Products and/or services: We provide translation of written documents in over 55 languages, oral interpreting, adaptation of existing materials to target cultures, editing and proofreading, project management, DTP and print.

Target market: International or global companies or those who want to go international. Interestingly, an ever-growing segment consists of local companies who understand the importance of expanding their market by reaching out to those who speak other languages. Some of my clients never complete a cross-border transaction but by adapting their messages to other languages and cultures they are able to benefit from a much broader customer base. 

When and why did you join NAWBO? I joined in March of this year to meet other women in business and to learn from them. I see NAWBO as an excellent tool that will help me grow my business.

Committee involvement: Not yet, but looking forward to finding an opportunity to get involved.

Impact NAWBO has had on your business or professional development: In the short time of my membership I have already met a number of interesting women and learned about them and their businesses. I am impressed with the professional attitude of everyone I have met and the high level of organization of the meetings and the topics discussed. I have also joined a Mastermind Group and I am certain that over time, as I build new relationships within NAWBO, I will see many benefits, on both professional and personal level.

The best advice you've received: "Execution!" In other words, to have fantastic business ideas is great but ultimately, our success depends on how we execute them on a daily basis.

Advice or strategies: Have a plan, be determined to stick to it and, aside from adjustments on-the-go, don't look back! 

What brings you joy in your work? The fact that I am one of the few lucky people who get paid to do what they love the most. I enjoy working and maintaining relationships with linguists all over the world and constantly learning both from them, and my clients. I have fun doing what I do.

What brings you joy in your personal life? Or What are your interests/hobbies? My husband and children are the biggest source of joy in my life. I am who I am and where I am today because of them.
As for hobbies, I love reading (everything) and gardening—we have a peach orchard and a small, for-fun-only vineyard so there is always something to do to take my mind off work and relax.  

Charity support: Aside from donating to several different favorites, I donate time and support with our therapy-trained Labrador Retriever, Huey, and Adam, my son and Huey's handler. We have done play therapy work at a shelter for abused women and children, as well as an assisted living home.

Other organizations: Aside from NAWBO, I am a member of the American Translators Association, the Metroplex Interpreters and Translator Association (MITA), and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. I am also a certified interpreter to the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, and the European Court of Justice in Strasbourg, France.

Book recommendations: For a service oriented business, try Harry Beckwith's books ("Selling the Invisible", "You, Inc.: The Art of Selling Yourself", and "What Clients Love: A Field Guide to Growing Your Business"). For fun and language, I love Lynne Truss and her "Eats, Shoots and Leaves" and for "woman power" and family life, I enjoy anything by Laura Schlessinger.

What else would you like your NAWBO chapter and members to know about you? I am happy to be part of NAWBO and I look forward to meeting other members in the area and exploring the potential for working together and growing each other's businesses.

Please make a connection with NAWBO D/FW member Hana Laurenzo today:

Hana Laurenzo
The TextLab, LLC
808 Throckmorton St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
818.441.5850
www.thetextlab.com
hana.laurenzo@thetextlab.com