Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cat Woods, Owner of Cat's Ballroom, located in Memphis, TN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Cat's Ballroom is a full-service dance studio offering private lessons, group classes, wedding choreography, practice parties, and more. Everyone has their own reasons for learning to dance. And our students include young couples getting married, empty-nesters ready for a challenge, seniors looking for a fun way to stay active, and everything in between.
Tell us about yourself
I began dancing when I took a salsa class as a lark, and I loved it so much that I wanted to share it with everybody. The benefits, creative exercise, mental stimulation, stress relief, etc., are universal, and one can participate in dance at any stage of life. Watching my students grow in skill and confidence never ceases to be satisfying.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Surviving the pandemic? Seriously, I'm very proud of how many amazing first dances we've had a hand in. Couples come to us hoping to simply avoid embarrassment on the floor, and they leave with something that they'll always remember and that their friends and family will love.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Having to wear every hat (marketer, janitor, bookkeeper, etc.) while still doing what I love (teaching dance) can be taxing.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Take advantage of free resources, like the Tennessee Small Business Resource Center, the Memphis Public Library, and entrepreneur-focused podcasts to learn as much as you can about starting a business.
- Have enough saved to support yourself until your dream takes off.
- Marketing, marketing, marketing. It doesn't matter how great your product or service is if no one knows about it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.catsballroom.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catsballroom
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catsballroom/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/catsballroom
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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