Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sydney Espinoza, Founder of edc Studio, located in Edmonton, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
edc Studio is a Latin dance company. If you have the will to learn a new skill that is therapeutic as well as a ton of fun, you fit into the category of my customer. I have trained people in their 20s and well into their 60s. I’ve watched them grow and reach their full potential on a stage.
Tell us about yourself
Growing up, I watched shows on TV like so you think you can dance. One day I made it a goal to finally take a dance class. I immediately fell in love and submersed myself in learning. Eventually, my journey led me to try salsa and bachata. I was working as a choreographer at etown salsa. Eventually, I traveled the world, taking classes from champions like Harold and Regan, Patrick and Scarlet, and Dioney Da Silva, among others. I realized I had outgrown the studio I was at and had my own ideas on how to run things. I worked three jobs to save up for my own studio, and it opened in 2019. My love for creating and exploring my craft motivates me to keep learning and growing to bring new information, techniques, and projects to my students. Watching them improve keeps me excited and passionate about what I’m doing.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment was surviving COVID. I wasn’t legally allowed to work. I lost my studio space since CERB was nowhere near paying my rent. I kept doing classes over zoom and managed to keep my company going, so when things opened up, I started renting a studio by the hour to get back on my feet. I am happy to announce I will have my very own studio again this September 2022.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing for me as a business owner is the behind-the-scenes organizing and managing of finances and schedules. I am a creative type, so anything on the computer is out of my element. I highly recommend taking a business course as that’s what helped me the most with this part of my business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I have only one tip. That would be to have a vision of what you want your business to be. Set short-term goals and long-term goals. Each day look at what you can do to get closer to those goals. If you work on something every single day, you will see the progress and will reach your short-term goals, which will help propel you to those long-term goals, and the next thing you know, your vision will be a reality.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Dance is magical; to me, it’s a mental, physical and spiritual activity that enhances your quality of life. If you feel like something is missing from your life, take a dance class. It will build your confidence, and connection and give you newfound happiness. We are a family at edc; we have a truly irreplaceable bond. We go out every week, social dance together, and travel the world performing and competing. There’s nothing I would rather do.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://edc.studio/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edcstudioyeg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edc_studio/
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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