Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in dance training but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jeannette Pilger-Brown, Director of Jersey City Dance Academy, located in Jersey City, NJ, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am the Director of the Jersey City Dance Academy. We offer dance classes to aspiring dancers ages three and up!
Tell us about yourself
I started dancing at JCDA at the age of 10 in 1973. After graduating from Boston University in 1985, I was offered the life-changing opportunity to completely take over the dance studio. Since then, I have taught, managed, and directed JCDA. Seeing our students fall in love with dance and grow in self-confidence motivates me each day. We pride ourselves on the ability to nurture both the recreational dance students as well as our students aspiring to dance professionally.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is surviving the 2020 Pandemic and the ability to celebrate our 50th anniversary this year. We have met the challenge of online zoom instruction in 2020, to modified in-person instruction to fully in-person dance classes!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner is the classic work-life balance. Between being a mom of two, a full-time small business owner, and a dance company director, it can be challenging for me to find time for self-care. It has been a great challenge, but I continue to survive!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Find a location with parking and public transportation accessibility.
- Have a passion for what you are doing and always put your students/customers first.
- Be sure to utilize social media marketing to best promote your business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
This will be my 35th Year as Director of Jersey City Dance Academy and the studio's 50th Anniversary! JCDA is multigenerational. We now have former students bringing in their children! I am proud to have touched the lives of so many students. With us, you become family! When I was a student at JCDA, I dreamed about how I would run the studio, and now I have my dreams become a reality because JCDA is where movement becomes magic!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.jerseycitydanceacademy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JerseyCityDanceAcademy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerseycitydanceacademy/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.