Name of business:
How long you have been in business for yourself?:
In 1998, I created my business to allow me to travel nationally as a teacher, judge and competitor. In 2008, I retired from competing, decided to travel less, and opened the first physical location for the business
Business product or service:
Primarily a ballroom dance studio improving the lives of youth and adults through ballroom, swing and Latin dancing. We also offer Zumba, a fitness class based on dance and in 2012, we expanded our youth program to include Angelina Ballerina classes.
What led you to start your business?:
When I first created the business, learning ballroom, swing and Latin dancing changed my life and I decided that I wanted to do that for other people by becoming a teacher. I was already being hired for events and clubs across the country and Canada, so it was just a matter of time before I decided to take the bull by the horns and go for it. After traveling 40 weekends a year for 10 years, I wanted to create a home and positively impact my local community. That’s when I opened the studio.
What kept/keeps you going during challenging times?:
I have multiple mentors and I tend to look at what they’ve posted on Facebook for the day… a couple of those are – Roger Hamilton and Brian Tracy. I also meditate every day and make time for working in my garden and playing with my pets.
One lesson you’ve learned during your entrepreneurial journey.:
The thing that I learn, and relearn, is that this truly is a journey; it’s not about getting to an end point. It’s about being present during each moment in the journey that leads me to the next moment.
One thing about your business that makes you smile.:
My amazing team. The studio would not be the success that it is today without the people on my team who have come together to make it the multifaceted, enjoyable place that it’s become!
Favorite motivational quote:
There are SO many – here’s today’s:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
? Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”
Favorite chocolate:
I went to a wedding this past weekend at Trump Tower. Each place setting had a box at it, tied with a ribbon. On the box, it said ‘the best damn cookie ever’, and it was. Two, mini, dark chocolate cookies with a dark chocolate fudge filling that had mini chocolate chips in it. OMG!
