Today we’d like to introduce you to Shacoria Rich.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Well, how I started as a Dance Studio Owner/ Community organizer, as a young girl I loved to dance. I was born in South Florida (Broward County) and where I am from dance is just a way of life, almost like I was born into it. My family always allowed us (me and my cousins) to express ourselves with dance. It’s almost all we had outside of going to the park or the beach. My mother attended college in Atlanta and in the early 90s we moved to College Park, GA. My mother was a single parent so as the oldest of her children, she equipped me with a lot of basic skills to help watch over myself and siblings as she worked multiple jobs to support us. Of course, while she was away me and my sisters would sing and dance like we were a part of a gospel group, maybe like Kirk franklin.
I used dance in my home as a way to escape a lot of negativity growing up. I had issues with colorism, lived in a home with domestic violence, and mostly I never felt that I “fit in” with the groups of kids who grew up from elementary school together all the way through high school even though I did make my presence known.
I later started cheerleading at the park in stone mountain. I loved cheer, but in high school I was introduced to the “Drill & Auxiliary team”. The girls who danced with the band, I loved my high school football team it was nothing like a Tucker Tiger football game. So I figured if I could try out next year I could possibly make the team and never miss a football game, which also meant I could stay after school until my mom came home. I thought it was perfect. However I wasn’t “professionally” trained luckily that wasn’t something that everyone had access to at the time we could make a routine, learn the tryout routine and pray that there is space on the team for a “Beginner”. Luckily my coach Bretasha Parker took a liking to me and my style. I was so happy when I tried out my freshman year and I made the High school team. I didn’t know anything about the Auxiliary life or how serious the process to hit the field, however, I didn’t give up. I learned so much in this dance program we eventually got a coach from the Atlanta Hawks. She bought technique into the picture. Although our team wanted to continue our “HBCU” style I didn’t know how much what she taught us made me stand apart when auditioning for college teams.
I later auditioned for Albany State University MRSB Golden Passionettes and made the team. I chose that school because I was very familiar with the city because the root of my family originated in the Albany area. So I had so much family to call on and I didn’t have a car either. As a freshman on the team, I learned a lot. My grandmother bought a home in Albany and I fell in love with taking care of her in her last days. I decided to work with my former captain at her dance studio which is where I learned the business of dance. I learned how to structure my classes and she allowed me to teach classes as well. I was able to be a student, participate in theatre, take care of my grandmother and still dance all while working a job. I was verrrry busy! When my grandmother passed in 2009, I decided to venture into the music industry with my sister “EarthTone Lyrix”. She was very talented. We went a lot of places and learned a lot about “Show business”. This was fun; however, I still missed the dance. Eventually, my sister got a job and so did I, lol.
I started a career in the mortgage industry. I decided that I would tiptoe back into the Dance world. So I went back where I started and coached at my alma mater Tucker High School where I met my former employer Mrs. Pryor she was tuff but she allowed me to do my thing, I worked with the girls for about two years and then I opened my first hair salon. My best friend took over the team but allowed me to still maintain the girl’s hair and image. We were a Great team. We eventually split due to life and growth. I attempted to create a charm school with a dance friend which consisted of dance and charm, but it didn’t go far. Later after childbirth and divorce, I decided to save up and find me a building to bring dance to my side of town since I had three years old.
I found the building of my dreams during the pandemic. I decided I would work for my community with my community to make this a dream come true for everyone. Dance and dancewear is hard to find on our side of town, or a staple for the development of arts.
I always wanted a place where I could have both Beauty and Dance and this is when The Dance Vanity was born. With dance, you need appearance gems as well and having both at the same time is amazing. Here my plan has been to show young and adult students the best side of dance and beauty. The name of our Competitive team is The Fabulous Dancing Charms. We led our team to a grand champion win in our first year. The feeling was amazing to show our girls that with hard work and determination anything is possible.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has its smooth moments. But not always smooth as I constantly have to navigate while recruiting and learning new families daily. The hardest challenge is accepting the rules that you make.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my professional field, I work in the mortgage industry. I started in foreclosures in 2012 and then moved to processing and underwriting from there. This is where I can say most of my problem-solving tactics come from and I can say it sets me aside from others. However, I am known for a good clean sew-in that can last for months and hair that lasts for years. (@PrettyRichHair)
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My ability to always think positive or see the positive aspects of a situation. I hardly let nothing get me down and always find my way around a “No” whether it’s the next best option or I need to speak to another rep.
Pricing:
- Dance Classes – $60
- Hair services – $60
- Competition Team
- Tumbling
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thedancevanity.com
- Instagram: @thedancevanity
- Facebook: @thedancevanity
Image Credits
Shacoria Rich
