grind of daily practice under the strict exam prep just killed the vibe for me.
I quit at 22.
Back then, it felt like teaching piano was the only way to make it your career, and honestly, that scared me off.
I ended up in Marketing major for my master's degree, and it totally flipped my life around for my career.
And that was a completely different path. But the music never really left me.
After getting married, I got myself a piano again and started playing just for the love of it. I knew I wouldn't be some big-time performer, but that passion for music? It drove me to start this business, aiming to make a difference with music.
And here we are.
Sometimes I feel like this was all meant to be.
Working with all these different musicians, chasing my dream – it might sound a bit selfish, but it's not just about me. Music's everywhere, touching everyone's lives. I told all this to my kids recently.
The takeaway? Stick with what you love, no matter what.
If you've got passion, you've got everything you need to make it work.
Pretty cool, right?
Just before I wrap up this note, I've got something super exciting to share with you! Guess what? We're bringing guitar lessons into our family!
It's all about opening up a whole new world of musical possibilities for our kiddos.
And if you're worried about those tiny hands managing a guitar, worry no more!
We've got the cutest kid-sized guitars ready for them.
But here's the real heart of it: our guitar program is so much more than just lessons. It's about weaving fun, laughter, and learning into every strum and chord.
It's built on our core values at B.C.D, creating a joy-filled learning environment for kids 5 and up.
Got a minute to learn more about it? Click here to check our music program and see what all the fuss is about. Let’s make some music together!
Catch you later!
Love,
Emma
Jan 2024 The letter from the founder
Can you believe it's already February 2024?
With the kids back in school, diving into their regular activities, and us all starting to plan their summer and year-round adventures, I bet your hearts are brimming with excitement and hope!
I'm right there with you.
As we step into this new year, our team is buzzing with anticipation.
We're expanding our offerings to embrace a broader age range, delivering a variety of programs to our community and local families.
The dedication and hard work poured into planning our summer camp are beyond words.
Our summer camp, as a shining example, has undergone remarkable growth and transformation.
From its humble beginnings with just 3 weeks of programming, we've stretched our wings to offer 6 weeks, and now, excitingly, we're gearing up for 9 weeks of fun, learning, and adventure this year.
Our Black Friday sale was a testament to your trust in us, with many families enrolling even before we announced our themes.
This support, extending from our first and second years, has filled our team—and personally, me—with immense gratitude.
Reflecting on our journey, from welcoming just 3 students joined our camp in 2022 to averaging 18 each week last summer 2023, and now observing the weekly enrollments soaring, I'm moved to tears.
Our cozy space has witnessed incredible growth, thanks to your referrals and group bookings.
Today, I write this letter with tears of joy, deeply touched by your kind words and referrals.
Just as a parent navigates the rollercoaster of a baby's first months, reaching the six-month mark, celebrating the one-year milestone, and then marveling at the growth by the two-year mark, we've walked a similar path with BCD.
These two years have been filled with learning, adapting, and growing alongside you and your families.
But your feedback and questions drive us to reach further and dream bigger.
In appreciation, I've compiled some resources for this month's edition—a special gift to our beloved BCD community, families, and email subscribers
We designed 3 kinds of E-books and Resources for you:
👉 <200 Things to Do with Children in the Summer>
For those moments when you're searching for inspiration, this collection is your go-to. And remember, it's not just for summer; sprinkle these ideas throughout the spring too.
👉<My Reward Chart>
Following the success of our BCD bucks in the afterschool program, we've introduced a reward chart. It's a hit at home and in our community, fostering joy and motivation across all ages.
👉<100 Art and Crafts Ideas for Kids>
My personal collection of arts and crafts ideas, curated over two years, is now yours to explore. Perfect for quality time with your kids, whether it's ski week or a lazy weekend.
<Download here>
I hope you find joy and value in this month's letter. Please share your favorites or any new ideas you have—we're eager to create more resources that resonate with you.
Thank you for opening this email and for being an integral part of our journey.
With all my love,
Emma
P.S. I'd love to hear which resource you enjoyed the most! text me and share your thoughts with me.
Dec 21st, 2023 : The letter from the founder Dec Version.
Wow,
If you're receiving this email, it means you're now a part of our vibrant B.C.D. family - and I couldn't be happier to have you with us! I will personal draft this email and send out monthly.
Here at B.C.D, we simply cannot believe the Christmas tree is up and we’re getting ready to shut things down for a couple days to spend time with our loved ones.
