Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Walker.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jasmine. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My dream to open a dance studio started at the age of seven. I grew up in a single-parent home which made it extremely hard to join an affordable and convenient dance program in our area. My mom worked 2-3 jobs in order to provide for my sister and me, so I never complained or harped over not being able to be professionally trained. Instead, I focused on teaching myself how to dance. Especially during the summer, when I had so much time on my hands, I would order dance magazines by ‘POINTE’, DANCE SPIRIT, and DANCE and study all of the fundamentals in front of my closet mirror. At this time, I was also obsessed with artists like Aaliyah, Beyonce, and Ciara, so learning their moves in the bathroom definitely helped develop my inner diva and choreography skills. My passion for dance just got greater and greater with practice and contributed to my passion for dance and performing. My self-taught lessons gave me just enough courage, style and moves to perform choreographed routines for my family members at BBQ’s and family talent shows. Growing up, I told everyone that I was going to open a dance studio for young girls that could not afford the opportunity to dance in Austell, GA, which is where I was raised, and I have always fixated my life around accomplishing that goal.
By the time I was in the 7th grade, I noticed that all of my friends were cheerleaders. They would go to practice twice a week and gather to practice all of their cheers and dances in the cafeteria during lunch. Although it was not exactly what I saw myself doing, I knew that I could be really good at it so I asked the coach for the opportunity to join the team. She loved how persistent I was, so even though the team had already been created for the school year, she made a spot just for me. She also committed to helping me get to and from practice so that my mom did not have to worry. This was the first time I was blessed with the opportunity to follow my dream and I did not take it for granted. I absolutely adored cheerleading, performing and the popularity that came with it. I eventually became Varsity Captain of my high school’s squad and that is when I realized my hard work would get me anywhere.
After working extremely hard all through high school, I was rewarded the privilege of attending my top choice college as a first-generation college student. I am now a very proud graduate of Spelman College and I continue to thank God for the many scholarship miracles that came my way. While at Spelman, I continued to develop my dance technique by taking various dance classes as well as participating in activities that would enhance my skills and confidence. I served as a cheerleader for Morehouse College as well as a band dancer known as Mahogany N Motion. I also became the Step Master for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Eta Kappa chapter and Miss Maroon & White also known as Miss Morehouse College 2013-2014. My time at Spelman was pure bliss until my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer during mid-senior year.
In 2013, my life began to spiral as I prepared for graduation, and I still had many leadership roles on campus including my many duties as Miss Maroon & White. My biggest fear was that my mom, the one person who sacrificed her whole life to get me this far, would not get to see her oldest daughter walk across the stage. I went to chemotherapy treatments with my mom every Friday for about seven months and we were so thankful when our prayers had finally been answered. My mom went into remission not too long after her treatments ended and for the first time, I was able to stop thinking about losing my best friend.
My mom was only 15 years of age when she became pregnant with me, so we were very close. She was very simple and only cared about keeping her family safe and happy. The only thing she ever truly wanted was her dream house. She talked about having a very specific house that she could call her own since I can remember. In 2014, just a few months after I graduated and started my first full-time corporate position as an ETL for Target Corporation, we bought it together. It filled my heart with so much joy to know that things were finally getting better for our family, I took this time to start my mobile dance company, More Mirrors LLC and I also auditioned to become a cheerleader for the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Team.
My mobile dance studio, More Mirrors LLC, became very successful very fast. I started out partnering with local daycares and preschools and it began to grow just by word of mouth and referrals. By 2016, I had 12 contracts with childcare centers and elementary schools throughout Cobb and Paulding County. I would host several summer camps, clinics, and recitals for kids and eventually made more than enough money to support myself. In the meantime, I worked for other corporations such as Georgia Pacific LLC and Aerotek, but it was almost impossible for me to work anywhere for more than a few months. I finally gave up pursuing corporate roles and focused on being a great cheerleader & dancer for the Atlanta Hawks and a 23-year-old business owner. I was blessed to be with the organization for two amazing seasons before my own miracle happened. I was blessed with the smartest, sweetest and cutest baby girl in the world, Jada Belle.
