Bilingual Beginnings: How One Woman Is Shaping Burien's Future, One Child at a Time

In the quiet hum of Burien's neighborhoods, a powerful transformation is happening inside a family home and a modest preschool classroom. It's where English and Spanish blend together, where toddlers sing in two languages, and where working parents know their kids are safe and thriving.

Quality childcare has become an integral part of a vibrant community, helping to increase opportunities for working parents. Emphasizing early brain development in these formative years helps develop the basis for school readiness and provides lasting, lifelong benefits.  

Diana Llanes Macias, founder of Once Upon a Time Early Childhood Bilingual Family Home Daycare and Early Learning Bilingual Academy (ELBA), is at the heart of it all. These two women-owned businesses are helping to reshape early education and community empowerment in Burien.

“I Was Already Home, So I Built Something for It”

Diana didn't pick Burien by chance. She's lived here for 19 years and built her life here long before she opened her doors to toddlers and early education students. With over a decade of experience in childcare and a passion for early learning, opening her own daycare felt like the natural next step.

"I realized I had the experience, the education, and most of all, the heart," Diana said. "And I wanted to serve my community."

She started with Once Upon a Time in her own home. From there, the dream expanded into ELBA, her second location in Boulevard Park. It was an ambitious move during the pandemic, no less. And yet, both are now thriving, with a waitlist and 17 children currently enrolled.

Residential vs. Commercial: Two Different Worlds, Same Purpose

Starting a business in a home and expanding to a commercial location are two different beasts. Diana learned that quickly.

Opening her home daycare felt personal and intimate, with fewer hoops and more flexibility to focus on curriculum and care. However, when she opened ELBA, zoning laws, permits, construction, and inspections slowed things down. It wasn't the same fast pace she expected when she opened the daycare in her home.

"It took almost a year to get the doors open," she said. "But I never felt like the City of Burien stood in my way. If anything, they were ready to help. All I had to do was to learn to ask."

That difference between feeling alone and feeling supported is one reason Diana now mentors others starting childcare businesses through the Imagine Institute. She knows how intimidating that first step can be, especially as an immigrant entrepreneur.

Burien Showed Up

Even during the most challenging moments, Burien showed up for Diana. She's become a community anchor, from pandemic support through Ventures Nonprofit to her ongoing work connecting Latino residents to city resources.

As a member of SEIU 925 and a regular community organizer, Diana runs more than two early learning businesses. She constantly builds bridges with community members, other business owners, and entrepreneurs looking to turn their dreams into a reality, like she did. "Burien gave me the space to grow, not just as an entrepreneur but as a leader," she said.

And the community has taken notice. In 2025, the Seattle Latino Chamber of Commerce named her the Best Latino Small Business of the Year.

Language Is Power, and It Starts Early

Diana's bilingual program is so much more than a curriculum; it's a mission, and it calls to her. While some families of children she serves speak Spanish at home, many don't. Some speak Vietnamese. Others only speak English. But every child leaves with a foundation in both English and Spanish.

"Last year, one of our students scored so high in a bilingual kindergarten assessment that the teacher couldn't believe it," she shared proudly. “That's the impact we're making.”

Her dream for the future is to expand even further and offer more families access to this kind of learning.

For Aspiring Entrepreneurs: “Speak Up and Knock on Doors”

Diana's advice to anyone dreaming of starting a business in Burien? Don't wait. Don't be afraid. And don't do it alone.

"I was scared at first. As an immigrant and Spanish speaker, I didn't always feel confident asking questions. But when I did, I found people ready to help," she said. “If you stay quiet, your dream stays quiet, too.”

Living the Dream and Sharing It

Today, Diana is building futures. Her own children now attend the schools they've always wanted, and she's helping other families create the same opportunities.

"Every morning when I wake up, I know why I'm doing this," she said. "For my family. For my students. For my community."

And in Burien, that kind of purpose finds a place to thrive.

Continuing to Celebrate Burien's Female Entrepreneurs

This article is the second feature in our new series dedicated to showcasing the wonderful work our woman-owned businesses in the Burien are doing. Throughout the summer and fall, we will continue to highlight the incredible women behind some of our city's most inspiring and impactful local businesses.

From new businesses to long-standing neighborhood favorites, each spotlight will showcase the stories, successes, and contributions of these entrepreneurs who help shape Burien's economic and cultural landscape.

Stay tuned as we spotlight these businesses forward and discover how they're making a difference in our community every day. Contact the Burien Economic Development team if you are looking to start your own business in Burien, so we can help you get started.