Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Chiasson.
Becky, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I knew I wanted to open a dance studio since I was in High School. In college I studied Business Management and participated in the dance program and eventually taught classes as well. When I graduated college, I went to my old dance studio to see if I could teach and help out. When I discovered the studio was vacant, I knew it was a sign. I didn’t think I would start my own business so soon, but I knew I had to jump in. I started my dance studio with no money and no leads on students. I literally started from nothing. I went on social media and did as much free advertising as I could. I made a Facebook group and made all of my friends share it. I called the newspaper and told them my story and they did an article on the opening of my studio! I couldn’t afford to actually advertise so I did the best I could! That summer I gathered enough interest to start my studio with about 20 students. By the end of the first season, I had 35. The next year I doubled, and for a few years after that as well! After 2 years in that small studio that I stumbled upon, it was time for something bigger. I moved into a new building down the road and expanded. I had two studios and could offer more classes and hired more teachers. I kept on growing each year and even started a growing Competition Team! My team went on to compete in local and National competitions, perform for professional sports teams, on a cruise ship, and even in Disney World! 3 years ago, I moved to an even bigger studio (7,000 sq. feet) which is where I am now. I have 3 spacious and professional studios, and over 225 students. I feel like I have achieved what I always dreamed about when I was first starting out. I am now celebrating my 10th year in business and couldn’t be happier!
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road! One of the biggest struggles I have faced has been being taken seriously as a young woman business owner. I was many times asked if my husband would be helping when negotiating a lease or signing for a loan. I have had to prove myself many times to many people that I could handle myself and was smart enough to know what I was doing.
I also struggled when deciding to expand or not this last time. I was at a comfortable place and didn’t want to go back to square one financially! It was a hard decision, but decided to invest in my business and it has paid off!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Spotlight Dance Academy is a dance studio for ages 2-adult. We are known for our caring teachers and our extensive class offerings. We have classes for Teens who are just starting out as dancers but do not want to be in beginner classes with young kids. We have created a family environment, and the kids feel like this is their second home! We also have a competition/performance team that performs for the Boston Celtics and in Disney World as well as competing all over New England!
We have won many high score awards, as well as for technical excellence and entertainment. We have National Title Winners and have won several choreography awards as well. We are also one of the only studios that has classes for 2-year-olds and also very popular adult classes.
I am most proud of the kind of students we have. They are incredible dancers, but also good people. They are the most hard-working kids I know. They juggle school, work and dance and are always positive and ready to work hard! The older kids love the younger kids and get very involved with assisting classes and acting as big sisters and brothers! The younger dancers look up to them so much and have amazing role models. I am so happy that I get to house those kinds of relationships and give these dancers a safe and happy place to be.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, Westford is an awesome place for my dance studios. There are a lot of families that are looking for activities like I offer and they love to be involved and are happy to celebrate dance and the arts.
Westford is very welcoming so I would recommend to start out here!
Contact Info:
- Address: 13 Powers Road Westford, MA 01886
- Website: www.sdawestford.com
- Phone: 978-996-4495
- Email: becky@sdawestford.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Spotlight-Dance-Academy-192074645910/
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