Meet Angie Ipsen

We were lucky to catch up with Angie Ipsen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Angie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose has been a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and a deep desire to create impact. From an early age, I was drawn to entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and making a difference in people’s lives. This passion led me to start my first nonprofit right after finishing university, where I worked on social impact projects that empowered women and children in vulnerable situations.

However, my journey took a turning point when I decided to learn English not just as a skill, but as a gateway to global opportunities. Leaving everything behind to move to Ireland was a leap of faith, but it taught me firsthand the struggles of language learning—how traditional methods often fall short and how true fluency comes from real conversations and cultural immersion.

Through my travels and experiences, I saw a bigger problem: many language learners, like me, lacked access to real-world practice, and at the same time, many native Spanish speakers in developing countries struggled to find sustainable income opportunities. That’s when the idea for HolaImpact was born—a social enterprise that bridges this gap by connecting language learners with native speakers in a way that benefits both.

My purpose became clear: to empower people through language, connection, and opportunity. With HolaImpact, I am not only helping others achieve fluency, but also creating economic empowerment for native Spanish-speaking women, giving them access to financial independence through meaningful work.

Looking back, every challenge I faced—starting from scratch, overcoming self-doubt, learning a new language, and building a business—was preparing me for this moment. I found my purpose in the intersection of my skills, my experiences, and the impact I want to create in the world.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Turning Language Learning into Real Connection & Opportunity

I’m the founder of HolaImpact, a social enterprise that connects Spanish learners with native speakers for real, engaging, and meaningful conversations. Our mission is twofold: help language learners achieve fluency through immersion and empower native Spanish-speaking women by providing dignified income opportunities.

What excites me the most about HolaImpact is that it’s not just about learning a language—it’s about building bridges between cultures, fostering human connection, and creating economic opportunities. As a Spanish learner myself, I understand how frustrating it can be to study a language for years without reaching fluency. That’s why we focus on real conversations—because the best way to learn is by speaking.

What Makes HolaImpact Different?

Unlike traditional language courses, apps, or tutors, we create a welcoming and supportive space where learners can practice naturally—just like they would with friends. Our native speakers aren’t just teachers; they’re conversation partners who bring authenticity, culture, and real-life experiences into every interaction. This approach allows learners to gain confidence, improve fluency, and truly connect with the language.

What’s Next?

We’re gearing up for our next big launch—a Monthly Group Membership! This will be a community-driven experience where members come together to discuss an important topic each month, practice speaking with both native speakers and peers, and build confidence in a supportive environment. Our goal is to create a strong, engaged community of learners who grow together.

How to Connect & Get Involved

We’d love for more people to join us—whether you’re learning Spanish, want to collaborate, or just believe in our mission! Here’s how you can connect:

Website: www.holaimpact.com
Instagram: @holaimpact
LinkedIn: HolaImpact

If you’re interested in supporting our work, joining our Monthly Group Membership, or collaborating, feel free to reach out. We’re building something meaningful, and we’d love to have you be part of it!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been essential in my entrepreneurial journey:

Resilience & Overcoming Self-Doubt
Starting and growing a social enterprise comes with uncertainty, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. One of my biggest challenges has been overcoming imposter syndrome, especially as a woman in social entrepreneurship. Believing in yourself—even when things don’t go as planned—is crucial. My advice? Take action despite the fear. Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you, and remind yourself that progress is more important than perfection.

Community Building & Relationship-Driven Growth
HolaImpact wouldn’t exist without the power of community. From my early days as a freelancer—when my reputation and referrals built my client base—to launching HolaImpact, every step has been shaped by meaningful connections. Whether it’s networking, seeking mentorship, or fostering genuine relationships with customers, people are the key to success. My advice? Give before you ask. Engage, add value, and build trust—and opportunities will follow.

Adaptability & Continuous Learning
Entrepreneurship is a constant learning curve. From understanding finances and business strategy to marketing and branding, I’ve had to continuously adapt. When I started HolaImpact, I knew the problem I wanted to solve, but I had to figure out how to turn it into a sustainable business model. My advice? Stay curious, be willing to pivot, and don’t be afraid to learn from others. There are so many free resources, mentors, and communities that can help you grow—use them!

No one starts with all the answers. What matters most is taking the first step and staying committed to your vision, even when the path isn’t clear. Keep learning, keep connecting, and trust the process!

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

This past year has been a period of incredible growth—both personally and professionally. The biggest area of improvement for me has been learning to take bold action despite uncertainty.

At the beginning of the year, HolaImpact was just an idea. I knew there was a gap in language learning—people needed more than just traditional methods; they needed real conversation with native speakers. But turning that idea into a structured business was overwhelming. I had doubts, fears, and moments where I questioned if I was the right person to lead this.

However, instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment, I took the leap. I pitched HolaImpact at a competition, won first place, and got into the EforAll accelerator program. Through this experience, I developed confidence in my business model, refined my messaging, and learned to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset.

Another major area of growth has been in community-building and marketing. I’ve learned that growth isn’t just about having a great product or service—it’s about storytelling, connection, and consistency. I’ve refined how I communicate HolaImpact’s mission, grown my audience, and built deeper relationships with learners and native speakers alike.

Looking ahead, I feel more prepared than ever to take HolaImpact to the next level—with the launch of our new group membership, where learners will engage in structured yet natural conversations around meaningful topics with native speakers and peers.

If there’s one lesson I’ve embraced in the last 12 months, it’s this: Clarity comes from action, not from overthinking. The more you do, the more you learn, and the more confidence you build along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.holaimpact.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holaimpact/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holaimpact/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/holaimpact/

Image Credits

image credits @eforall