Rachel Strong

Long Beach, CA (USA)
Role(s):
Founder/Owner/Principal

Strong Dance Studios

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Location: Long Beach
Industry: Arts
Year Founded: 2008
Number Employees: 1-10 people
Description: As a surprisingly risk-averse individual for my age (33), I would have been the last one to guess I would go into business for myself. Last year I became aware that the dance studio my sisters and I literally grew up at was going to be closed by it's veteran founder and owner who was ready to retire. I left a secure, lucrative franchise consulting job for an industry leader to save the day. Almost a year later, I still think it was the best career move I ever made. Although the business is just barely profitable it is a very viable model that I am hoping to grow, boilerplate and, eventually, franchise. At this stage I need to pour in more money than I have in reserve to grow and stabilize it, then add locations in better neighborhoods to prove my theory. At the moment I am looking at needing a cushion of about $100k to realize my growth goals. I am willing to apply for financing from a lender or the sba at personal risk for at least some of that as I truly believe in my idea. I have a comprehensive business plan and a three year proforma with good/better/best scenarios. I have great experience in operations, marketing and leadership as well as many years experience working in dance studios. I am hoping to find an investor who would be willing to meet with me to hear out my ideas and weigh in on whether they'd like to invest. If you would like to know the end user who would benefit from your investment please know it isn't solely myself! From personal experience I know that the training kids receive at dance studios builds not only grace, athleticism and social skills, it is a breeding ground for self confidence - something not enough American kids have in their toolbox these days. My studio will crank out kids who believe in themselves, not just beautiful dancers. These kids will not fear public speaking, will be more likely to avoid drugs and alchohol, will move into leadership roles after college and will give back to their communities. I know it sounds ambitious, and it is, but it's doable and amazingly worthwhile. Thanks for your time! (URL removed)hel, owner and founder of Strong Dance Studios.