Today we’d like to introduce you to Micca Dan Cao.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
After graduating from Columbia University, I moved to Miami in 2020, where I unexpectedly began my entrepreneurial journey and founded two companies.
I first founded Ms. Dan’s Academy, providing bilingual, education-focused Mandarin programs for children. Through working closely with families, I recognized another need: finding highly qualified, trustworthy bilingual childcare and household professionals. That inspired me to create Mandarin Staffing, a premier bilingual staffing agency trusted by families and corporations nationwide.
Together, our companies have served hundreds of families in Miami and across the country, united by a shared commitment to bilingual support, trust, and exceptional standards of care and service. Beyond serving families, we have also created meaningful employment opportunities for the Asian American community, helping to expand professional opportunities, strengthen community connections, and foster a greater sense of belonging.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. I built both companies without raising outside capital, and as an immigrant, becoming an entrepreneur meant learning everything from the ground up—from navigating compliance and regulations to building teams and earning customers’ trust.
It was also a very different path from what I envisioned for myself in college. Learning to embrace uncertainty, figure things out as I went, and build something entirely on my own has been one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the journey.
We’ve been impressed with Mandarin Staffing & Ms Dan’s Academy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ms. Dan’s Academy specializes in immersive Mandarin education for children, combining language learning with culture and engaging, education-focused experiences. We offer in-person programs throughout South Florida and online classes to students nationwide.
Mandarin Staffing is a premier bilingual staffing agency serving families and corporations nationwide, with a strong presence in Miami, Austin, New York, and California. We specialize in connecting our clients with exceptional bilingual professionals, from private childcare and educators to household and corporate staffing.
What sets us apart is our high standard of selection, personalized approach, and deep understanding of bilingual talent.
What were you like growing up?
I was a quiet but happy and loved child—and the second child (the wild one) in my family. I grew up in Suzhou, often called the “Venice of China,” and Wuxi, China, in a family that placed a strong emphasis on rigorous education while also encouraging creativity and curiosity.
From a young age, I was encouraged to practice a wide range of extracurricular activities, especially traditional Asian arts. I learned pipa, Chinese chess, painting, and calligraphy, with much of that inspiration coming from my grandfather, who was a well-known artist.
Looking back, I think I was always a mix of discipline and independence. I was naturally quiet growing up, but became much more extroverted as I got older.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mandarinstaffing.com/ and https://www.msdans.com/
