Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Grace Weisman, Co-Founder of Nataraja Studios, located in Burlington, VT, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Nataraja Studios is an inclusive Dance, Music, and Healing studio that incorporates a Fusion of World Art forms and modalities. Through a healing and therapeutic lens, we offer expressive arts and energy and bodywork for transformation and growth. Our customers are of all levels and age groups, and we specialize in adult group classes and private lessons. We also teach weekly Tribal and Egyptian Middle Eastern Dance Lessons as well as Hip-Hop, East Indian, Yoga, Modern Fusion, and Dance Therapeutics.

We also offer music lessons and weekly performances and are available for bookings and events. Our healing area offers Massage, Reiki, Hearthread, and more. Nataraja Studios is for anyone looking for a supportive therapeutic outlet, community, fun, and a holistic approach to health.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Grace Oriel, and I am the owner and operator of Nataraja Studios, and I am the main dance teacher and massage therapist at the studio. I also am a Mother of 3 little ones, a queer/Jewish/female business owner, and a passionate Dancer and Healer. I love what I do and am delighted to greet my clients and students every day! I have been Bellydancing for over 18 years, and it is empowering and rewarding. It also feels so wonderful to the body to move it with fluidity and muscle control and is so good for one's mental health.

I love doing massage and reiki and can see measurable improvements in my clients' lives and health as they continue with us. The primary motive is the joy of dancing and self-care and sharing that joy with others. My classes include a fusion of World Dance forms such as Hip-hop, East Indian, Flamenco, Modern, Yoga and Dance Therapeutics, and I am also a Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner. I include my understanding of anatomy and body awareness in my courses.

Having my own studio is a dream come true, and I love giving back to the community and making a career that is fulfilling. My husband supports me with his amazing musical talents and plays an inspiring reggae/jazz fusion on the harp. He is also a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist and the music element in the studio. My father made the harp he played and was a master harp maker for 35 years. We grace the studio with it, and Sage performs with it regularly. We love to collaborate and create ethereal and dynamic performance pieces together.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Probably just opening Nataraja Studios on my own during a pandemic in general and with a three-month-old on my hip. I am proud we are still standing and dancing.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Probably everyone says this, but keeping yourself motivated and on track is important and a challenge. You have to hold yourself accountable as if you are your own boss because you are.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Find something you love and want to do all the time!
  2. Write a business plan, and look for grants and loans.
  3. Make a schedule and remember to give yourself a designated two days off every week. Good luck!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Nataraja Studios is available for weekly dance and music classes and performances and for massage, sound healing, or reiki. Please come visit us in Burlington, VT or look out for our upcoming online classes and more. Thank you!

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://natarajastudios.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatarajaStudios/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natarajastudios/

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.