Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Deanna Lefton, Co-Owner of Lefton Dance Complex, located in Bedford, NH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business is a dance studio. My clients are parents with children ages 2.5 - 18.
Tell us about yourself
I have been dancing my entire life. I have lived and danced in San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Denver. My husband and I met while dancing professionally together in a contemporary ballet company. I couldn’t see a future without dance being some part of it, so my husband and I decided to open a dance studio. It’s taken my passion and respect for dance to an entirely new level working with young artists and helping them to develop their technique and artistry. Children that have a clear purpose have the power to do anything, and I love seeing them achieve their goals and dreams.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner so far is helping to create a community that so many people have given their daily lives over to. Some of our clients plan their lives around dance, and it’s extremely humbling.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things is being comfortable in the unknown. Not knowing how much money you’ll make in a month, a year, and five years. Not knowing who you’ll hire in the future. Not knowing where the business will relocate when it’s time to expand. All of the unknowns can be scary but also exciting.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don’t try to do everything on your own.
- Be on top of your social media.
- Make genuine connections with your clients.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Continue to remember why you're passionate about your business. It can be hard to remember when you’re just starting out and trying to make enough money to survive. Each day is an investment towards the future of your business and will bring you one step closer to where you see it growing. Lastly, keep toxic people out. It isn’t worth keeping clients that try to control you with money. They are not worth your sanity or the well-being of your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.leftondancecomplex.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leftondancecomplex/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leftondancecomplex/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/leftonldc/
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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