Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Melinda Tamm, Owner, and CEO of Ms. Melinda's Dance Studio, located in Waite Park, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Ms. Melinda's Dance Studio provides youth development and mentorship through the artistry of dance. Serving Children ages 18 months to 18 years of age. We are built on our four core values of Making a Difference, Mentorship, Dedication, and Self-Worth. Working to provide a space where dancers can be themselves without judgment, where we can help build future leaders within our community. Students Of Ms. Melinda's Dance Studio participate in community involvement, show outstanding academic excellence, and have won awards for Sportsmanship while sharing their love for dance with friends from multiple communities that come together under one roof.
Tell us about yourself
Dance provided a place where I can learn who I am as an individual, and lifetime friendships and relationships came through being a dancer. Dance has always given me a way to express myself through movements, yet it builds confidence, leads me to believe in bigger dreams, and allows me to see the good in the world in simple things. The joy that I see when children walk into the doors of Ms. Melinda's Dance Studio each night is the reason I do this eerie day. Yes, it is hard to run a business, and each day there is an obstacle or opportunity to grow and learn and create something that is bigger than ones self is inspirational. The energy of the dancers, the village of teachers we have that are there simply to make a difference in a day of someone else is motivation in itself.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
So many things are accomplishments; being in business for 17 years is one; owning my own land and building are concrete things, but truly it is all the dancers I have had through my doors that have become amazing teachers, physicians, professionals, parents, and volunteers in and around our community.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Business ownership is a different type of lifestyle. When you say yes to the business, you are often saying no to your family. Finding the balance is difficult, still maybe not the hardest; it could be more than as an owner of a business; you are the one with the passion, reason, and why behind what you do. These factors tend to affect your mental and emotional well-being as a person because the passion for your business is heartfelt and personal, which is hard for others on the outside to see.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Your business is your job, what you do is your way of helping support your family, and that is okay.
Second, be willing to accept that you will not always create or make decisions that everybody likes; just help them understand the reason/s.
Lastly, Never stop learning and developing new ways to innovate yourself and the business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
As a business owner, you have two sides; they are intertwined but not your definition of you as a person. Being a strong women business owner is a great opportunity to display that with hard work and dedication, you can achieve greatness.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://msmelindas.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msmelindas/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msmelindasdance/
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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