Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Gaetan Rouette, Owner of Dancesport Academy of Alberta, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Dancesport Academy of Alberta opened in 2018 and is a dance studio focusing on achieving exceptional dance standards. We offer Ballroom and Latin dance instructions for beginners, wedding dance, competitors, and professional training from highly certified and experienced instructors. We believe in nurturing creativity and artistic development and offer a warm and positive environment to foster the growth that all dancers and newcomers want and need.
Tell us about yourself
Ballroom dancing has been a big part of my life since my teenage years. After years of training and competitive dancing in Canada, the United States, and Europe and representing Canada in prestigious world championships, the next step was to become a professional and share my knowledge with amateur dancers to achieve their goals. My passion for teaching is as equal to my passion for dancing. I have the privilege to do what I love every day, and helping my students achieve their highest potential is the highlight of my work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is establishing my business as one of the best dance schools in Alberta. After getting my fellowships and becoming an examiner and a national adjudicator, I have attracted many experienced dancers and newcomers to develop their skills. Getting recognized by the Canadian Dancesport Federation (CDF) and the Canada Dancesport (CDS) organizations as one of the best Ballroom dance schools has helped my business grow since 2018.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
As a business owner in my industry, I have to continuously stay on top of the new trends for technique, choreography, and teaching purposes. Dancesport is a discipline that has developed so much in the last 10 years. Being informed and up to date makes my business more competitive.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Love what you do or offer because there will be many hours to put in before it starts to be lucrative.
- Be innovative by creating something that will attract new customers.
- Be yourself and be surrounded by people who believe in you. And always take good care of your clients.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Life is a continuous learning process. Agree with learning from your mistakes and experiences. It takes time to achieve your goal. The end is not the most important. Enjoy the process and live each moment as a little success.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.dancesportacademyalberta.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaetanrouette01/
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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