Slavka is a Hey Lady! member based in Bulgaria 🇧🇬. She joined the community to get more opportunities to practise speaking English, after taking a 7-year break from English study to focus on raising a family.

This is her written reflection on what her first year inside the Hey Lady! Community was like, and the process of going from being an anxious English speaker, to a confident communicator. Her story is a powerful reminder that growth often begins with a single, brave step. ‍

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Finding My English Voice: A Year with Hey Lady! 💖

Hi, beautiful ladies! I would love to share my first-ever written article and how I’m feeling after a year with Hey Lady!

A Little Background

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always felt anxious about speaking English. I’ve taken many English courses to build confidence, but they didn’t help much. I came to believe that I simply wasn’t good at learning foreign languages.

These feelings deepened when I went on maternity leave. For almost seven years now, I’ve been raising my kids. Of course, I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to care for my family, but at the same time, I’ve felt disconnected from my old life. I fell behind in my professional skills - especially my English-speaking abilities.

I realised just how strong my fear of speaking English was 16 months ago, when I had an unexpected job interview. I wasn’t actively looking for a job (it just happened to be on my timeline), so I wasn’t prepared.

After six years of not speaking English at all, I was asked just two questions in English - and I froze. Honestly, I wanted to disappear in that moment.

Later, I received feedback that they had chosen another candidate mainly because of my English.

That was the turning point. I knew I had to do something - I didn’t want to miss any more opportunities because of fear.

How I Found Hey Lady!

I started searching for English-speaking courses, and as often happens, the more you search, the more ads you see. That’s how I came across Emma’s advertisement for Hey Lady! I was immediately drawn in by her genuine way of introducing the platform - I saw an honest woman who truly wanted to help others.

I wasn’t sure how the platform worked or what to expect, but I decided to give it a try. And now, writing this a year later, I can say it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Of course, the challenge began right away - setting up my account, writing about myself, and filming a short video (I recorded more than 15 takes!). It was a huge step outside my comfort zone.

What I’ve Learned in My Year with Hey Lady!

Beginnings often feel hard and uncertain. We need baby steps, consistency, and someone to support and guide us with respect and understanding.

I was amazed by Hey Lady! You don’t just practice a language - you learn so much about yourself through conversations with women from around the world. You develop communication, presentation, and organisational skills - and most importantly, you learn how to support each other with kindness and respect.

I’ve learned that fluency isn’t about knowing every strange word or having perfect grammar. It’s about speaking without letting your inner doubts hold you back.

I’ve learned that you can build a deep connection with someone on the other side of the world (my study pod buddy - you know who you are 😊). We’ve shared deep feelings and discussed topics I’ve never even talked about in my native language. We’ve supported, encouraged, and challenged each other to grow.

I’ve learned that everyone has their own pace - and that’s totally okay. You just need to follow your inner compass and take baby steps. One day, you’ll find yourself more skilled and confident, ready to move on to the next goal with ease - not pressure.

What the Hey Lady! Community Means to Me

This is more than just a language-learning platform - it’s a powerful COMMUNITY.

It’s a space where you explore new and interesting topics while learning grammar, vocabulary, and idioms - and then using them in real conversations.

You’re supported by the most amazing and authentic teachers I’ve ever had. It feels like they’re all living their mission, and that’s incredibly inspiring.

For the first time in my life, I feel free to speak without hesitation - even on topics that challenge me - because this community feels safe and supportive. And that’s something we all need today.

I’ve enjoyed every conversation I’ve had with the ladies here. After every event, I feel inspired by each one of you - I take something valuable from every interaction. This community proves that women are powerful.

Thank You 🙏

Thank you, Emma, for creating this community with so much love and spirit. I hope you give yourself the credit you truly deserve for what you’ve built and continue to nurture.

Thank you to all the coaches who’ve filled me with positive energy, invaluable knowledge, and practical tips. And thank you to all the ladies here for being open and sharing your experiences!

P.S. This article was a challenge from my study pod buddy 😊 She encouraged me to start journaling in English, and I’m so grateful for her advice and support. Thank you!

Slavka is a Hey Lady! member from Bulgaria. She shares her journey of overcoming fear and finding confidence in her English-speaking abilities. Thank you for sharing your story, Slavka!