Inspiring Conversations with Yuna Bae of Learn.Abacus.Math

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuna Bae.

Hi Yuna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey began with a simple passion for teaching math and a strong belief that every child can develop confidence in learning when guided with patience and creativity.

Since high school and throughout college, I tutored math as a side job, and it quickly became something I truly enjoyed. After getting married and having kids, I took a break from tutoring to focus on my family. However, while living in Pasadena, CA, I resumed tutoring—both in person and online—as a way to support our family once my children were older.

When we moved to Fullerton, CA, in August 2021, my husband and I decided to transform my side teaching into a full-time career. That’s how Learn.Abacus.Math officially began. What started as a small program for local students has grown into a thriving educational service that supports children through personalized math instruction. In addition to regular math tutoring, we also offer abacus lessons for students who are interested in developing their mental math and focus skills. We now have students ranging from Kindergarten to competition math and AP Calculus learners.

Recently, we took another significant step by renting an office in Downtown Fullerton, which has become a welcoming space for our students and their families. I am deeply grateful that our business has continued to thrive over the past four years. It has been a journey filled with learning experiences, ups and downs, and incredible growth.

Above all, I love teaching students and seeing their faces light up when they finally understand a concept or solve a challenging problem. That joy reminds me every day why I started this journey and why I continue to do what I do. I believe that a positive emotional approach to math is essential, and that’s what I strive to practice with every student. Many children see math problems as intimidating or frustrating, but instead of giving up or dismissing the learning, I help them engage with challenges positively and encouragingly. By solving problems together and guiding them with personalized instruction, I aim to build not only their math skills but also their confidence and love for learning.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been an entirely smooth journey, but every challenge has contributed to my personal and professional growth. Initially, one of my biggest challenges was balancing work and family life. As a mother, my children were always my top priority, but I also wanted to create something meaningful through my teaching. Learning to manage my time between family responsibilities, lesson preparation, and running a business required patience and discipline.

Another challenge was starting anew in a different city. When we moved to Fullerton in 2021, I didn’t have an established network or many local connections. Building trust with new families took time, consistency, and genuine care. Gradually, word of mouth began to spread, and those early challenges became the foundation of a strong community of students and parents who appreciate what we do.

I also encountered practical challenges, such as managing scheduling, communication, and adapting to online teaching during uncertain times. Each step along the way taught me valuable lessons about resilience, organization, and having faith in the process. Looking back, I’m grateful for those obstacles because they shaped the person and educator I am today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Learn.Abacus.Math?
Learn.Abacus.Math is a unique math tutoring program founded on the belief that every child can learn math with confidence when guided by patience, positivity, and the right approach. We provide personalized math instruction for students ranging from kindergarten through high school, both in-person and online, offering support in Common Core Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Math, and math competitions such as AMC and Math Kangaroo.

In addition to traditional math tutoring, we offer Abacus mental math training for students interested in improving their focus, memory, and mental calculation skills. This blend of modern math techniques and time-tested methods allows us to meet students where they are and help them grow both in skill and mindset.

What sets us apart is our positive emotional approach to learning. We don’t just focus on grades; we prioritize mindset, confidence, and the joy of problem-solving. Each student receives customized guidance, and we celebrate every small victory together. Our goal is for students not only to improve academically but also to build resilience and develop a lifelong appreciation for learning.

I am especially proud of how Learn.Abacus.Math has grown through genuine word-of-mouth—families who see results and share their experiences with others. We recently opened our office in Downtown Fullerton, which has become a welcoming and inspiring space for students to learn and grow.

At its core, our brand embodies personal connection, growth, and confidence. We want our readers to understand that when students walk through our doors, they are not just coming for tutoring; they are entering a supportive environment where learning is joyful, challenges are embraced, and every student’s potential is valued.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor is one of the most valuable parts of any personal or professional journey. For me, mentorship has not always come from a single formal source; often, it has emerged from observing and connecting with people who inspire me in various ways.

My advice is to remain curious and open-minded. A mentor doesn’t always have to be someone in your exact field; sometimes, it’s someone who shares a mindset, discipline, or work ethic that you admire. I’ve learned a great deal from other educators, business owners, and even parents who manage to balance family and purpose with remarkable grace.

Networking should focus on building genuine relationships rather than merely pursuing transactions. When you approach others with sincerity, gratitude, and a desire to learn, connections naturally grow stronger and more meaningful.

What has worked best for me is being willing to listen, ask questions, and stay humble. Every conversation—whether with a fellow teacher, a parent, or a community member—has something valuable to teach me. Those daily interactions have become a kind of mentorship that continues to shape how I teach, lead, and grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.learnabacusmath.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learn.abacus.math/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@learnabacusmath
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@learn.abacus.math