Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in dance training but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Brian Barakauskas, Owner of Dance Louisville, located in Louisville, KY, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We run Dance Louisville, a ballroom, country & swing dance studio in Louisville, KY. We are on a mission to change lives by teaching life lessons through dance. Our core customer ranges from young professionals to middle-aged dancers. We also run two youtube channels, two weekend dance events as well as dance cruises.
Tell us about yourself
I got my start by walking into a country bar at 21 years old. I quickly became hooked on dance and started the journey of competitive dance. Through the years, I've been able to travel to 23 countries to share my passion. Now, 25+ years later, I'm motivated to share as much of my success in dance with others and help change lives in the process.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Learning to turn my passion into a business. More deeply, I've learned to empower a team of like-minded people in our organization so that the business does not solely rely on me. I'm not tied to the dance floor, so I'm able to work on growing the business to create more opportunities for professionals and amateur dancers alike.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time management. Where to focus my time to get the best results would be number one. The second would be learning to be a business owner and make tough decisions that seem difficult in the short term but have a bigger benefit in the long term.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start with your why? Why are you doing what you do?
- Who are you serving? Develop a customer avatar so you can craft your product or service to help that person specifically.
- Don't get stuck working 'in' your business; make sure you have dedicated time to work 'on' your business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Set goals. There is something magical about setting daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. It will give you direction and a sense of accomplishment day to day, knowing you're moving in the right direction.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://dancelouisville.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancelouisville/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancelouisville/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanceLouisville
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ZALo0rqVgOtXOGJMVgiPw
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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