Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in dance education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Meaghan Valego, Owner and Director of Dance & Beyond, located in Wrentham, MA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I own Dance & Beyond, located in Wrentham, Massachusetts. Dance & Beyond is a dance studio where we teach dance education to ages 18 months through adults. Our philosophy is to provide the highest quality dance education to our students in a comfortable, fun, and professional environment. At Dance & Beyond, we would like each and every one of our students to achieve their individual goals and accomplishments while building confidence in their bodies, mind, and soul. It is important to the Studio that every student's experience reflects our belief that movement can be fun and fulfilling when put into the art of dance. We go beyond the dance building more than just strong dancers; we build confidence, strength, character, and lessons they will carry with them throughout their life.

Tell us about yourself

I have been dancing for over 30 years in all styles of dance. I graduated from Springfield College with a B.S. in Dance Movement Education and have worked at numerous studios and establishments, advancing my dance career. I always knew I wanted to own a dance studio, so it was just a matter of time for me. Owning a business is long hours of endless emails, preparing for classes, meetings and managing staff, parents, and students, in addition to everything in between, but what motivates me every day is my passion for dance and being able to share that joy with students is what keeps me going...there is no greater gift.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment has been establishing an amazing dance community between staff, students, families, and our town.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest part is that it never ends. You cannot leave for the day or night and leave work; it always stays with you. There is always an email or something that has to be taken care of. As a dance studio owner, you wear many hats! Maintenance person, teacher, therapist, cleaning lady, accountant, advertiser...the jobs just never end!

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Owning a Business is a lot of work, so stay passionate about whatever you choose to start a business about. If you can remember why you started the business in the beginning, then that will motivate you time and time again. Be mindful of the little moments that make each day special. For me, it's the dancer on the competition team who gave another dancer in her class an amazing compliment or saw my students accomplish their goals after years of hard work. Those moments are what drive me.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

You have to dance a little bit each morning before you leave the house because it changes the way you walk out in the world. -Sandra Bullock

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.danceandbeyondstudio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danceandbeyond/

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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