The Details: Kristin Kehley, Owner and Director | NYC Dance | In Business: Since 2005
Hours: See Website| Location: 328 Moore Road, Ocoee, FL 34761| Phone: 407-905-0107 | Website: www.nycdancecompany.com
When I first walked in to NYC Dance, I was mesmerized by the number of trophies and plaques that were in the front of the building and adorning the walls. Kristin has been running her studio for 14 years and her competitive teams have won time and time again. She has an amazing offer for those of you reading the blog, so scroll down to the bottom to check it out.
What makes your business unique/special?
We offer classes for students 18 months old through 99 years old. We offer 41 rec classes along with an award winning competition team. 99% of our staff has danced at NYC and all have been trained under Miss Kristin.
In what way have you gone above and beyond in the past for a customer?
This past recital, a family came to the wrong recital show as we have two different shows in one day and I thought quick on my feet and allowed that child to do her group dance as a solo with her teacher. I gave the parents front row seats as their seats were no longer available.
What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you?
Front row seats to the J Lo concert in Vegas free of charge.
What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? Why?
All costume companies, Rhinestones unlimited, and SDA competitions. All of them help create the magic.
Tell us about YOU:
I am originally from New York. I moved down to Florida at the age of 18. At the age of 20, I opened NYC Dance. We quickly outgrew our first location and doubled in size at our second location. I am a single mom, recently divorced from a domestic violence relationship. I have a beautiful 2 1/2 year old daughter and life is awesome.
What are you passionate about outside of your business?
My family and Disney.
Describe your PERFECT day:
Going to the studio with my daughter and ending it with dinner and fireworks at Disney World.
What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
My dance teacher and my parents. My dance teacher because she has taught me to always go that extra step in the competition world. My parents for taking a risk on me at such a young age and allowing me to follow my dream of owning a dance studio, never giving up on me, and always there to teach me the rights and wrongs about business as they also own a business.
What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
Be kind. You never know what kind of day your customers have had before they got to the studio or what struggles they are going through in their personal life.
What advice do you have for other women entrepreneurs?
If you are not ready to work a 24/7 job do not do it. You have to have tough skin.
What struggles have you faced as a woman running her own business?
People talk down to you because you are a female. Also, being so young was not helpful especially with male clients and being in the south.
What would you say is your biggest accomplishment as a female entrepreneur?
Not only being in business for 14 years, but being one of 6 studios in the nation to win SDA excellence of Entertainment award and also being the only dance studio in Ocoee.
Do you have any special deals, events, or coupons currently?
Show us this article and we will give you a free class.
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