FLEMING ISLAND — Layla Willmore speaks three languages.

And she joins at least 50% of the world’s population who do it well, according to  Living.

Two of those languages she learned a little later in life. Proving that it’s never too early, or late, to get started.

Willmore owns the local tutoring business Spanish with Layla, LLC., where she said there’s an 82-year age gap between her youngest and oldest student.

“I have kids right now that are three years old. And the oldest one is 85,” she said.

Whether it's older students who are coming back to their roots or younger ones being introduced, families preparing for an upcoming international trip, or someone simply wanting to add to their resume, Willmore is happy to give the gift of a new language to anyone.

“[There are] many doors that you get to go through when you speak different languages.”

And it’s fun.

Monday through Friday, Willmore opens her home to children and adults willing to learn not only the Spanish language, but also the culture.

Willmore herself, who speaks English, Spanish and Arabic, knows precisely what it takes to be successful in the skill. Although she officially began her business last year, she said she’s been tutoring since she was 24 years old. As a military spouse, she said she has moved 20 times within the last 20 years. And each time, she’s found a way to spread her knowledge.

“I have always been able to find a job. Not because of my background, but because of the languages that I spoke. So, I wanted to give that opportunity to my kids, but also to the community.”

Originally from Spain, Willmore said her mother was Spanish, while her father was from the Middle East. She didn’t learn how to speak English until she came to the U.S. when she was 18 years old.

“I didn’t speak a word. I had no friends. People went to the prom, but I didn’t even know what the prom was.”

It wasn’t until after finishing college that she decided to learn how to speak Arabic. She said she moved in with her father’s family for two years. She hired a tutor to stop by three times a week to help. She said this is what inspired her to start teaching others.

Each lesson plan is tailored to the personal needs of her students. She said she finds that her business differs from others because of her one-on-one approach.

“A language has diction skill. You have to understand the language, you have to speak it, you have to read it, you have to write it…but you need one-on-one time to be able to speak the language.”

She said she's found that her formula primarily works well for students with special needs.

Willmore’s curriculum delves into immersive learning techniques relating to everyday life, like only speaking Spanish while playing a game of chess, emptying the dishwasher, singing songs or even cooking.

One of her past lessons involved her adult students cooking a delicious dish of paella, complete with a recipe listed entirely in Spanish. To evoke conversation, she said she also takes her students out in the community, such as to the 1928 Cuban Bistro on Golden Eagle Way, where they have to order their meal in Spanish.

“If you have fun, [you will] see the results."

In between her at-home lessons, Willmore said she also volunteers teaching Spanish at Barco-Newton YMCA, while also tutoring local doctors, nurses and teachers within Clay County.

She said the positive results give her goosebumps.

"They have put all the effort, but you cannot make that happen."

Willmore said having another language under your belt has many benefits, including increased opportunities, networking and building a growing love for a new culture. 

Whether you're new or brushing up on your skills, Willmore said she encourages all ages and experience levels to get involved.

"Just embrace it. Take advantage of this opportunity that they have here in Clay County."

 For more information, you can visit her social media sites on Facebook and Instagram at Spanish with Layla. To schedule a one-on-one or group session, email layla.willmore@hotmail.com or call (904) 295-6400.