But before we head out the door, we wanted to send this email out and share a little bit of what we’ve been able to accomplish as an educational company this year…with your help, of course!
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
📌#1 In the delightful month of June 2023, we celebrated a significant milestone – our 1st anniversary.
The occasion was made even more special as it brought together an impressive gathering of over 100 families, all of whom came to join in the festivities and share in our joyous journey.
📌#2: As we ventured into the summer of 2023, we achieved a remarkable milestone by hosting a fully occupied summer camp for the very first time.
(Remember I told you back to 2022, we only have 3 summer camp students)
Our facilities and programs were so well-received that families flocked to us in great numbers, making it a memorable and bustling season.
📌#3: Our commitment to providing exceptional services led us to expand our service locations, thereby opening up one more location and opportunities for local and school families.
This expansion not only benefits our organization but also enriches the lives of the communities we serve.
#4–In the period from 2022 to 2023, I was solely responsible for making decisions for B.C.D., often feeling uncertain and lost about the outcomes.
However, this year, a good friend of mine joined the business, providing valuable support. Together, we are now making informed decisions and benefiting from her fresh perspective, bringing newfound confidence and clarity to our business journey.
When I reflect on those moments, I believe it's because our team went through a 10X downtime to become 1 time stronger.
As a founder and employer, I care deeply about our families and staff. I know that B.C.D. is a place that can offer a lot to our community, but we can only carry a 10lb load while offering a 20lb service.
For example, our Junior Chef cooking program. We knew we were capable of it; all of our teachers love baking and creating delicious treats, and student enrollment was hugh!
However, we began to notice significant gaps in the curriculum, and it demanded a lot of energy from our staff.
The reality is that we couldn't afford to keep dreaming. After a couple of months of discussion, we made the tough but wise decision to close the cooking program for 2024. I believe this decision reflects the strength and intelligence of our team. While we still want to incorporate cooking and baking elements, we've decided to still add them into our Friday art club and our summer/winter/Day camp programs to leave us some motivation.
I've received many messages from parents expressing sadness about the closure of the Junior Chef program, and I deeply appreciate the support. Your support has made us stronger and inspired us to find a larger space to potentially restart the program. Thank you so much for helping us accomplish all of these things and hold our hands to walk thru all the up and down. Your impact is deeply appreciated…and goes deep!
What is your biggest accomplishment of 2023? Or maybe your most favorite thing that you got done?
Hit reply and share it with me! Or if nothing else, I invite you to think about it for a few moments before the day gets away from you. Reflecting on what you’ve gotten done is important.
🥳🥳🥳
PS. This is my last email of the year. I’m taking some time off for Christmas. Happy holidays and see you in the New Year!
Love,
Emma
Nov 21st, 2023 “ The letter from the founder” Nov version
If you're receiving this email, it means you're now a part of our vibrant B.C.D. family, and I couldn't be happier to have you with us! I will personally draft and send out this email each month.
In today's fast-paced world, where so many conversations are just fleeting moments, I truly cherish every opportunity to connect with you, our community, on a deeper and more meaningful level.
I'm buzzing with excitement as the holiday season approaches and can't wait to share some of my family's recent adventures and the cool things happening.
🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
**Our Family Trip to Rocklin:**
Last weekend was such a blast! We packed our bags and headed off to the lovely city of Rocklin. It was an absolute treat, filled with laughter, exploration, and those precious family moments we all cherish.
Inspired by our little getaway, I've got some fab recommendations for you and your bunch:
Our Adventure Route for Unforgettable Family Time.
Ready for some fun? Here's a little guide I put together for you.
**First Stop: Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield:**
Talk about a sweet escape! We visited last Christmas (heads up, check their holiday hours). The candy-making tour is a hit, and the array of flavors is just wow! It’s a candy paradise that your kiddos (and let's be honest, us adults too) will absolutely adore.
**Morning Fun at Quarry Adventure Park in Rockline:**
This place is a newfound gem! It's perfect for those little adventurers in your family, with zip-lining, rock climbing, and gorgeous trails. Just a note, kiddos need to be over 45lb for the activities. (Therefore, my daughter need to wait another time)
What I loved was that we could walk around first, letting the kids pick what they felt brave enough to try. If you have younger ones, the quarry cave is super cool too.
**Zoo and Seaquest Time in Folsom:**
After a good night's rest, you can head to Folsom Zoo and Seaquest. It's an amazing spot to get up close with animals and sea creatures, perfect for our younger explorers.
Just a tip: check their holiday hours before you go!
