Today we’d like to introduce you to Devante Williams.
Hi Devante, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a serial entrepreneur. I started my first business in 2016 and now I have four businesses. I own three dance studios (D. Williams Dance Academy), a mobile bartending business (Boss Bartender), a massage therapy business (Renew Stretch Therapy), and an event venue (The Grande Soiree).
I started working at age 15 and for nine years I honed my skills in customer service, communication, marketing, advertising, and business development. While working hard and learning from the companies I worked for, I continued to train in dance and grind behind the bar to one day step out on my own and become the boss I knew I could be.
Once I gained the courage and finances to step out on my own, D. Williams Dance Academy was born as well as my entrepreneurial fire.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an entrepreneur is not easy. It’s stressful and a constant learning endeavor, yet so rewarding. I’ve had weeks where I’ve wanted to throw in the towel, because I felt defeated and that I wouldn’t be able to overcome a slow month in sales or turn a big investment into a big profit. But through determination, motivation, and prayer I was able to overcome. Now when those rough roads come about, I know that I am equipped to travel through them and get to the smooth side. This strength comes with knowledge and experience. I’ve learned that failure is ok when you learn from it and apply it towards success. I’m now beyond comfortable with being uncomfortable and I welcome each new day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At D. Williams Dance Academy, I teach Hip-Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Acro, and Performance Enhancement as well as coach two competitive dance teams. We’ve won dozens of trophies earning grand champion and national titles. What sets us apart from other studios is our vast diversity from students to instructors and our hunger to be the best versions of ourselves. We do not compare ourselves to other studios. We take pride in stating that we earn our trophies in the studio and pick them up at the competitions. My students have been on shows such as: Bring It, Dance Moms, DanceTwins, and Dance Pop Revolution.
At Boss Bartender, we strive to set the tone and elevate the bar experience for our clients. Our high energy and enthusiastic ways become the life of the room as we make sure our guests are served the best drinks possible. All of our staff has a minimum of five years experience and knows their way around a bar so I love to challenge them with new cocktails every month. We receive inquiries on a daily basis and we are beyond thankful for our clients.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I plan to open a 4th dance studio, a 2nd event venue, and become the #1 mobile bartending company in the area. I’m going to retire early so I’m laying out my monthly and annual goals to make sure my dreams become reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DWilliamsDanceAcademy.com
- Instagram: @DWilliamsDanceAcademy
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DWillimaDanceAcademy
- Other: www.TheGrandeSoiree.com
Image Credits:
Lanewood Photography LifeMirror Photography
