We recently had the chance to connect with Marlene Dandler and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Marlene, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
That quality is 10x more important than quantity. Finding customers who are a cultural “right fit” is more important than just getting people in the door.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I founded Seashore Academy to provide parents with an educational option allowing them to customize their child’s education. It blends the quality of private school academics with the freedoms of homeschooling (travel/attendance as well as medical choice) and customizable schedules, 1-5 days/week. We are committed to empowering our students in entrepreneurship and financial management, and also raising critical thinkers who are healthy, both emotionally and physically. Our students learn in small groups and spend time learning outdoors and in natural light, completely free from rote learning on screens.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents and my amazing live-in nanny. They were incredibly intentional about their work, proud of their productivity, and careful with where they did not spend time and money so as to focus their resources on that which they valued most.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Health. I swore never to be dependent on the chronic sickness/ prescription drug-dependent lifestyle of Big Pharma, and have been a natural health advocate ever since high school. I am committed to providing options for those who are committed to natural health.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Freedom. Especially freedom of speech and medical freedom.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
When I am outdoors, running on the beach, hiking in the mountains, or in deep meditative prayer.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seashoreacademy.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seashore_academy_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdandler/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.seashoreacademy.org
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/seashore-academy-corona-del-mar?osq=Seashore+Academy
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@seashore_academy