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
Holiday tips to have your PEACE OF MIND:
3 DAYS NO-School day, let us take care your kiddos, make appointment for your annual spa, hairstylist and enjoy the afternoon tea with your BFF, Parents, you need that! We know things can get hectic, so we’ve got day camps on Nov 21st, and Dec 21st & 22nd at BCD. A fab mix of arts, music, and STEM stuff awaits your kiddos!
Siblings 10% discount (Little siblings for 4 years old can join too) , referral has $10 off.
Don't forgot our Black Friday: (Big deal)
Our Black Friday sale is around the corner! Stay tuned for some super deals on our courses and unique school goodies. We will announce Summer Camp Sale (Take the advantage for 1st sale, never seen that price before)
WA! Winter Camp Excitement:
And... drumroll... our Winter Camp!
It's happening from Dec 27th-29th and Jan 3rd-5th. We’re talking full-on creativity and fun. Plus, we’re flexible with sign-ups and payment options and guaranteed to start with a minimum of 4 sign-ups.
As we dive into these festive times, let's soak up every moment and create loads of new memories. A huge thanks for being part of our journey.
Big hugs and warm wishes,
Emma
Oct 26th, 2023 “ The letter from the founder Oct version
Feels like I just wrote to you, and here's my October note.
For newcomers to this letter, please allow me to introduce myself.
Beyond my role as the founder of B.C.D. ( Art music school and Academy), I view myself as a collaborator on this shared journey. In our increasingly busy world, where interactions are often brief, I deeply value the opportunity to genuinely connect with each of you.
I've received numerous inquiries about learning resources during our offline chats, so I'm eager to start sharing the tools we've found beneficial , hoping we can exchange ideas.
**Spotlight on 'Air Reading'**:
What sets 'Air Reading' ( https://airreading.com) apart from other online reading platforms is its unique and age-specific approach. For the younger students, there’s a significant emphasis on building confidence. The teachers understand that nurturing self-assurance at a young age forms the foundation for lifelong learning.
As the students grow, around 4th grade and up, the platform shifts its attention to words enrichment. It's not just about reading; it's about expanding vocabulary, diving deeper into literature, and truly understanding the language's nuances.
One feature I personally appreciate is the feedback analysis provided after each class. It's not generic; it’s detailed and tailored to each student, allowing parents and guardians to see where the child excels and where they might need more support.
See below feedback from tonight's class:
This month's highlight? My daughter's reading journey with 'Air Reading'. She’s in first grade now, but we began using the platform when she was in Kindergarten. The solid foundation she built last year with 'Air Reading' has made her reading homework this year a breeze.
**I can't recommend 'Air Reading' enough!**
If your child needs a reading boost, it's definitely worth a try. And if you're interested, here's a link to try a class: www.airreadingclass.com/trial
. If it's a good fit, use my code "emma30" for a $30 discount.
Have questions or seeking more tips? I'm here to assist!
Stay well, and let's connect again soon!
Love,
Emma
Sept 19th, 2023, The letter from the founder Spet version.
Wow, can you believe it's already been a month since my last “The letter from the founder” email?
Time flies when you're creating, loving, and growing, doesn't it? If I'm honest, I was tempted to skip this month's letter. Life has been, well, beautifully chaotic lately, for my family, my business, and me.
But then I thought: we're all in this whirlwind called life together. And isn't that why I started these letters in the first place?
So let's sit down at our virtual café table, sip some inspiration, and catch up!
PS: Busy for my daughter's birthday, that was the #1 reason I feel Lazy.
On the home front, my 9-year-old is teaching me more about the world—and myself—than I could have ever imagined.
It's a crash course in growing up for both of us, and it's both humbling and hilarious. But more on that another time, because I've got some thrilling updates on the business side of things! I'm over the moon to share that we're expanding many time!
We're in the process of setting up our second location—BCD ACADEMY.
It's conveniently located at 217 El Camino Real, San Bruno, CA 94066, which is so close to our original BCD Art and Music School, you could practically leapfrog from one to the other. We're lovingly preparing the space to be welcoming, intimate, and just as unique as our first one. My partner and I are buzzing with excitement as we add the finishing touches! Quick heads up: our afterschool enrollment for this semester is closing on September 28th. Join this month still eligible for 3 months FREE Piano Group Class.
We're keeping our programs small to maintain a 1:4 or 1:5 teacher-to-student ratio. This allows us to foster close, meaningful relationships with all our amazing families. We are so grateful that we have 16 kids in this semester, such a hugh jump compared with last semester! 🔥
I know some of you have been asking about events.
