Meet Xiqian Luo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xiqian Luo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xiqian, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I’ve taken two significant risks in my life: moving to Los Angeles alone with just $500 and investing all my life savings to open Purple Magpie Mandarin. While some may view these as risky moves, I see them as essential steps toward achieving my goals. When I have a clear vision, I muster the courage to take bold steps and work hard to realize my dreams.

When a friend asked, “What if your business fails?” I responded that I’m prepared to face that possibility. If it doesn’t work out, I can always find another job. I didn’t wait for everything to be perfect before taking action. I believe that waiting for perfection often means missing out on opportunities. The hardest part is taking the first step, and through doing and learning from mistakes, we grow.

To me, risk—when managed thoughtfully—represents opportunity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At Purple Magpie Mandarin, we take pride in being the only authentic Chinese immersion preschool in West Los Angeles. Our team consists of highly educated, native Chinese-speaking educators who are dedicated to creating a fully immersive learning environment for our students. With a customized curriculum, we ensure that each child explores a wide range of subjects daily, making their learning experience both enjoyable and challenging. Our ultimate goal is to provide a nurturing space where students can embrace the Chinese language and culture.

As a young and growing school, we understand that growth isn’t always easy. We, like our students, are constantly learning and evolving. We embrace change with the same enthusiasm that we instill in our students, ensuring that we always strive for continual improvement to deliver the best education possible.

The name Purple Magpie is a direct translation of 紫鹊 (zi que) from my birthplace, the stunning and historic rice terraces of 紫鹊界 (Ziquejie), now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Purple Magpie Mandarin serves as a bridge between my past and future, reminding me of the rich history and heritage of China, and how I now work to impart and pass on Chinese language and culture through Purple Magpie Mandarin.

I hope my story resonates with you and highlights the importance of helping children understand and take pride in their cultural heritage. If you’re interested in joining our journey and giving your child the opportunity to learn Mandarin and immerse themselves in Chinese culture (whatever their background may be), we would be honored to welcome you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is a city of incredible diversity in so many aspects, from the different cuisines, the unique neighborhoods, and the beauty of the outdoors. At the same time, Los Angeles sprawls beyond the strict city borders; the distances and traffic mean that any itinerary must be organized with geography in mind.

As a transplant myself, my experiences with the city have been shaped both by my initial tourist explorations on my own and being shown LA from a local’s perspective; I think the best list of places to visit draws from both.

West LA:
Start with a morning hike in the Santa Monica mountains to Sandstone Peak.
Grab lobster rolls from Broad Street Oyster Co. for a early lunch on the beach in Malibu
Drive south to Santa Monica for some iconic pictures by Santa Monica Pier
Rent bikes to ride down to Venice Beach and back, enjoying the ocean views along the way
Spend some time wandering around the indoor/outdoor Westfield Century City Mall before grabbing ramen at Tsujita or Ramen Nagi.
Make sure to grab dessert as well at SomiSomi in Sawtelle.
If we are still hungry, late night tacos at Brothers Cousins Tacos are always a classic.

Central and Downtown LA:
Get an early start to hike up to the Wisdom Tree and cut across to Mt. Lee, taking you behind the iconic Hollywood Sign. Loop around to head back down and stop for the perfect photo opportunity with the sign in the background.
Grab some pastries and coffee at any of the amazing bakeries in Larchmont and take some time to wander the shops.
Head over to LACMA to explore the museum exhibits and any events happening.
Enjoy a late lunch in Koreatown at Park’s BBQ or Aghassi Gopchang.
Take some time to check out the Natural History Museum before grabbing drinks on the terrace at LA Cha Cha Cha.
Have dinner at Bavel or Manuela in the Arts District for some of the best food in the city.
Drive downtown to the Korean Air tower to visit Spire 73 and end the night with drinks and a view.

East LA:
Start a relaxed day in the San Gabriel Valley by heading to NBC Seafood for dim sum in the morning.
Drive to the Huntington Library to spend a few hours wandering the gardens and admiring the art and books on display.
Grab boba and some xiaolongbao from Kang Kang Food Court and spend some time relaxing before dinner time.
Book a reservation at Bistro Na’s for classic Chinese imperial style banquet dishes (make sure to call ahead for the Peking duck!)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The first school I opened was a labor of love, built with the unwavering support of my friends and family. I am incredibly grateful to the families who enrolled their children in my school, especially those first few families who placed their trust in us. Their steadfast support means the world to me.

During school tours, some families questioned my age and expressed doubts, but those who chose to believe in me moved me deeply. Despite never having met before, they entrusted me with their children and supported me wholeheartedly. These families not only placed their faith in me but also embraced the vision and values of Purple Magpie Mandarin. Their encouragement fueled my passion and determination to create a nurturing and enriching environment for their children.

Over the years, our school has grown, welcoming more wonderful families who share our commitment to education and community. Each day, I am inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm of our students and their families. The journey has not been without its challenges, but the unwavering support from these families has been a constant source of strength.

Purple Magpie Mandarin wouldn’t be where it is today without their belief and encouragement. Their trust has allowed us to build a strong and vibrant community that fosters learning and growth. To all my beloved families, thank you. Your support and faith in our mission have been instrumental in our success. I am forever grateful for your trust and the opportunity to be a part of your children’s educational journey.

Website: https://www.purplemagpiemandarin.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/purplemagpiemandarin/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/purplemagpiemandarin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/purplemagpiemandarin

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/purple-magpie-mandarin-los-angeles