Designed by Dancers for Dancers

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeanne Hendrickson, Founder of Dancer.NYC, located in Port Chester, NY, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Dancer.NYC sells a specialty line of dancewear, required uniform dancewear for classical ballet programs, spirit wear for ballet schools and companies, and a line of adorable accessories for tiny dancers. Our first product, the BunFun®, is a wreath of flowers that surround a ballet dancer's bun that can be seen on dancers around the globe. We also sell dance accessories, including dance bags, pointe shoe ribbons, elastics, and dance gifts.

Tell us about yourself

I have always been passionate about ballet. When New York City launched their ".NYC" domains, my husband secured Dancer.NYC for me. The next logical step was to open a dance wear and accessories business. My youngest daughter was a student at the School of American Ballet. It was her idea to create a BunFun® for all the children in her cast of New York City Ballet's production of George Balanchine's The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center.

It was a fantastic introduction to my new business. The parents were curious and incredibly supportive. When I launched a custom leotard line, the lovely dancers at SAB were thrilled. Every day I would see these beautiful dancers in my line of leotards. Today, Dancer.NYC has grown to sell many of the most sought-after brands in the dance world.

Important to the mission of Dancer.NYC is supporting the arts. We have developed a unique strategy of fundraising and partner with ballet schools and companies to assist them in their fundraising goals. We ship worldwide; we love custom orders and are delighted to be a part of the magic of dance.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I love happy customers. I am so proud of the fantastic customer service we offer to all of our clients - every day and every order. Every five-star review Dancer.NYC receives is a badge of honor from a customer who took their time to acknowledge our product and our great customer service.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Managing supply chain issues continue to be the most difficult obstacle these days.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Start a business in a field that incorporates a passion of yours. Start small so you will have time to test the market before investing substantial time and money. Listen to your customers. They will give you invaluable ideas that you can utilize to grow your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.dancer.nyc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancer.nyc14/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancer.nyc14/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Dancer_NYC14/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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