Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kendall Baab, Owner and Founder of BodyKinect, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business, BodyKinect, provides personal training and dance science education to dancers of all ages. We love to teach dancers about their bodies and help them strengthen their dance techniques in a fully personalized plan. Unlike other dance training services, BodyKinect teaches the science behind dancing and helps increase body awareness, prevent injuries, and enhance performance.
Tell us about yourself
I grew up dancing since the age of four and always was good at technique, but I felt like I was missing something. I discovered Dance science at college and knew I wanted to do something related to the field. I earned my BA in Dance Science from California State University Long Beach and further went on to get my personal training certification and Pilates certification with a dance specialization. I later completed my MSc in Dance Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, UK, where I discovered the research side of the field and learned more about dance psychology.
Originally, this business was going to just be about education as I was already doing personal training elsewhere on the side, but then I discovered the power of combining both of them together into one business. I continue to feel motivated by the transformations that my clients endure - both physically and mentally. I love hearing the positive feedback from the dancers in my community and hearing that my work has impacted them in some way.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Aside from helping thousands of dancers through my services, social media, or even studio workshops, what I am most proud of is hitting my 6-figure revenue goal for my second year in business.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Boundaries. With myself and my clients. In the last couple of years, I have struggled a lot with my own work-life balance and also adhering to the policies set in place for my business. It’s really easy to fall into the trap of constantly working, and a lot of times, my mind feels like it’s constantly spinning with new content ideas or to-do list items. I have learned how to manage these things a lot, but I’d be lying if I said that I had mastered it entirely.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know your niche! I know, everyone says that. When I first started, I thought that my niche was just “dancers,” but now I’ve come to realize that my actual niche is competitive studio dancers from the ages of 7-16. It’s much more specific than just a population and actually makes marketing and content creation a lot easier.
- Be really clear with your personal brand from the beginning. If you are showing your face a lot in social media content or on your website or marketing in general, then you are a personal brand. While your branding is more about your colors, fonts, etc., your personal brand is about how you make people feel. One of my favorite books on this topic is called I Am My Brand by Kubi Springer.
- Organize your finances. Plan out your essential expenses, your profit, and saving for taxes & investments. Read the book Profit First by Mike Michalowicz.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.bodykinect.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trainwithkendall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainwithkendall/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendallbaab/
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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