Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dani Duncan, founder of Treeline Aerial, located in Whistler, BC, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Treeline Aerial is an alternate fitness studio where working out takes you to new heights. We are the heart of the aerial and circus community in Sea-to-Sky, offering aerial silks, aerial hoop, pole, straps, aerial yoga, yoga, and handstands. Our classes are a form of exercise that is unique and challenging that doesn't feel like you are working out because let's be honest, who doesn't love a secret workout? You will feel empowered and push the boundaries of what you thought was possible with your own body.
We cater to Pemberton, Whistler, and Squamish locals while also serving bachelorette parties in town for the weekend. Group bookings, staff parties, and performing entertainment at local events and festivals we do it all.
Tell us about yourself
I got into circus arts by accident. While working at Camp Westmont in Pennsylvania in 2010, I got relocated to the flying trapeze department. I didn't know then, but this changed my career and life trajectory. I worked there for five summers instead of doing law internships like I was supposed to. I graduated from Law and booked a one-way ticket to Vancouver with the intention of doing a ski season in Whistler. On arrival, I realized something was missing despite this new life I had in the mountains. I found a local gymnastics center that agreed to let me run aerial silks classes, and the rest is history. I went from no plan of running a business to finding my own location, creating an aerial community in the Sea-to-Sky, and making my side hustle my full-time gig.
Every day I am motivated by a passion for continuing to build and expand this aerial community and provide this outlet for mountain folks who choose lifestyle over the norm.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Getting out of my comfort zone and doing the hard things. The meetings with intimidating commercial unit owners, asking your worth with corporations for performing at their events, saying no to things that aren't serving your business.
Showing up every day with the belief it was going to work even when it felt like it wasn't. Investing in myself to gain more knowledge and move my business forward.
Surviving the pandemic. Signing a lease in May 2020 of the pandemic because it was either committed to securing a studio space as the space we previously operated out of closed permanently or going out of business forever.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The sacrifice! Accepting that being a business owner is ultimately solving a series of problems on repeat. It's not instant gratification; it will consume you. You will have to sit out many social norms and habits to reach your goals. Finding balance is the hardest part, but learning to have fun with it along the way will ultimately see you through.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take action - stop thinking about it and do the damn thing!
- Embody your brand.
- Know your numbers.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.treelineaerialbc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silkswhistler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treelineaerial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-duncan-433961183/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.