Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in dance education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Natalie Bernstein, Co-Owner of Dual Star Academy of Dance, located in Centennial, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a premier dance studio located in Centennial, Colorado, proudly offering the highest quality dance instruction in jazz, ballet, poms, lyrical, tap, hip hop, creative movement, and more!
Tell us about yourself
My twin sister, Lauren, and I started Dual Star a year after we graduated college. Dance has always been our passion since we started at two years old. After years of dancing competitively in high school and college, we began teaching at a local studio. We both fell in love with that side of it. Opening a dance studio was a dream of ours since we were little, and with business degrees, we felt we could maybe make it a career. The students and staff keep us motivated every day. The passion and growth we see are priceless!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is knowing that we can provide a safe place for our students and staff to do what they absolutely love, and to retain these students and staff and see their growth as people is so rewarding.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
COVID was a huge challenge for us. That was definitely the hardest thing we have faced as a business. We weren’t sure if we would make it through being 100% virtual for such a long period of time. We are so thankful to our teachers, staff, and families for their perseverance, loyalty, and love.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be passionate about what you are doing. It helps get you through the good and challenging times.
- Make sure to pay attention to the numbers. It’s the only way you can survive long term.
- Hire people who are great at what they do.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dualstardance.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dualstaracademyofdance/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dualstardance/
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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