Dance Instructor
Description:
My parent placed me in dance as a little child. I started out in hip hop and soon learned ballroom and other forms of dance. I competed and grew successfully as a dancer and was presented with the opportunity to offer my expertise in teaching other young children. I began offering classes and learned quite a bit about being an entrepreneur. It was a great experience.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
I got the idea to start teaching dance lessons because I had a friends parent who was impressed with my dancing ability. She suggested the idea, and I thought it would be a great opportunity for me as a high school student to earn money doing something that I love to do.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
The first challenge I faced was acquiring a customer base. Friends and I went from house to house handing out flyers and telling everyone we knew. The other challenge that I faced was finding a place to hold the lessons. Various studios offered room rentals at a price. I picked the studio that offered the best room rental price and looked at it as an investment.
What I learned:
I learned that owning a business is an exciting venture. It is so much better to be your own boss doing something you love, than working at Wendy’s under someone else. I learned so many lessons that I would have never been confronted with had I not taken the steps to start my own business.
Youth Dance Lessons
Description:
Each summer start advertising for the dance lessons by posting flyers and spreading the word. Usually end up teaching about 30 girls. Usually rent a studio and negotiate price and renting. Once everything is set up, teach 3 classes per week, each an hour long. After teaching the kids, would then organize a recital and performance for the parents and public.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
Had a friend with similar dance interest who wanted to earn money and choose flexible hours. Decided that the best way was to teach what we liked to do. From there started planning, advertising, and eventually started the dance lessons.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
Dealing with the parents, who were often busy and wouldn't pay attention. Had to send lot of emails and notes. Had to be patient and often remind people about things they forgot. It is sometimes hard to teach young children with short attention spans. Had to be creative and patient at the same time.
What I learned:
Learned how to work with people, communicate, and talk to people who were older than myself. Also learned how to manage money, pay bills, organize, Save money for business in case of emergency.