From Basement to Community: How Ingrid Broussillon Used Improv to Build a Purpose-Driven Business

When Ingrid Broussillon moved from Guadeloupe to Vancouver, she couldn’t find a space to practice English in a fun, confidence-building way. So she created one. In this episode, Ingrid shares how she transformed a personal need into Griottes Polyglottes Scty and The WoW Culture — a nonprofit and a business using improv and play to help people find their voice. We talk about her journey from side hustle to full-time entrepreneurship, the sacrifices she made along the way, and the habits that keep her grounded today.“I want people to see me who I am and not trying to pretend that I'm someone else because you cannot be for everyone, you know?.” — Ingrid BroussillonTakeaways:Solving your own problem can spark a business idea that resonates with others.Improv and role play can build confidence far beyond language learning — from public speaking to tackling discrimination.Pivoting during challenging times, like the pandemic, can open unexpected opportunities.Staying authentic in business helps attract the right audience and community.Extreme focus and sacrifice can be necessary in the early stages, but sustainable habits matter for long-term growth.Simple routines — like listening to motivational content in the morning and practicing gratitude at night — can help maintain momentum.Meet Ingrid BroussillonFounder, Griottes Polyglottes Scty & The WoW CultureBorn in Guadeloupe, Ingrid Broussillon grew up with a love for storytelling. After studying Business Management in France and training as an actress, she moved to Vancouver in 2017 to improve her English. Unable to find a fun, performance-based way to practice, she launched Griottes Polyglottes in 2018, using improvisation and theater games to build confidence. Her work has since expanded into workshops on public speaking, job interviews, and addressing racism and unconscious bias — all grounded in the belief that learning should be both fun and impactful.ResourcesGriotte Polyglotte Scty (Nonprofit)The WoW Culture (Business)Follow Ingrid Broussillon on LinkedIn