Trust me, they're in the works! We want our gatherings to be more intimate and personalized. So while we're keeping things low-key for now, don't worry—the holidays will bring back our famously joyful Christmas events. If you haven't been to one before, brace yourselves for some serious fun!
There's more goodness on the horizon. We've partnered with LingoAce, the largest online Chinese learning platform, to offer unique, in-person classes for our afterschool kiddos. Plus, we're cooking up collaborations with various educational institutions to introduce tutoring services. There's so much I can't wait to share, so keep an eye out for upcoming news!
🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀
So here's to another month of growth, in every sense of the word. Whether we're navigating the ups and downs of parenting, or the joys and challenges of expanding a dream, we're in this beautiful mess together. And that's what makes it all worthwhile.
Sending you all a big, heartfelt hug,
Love,
Emma
Founder, BCD Art and Music School & BCD ACADEMY
Aug 24th, 2023 “ The letter from the founder” ( Aug version)
Dear,
I hope this Thursday evening finds you well and ready to embrace the upcoming weekend.🥰
Our current month has been nothing short of a whirlwind with new school beginnings, fresh faces joining our program, and the familiar rhythm of life falling back into place. After a splendid two-month summer break, witnessing our students return to school has filled our hearts with joy.🥳
In addition to our regular monthly newsletter, I personally wanted to craft this letter as a way to connect with you on a deeper level.
It's a chance to share my thoughts on parenting, offer educational resources, life hacks, and hopefully bring an extra layer of value beyond our usual emails.
Speaking of which, if you're familiar with my personal journey, you'd know that I also have a full-time position at a Biotech company.😛
I'm part of a small team of three, reporting directly to the CTO. Last week, we had a delightful get-together in the Bay Area.
Even though my team is entirely remote, the opportunity to spend time together was invaluable🙌.
I had a chance to express my thoughts for nearly 30 minutes with CTO, and it felt wonderful to know that my opinions truly matter to my colleagues.
I cherish intimate group environments because they echo our fundamental wish for our thoughts, efforts, and inputs to be recognized, regardless of their size.
This perspective aligns perfectly with how we view the distinctiveness of our afterschool program.
Each day, we have three dedicated teachers looking after a group of twelve energetic kids.
- The younger ones engage in Spanish/Chinese storytelling led by our bilingual teacher, while the 2nd to 3rd graders receive guidance from a tutor.
- Our older children are led by an experienced director who's dedicated to nurturing their leadership skills.
- We make sure to create an environment where they can express their thoughts freely, and it warms our hearts to witness their satisfaction when they're heard by both their peers and teachers.
This approach is something I truly value, and I believe that even as we transition to a larger space, maintaining our teacher-to-student ratio of 1:4 for the afterschool program is vital.
Lately, I've been quite occupied with the search for a bigger location.🙆♀️
It's not about expanding the business; it's about having distinct spaces 🏨 for our afterschool program and cooking classes.
This expansion aligns perfectly with our mission to continue serving the community, families, and schools with our unique offerings.
Today, I received some exciting news – the owner approval for our rental application!
I can imagine you might have a bunch of questions popping up:
Where is it located? Will it mean a longer commute for afterschool pickup? How many kids will we accommodate?
🫶I promise, I'll address all of these in an upcoming email as I'm buzzing with excitement and need to fine-tune the announcement details.
So, what does this development mean for all of us and our programs? It's quite the change:
- BCD Art and Music Studio will transform into BCD ART MUSIC SCHOOL at our current location.
- Our Afterschool program will now stand alone as BCD Academy at the new location. 😄
- Afterschool kids might enjoy the benefits of both locations, broadening their experiences.🫰
- We'll have room for more cooking classes and perhaps even a Kung Fu class (a bit of humor never hurts!). 💁♀️
- And, most importantly, it means a lot to our wonderful parents. 😚
Remember, we're not just a school – we're a community center that supports local businesses, the SSF/SB school district, and the Peninsula families. Exciting times are ahead in the next couple of months.
I won't pretend that the first year was easy, nor was the second. Challenges have come our way, but we've embraced them wholeheartedly. The relationships we've formed with you, the support you've shown, and the love we have for our students are what keep us going.
I truly hope you've enjoyed this letter from me. I'm eager to hear your suggestions or any questions you might have.
See ya next month!🤩
Warm regards,
Emma
P.S. Got tips, questions, or creative ideas? Let's keep the conversation going. Feel free to reply to this email or chat with us just text my number ( you know where /how to find me)
.png)