In October of 2016, just a few months after giving birth to my angel, my mom passed away at the age of 40. LaTanya Faye Wilson was beyond loving, selfless and would give her last to anybody. I am who I am because of her and I am so grateful for all of the lessons she taught my sister and I. Although I fought with myself for a very long two years, I decided to sell her dream house in 2018. This decision turned out to be just the miracle I needed to open my very first dance studio, Move More Studio, located in Austell, GA. I truly believe it was exactly what my mom would have wanted me to do. We literally made each other’s dream come true.
Here I am, twenty years later doing everything I promised myself I would at the age of seven. I am now a 27-year-old, single-mom of my precious 2-year-old daughter and the owner of two successful businesses. My mom is my Angel/Business Partner and my baby sister, Gitanya Walker, is the best manager/Aunty ever. I adore all of my family and friends for helping me raise my baby girl and I am very thankful my loving father who sacrificed his life to be an amazing Grandfather. I am beyond grateful because I know this is still just the beginning for myself and my family!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As a single mom, no day is the same and family always comes first for me. I struggle with being the mom & the dad as well as running two businesses that require the same amount of attention. Most of my family members and friends live in different states throughout the United States, so it is very hard to rely on others for extra support. I rarely want to spend time going out because I am determined to build Move More Studio and More Mirrors Dance Company into businesses that can stand alone or require very minimum teaching assistance from myself.
I encourage MomPreneaurs to plan, remain proactive and never steer too far away from your passion and purpose. I live by my agenda/planner that I purchase every year from Target and my google calendar. I have no idea what I would do without them both. I also love the Notes App on the iPhone because I can jot down quick and important information that I can refer to later. I have to be proactive as a mom because my daughter can catch a cold at any time and that will disorganize my entire day. Knowing how to delegate tasks to my employees, allows me to take care of my child and prioritize my life. I have been tempted on multiple occasions to engage in other great business opportunities offered by my colleagues, but I also know that it will require time and energy that will ultimately distract me from my purpose.
What should we know about Move More Studio and More Mirrors Dance Company, F.K.F.^2? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
More Mirrors LLC: More Mirrors Dance Company is a mobile dance studio that was created to provide exceptional, convenient and affordable opportunities to everyone passionate in the art of dance, cheer, gymnastics and fitness. Our Fit Kids Finish First program, also known as F.K.F.² caters to children ages two years and up. We partner with daycare centers, non-profit organizations, elementary schools, etc. Our program has been known for helping students achieve and maintain healthy body weight, self-confidence, and athleticism. Each class is geared towards enhancing their coordination skills, building their strength, and improving their flexibility, stamina, and balance. We believe that a fitness foundation will encourage our students to always work towards a FIT lifestyle! We celebrate our five-year anniversary this June 2019.
Move More Studio LLC: Move More Dance Studio is never offbeat! We knew just what the heart of Cobb needed, a community composed of professional training, devoted instructors and like-minded individuals with a passion for dance, cheer and/or fitness. Our goal is to not only keep you moving but to ensure you exceed every goal you set for yourself. Whether you are a mom looking to shed a few pregnancy pounds or a teenager looking to master that pirouette turn, we have a class for just about everyone! Like your family, it is our responsibility to encourage you to live a FIT and Healthy Lifestyle, so why not have fun in the process!
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
I create all of my marketing materials using an app called Canva. Most of the templates are free and very easy to use on your computer or phone. I also enjoy MailChimp for email marketing. It allows me to reach various audiences fast and hassle-free.
I feed my spirit daily with uplifting devotionals by authors such as Joel Olsteen and Joyce Meyer.
Contact Info:
- Address: Move More Studio
1355 East-West Connector Suite 211
Austell, GA 30106 - Website: www.movemorestudio.com www.moremirrorsdance.com
- Phone: 404-936-8442
- Email: Info@movemorestudio.com moremirrorsdance@gmail.com
- Instagram: movemorestudio moremirrorsdance jasminedechon
- Facebook: Move More Studio
Image Credit:
Art Morrison
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