Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsea Krisle.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started choreographing at about fifteen years old for a group of third graders for a school dance competition. At first, it was supposed to be a one-time thing, but I was asked to continue working with them throughout my senior year. I can honestly say, they were the group that made me realize my love for choreographing and creating. After graduating and moving from Florida to Georgia, I began teaching at a dance studio here.
Once recital rolled around, I began realizing I wanted more for my classes and my students. Unfortunately, I was limited in what I could do creatively because I was not only on a budget but also had to have approval for any idea I brought to the table. I went home one day and began telling my husband about everything I was thinking and feeling, and I will never forget the next thing he said to me.
He looked me straight in the face and said, “So, if you want more then open your own studio. What do we need to do to make it happen?” After a lot of discussion and prayer, everything began lining up so flawlessly it was clear to me that opening my own studio was my calling.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Was it a smooth road? I don’t think building your own business from the ground up is ever a smooth road! As far as struggles, we’ve had a few along the way. When we first rented our facility we were not only told by the Fire Marshal our mirrors had to be installed differently but that we had to build a brand new wall to hold them up.
We’ve had random roof leaks that have caused canceled classes, students have come and gone for different reasons, and my all time favorite was the day we came in and the studio had flooded. We were a week away from our end of the year recital and when we came in for the class we had about 2 inches of water that had come in from under the door to the back entrance. Not only did the floor have to be replaced, but classes were canceled for the remainder of the week!
With one week to go till a performance, if you work in any performance related industry you know show week is one of those weeks where if anything can go wrong, it will go wrong! Add a flood on top of it and you’re officially in crazy town! I can say, even with the bumps in the road, opening this studio has been one of the greatest adventures we’ve ever had, these struggles add to our story, and hey, it definitely keeps us on our toes!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Soles On Fire Dance Academy story. Tell us more about the business.
Here at Soles On Fire Dance Academy, we offer classes for all ages, this includes children and adults. We specialize in all styles of dance, including but not limited to Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern/Contemporary, Latin dance, and more. If we don’t currently offer a style you’re interested in taking, let us know and we will find a way to make your dream a reality.
One of the things I’m the most proud of is the versatility we are able to offer our dancers. Our faculty members, including myself, have all trained in different places with multiple choreographers, therefore we’re able to offer a different style of teaching regardless of who you take a class with.
I believe what sets us apart is we truly strive to be a family-friendly studio. Whether you’re a trial student, recreational student, or competition team member, we want to make you feel like you’re at home with us.
Our goal is to provide a family atmosphere where no matter who you are you’re welcomed with open arms and feel as if you’ve been with us since day one.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I wouldn’t call it luck, personally I believe everything that has happened both good and bad has all been apart of God’s plan for my life and my business. Most people don’t start their business at twenty years old, they also don’t usually have kids in their first two years of business.
I believe I was called to open my business at only twenty years old to help show people my age and younger that you don’t have to wait until you’re in your thirties or forties to do what you feel you’re being called to do with your life. If you have a dream of opening your own company, age shouldn’t be a factor in your decision-making process. Yes, age is going to cause a different effect with some customers more than others. However, I do know my studio has gained business because all of my faculty is under the age of thirty.
As long as you are running your business the best way you know how you will succeed. If you fail the first time, that’s okay, your dream could be the right thing just in the wrong timing. Wait some time and try again when you feel you’re ready. Something else I mentioned earlier was, most people don’t have kids in their first two years of being a business owner. God decided to bless us with our wonderful son last November.
There have been times where it’s been tough having a baby and running a business. But like I said before, I believe I was led to open this business when I did because not only will young people in their early twenties see there is hope for opening a business but young parents and honestly, all parents should be encouraged to go after your dreams and make them a reality regardless of the size of your family.
Pricing:
- $25 One-Time Registration Fee
Contact Info:
- Address: 31 E Broad St, Newnan, GA 30263
- Website: www.solesonfiredance@gmail.com
- Phone: 770-545-2965
- Email: solesonfiredance@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/solesonfiredance
- Facebook: facebook.com/solesonfiredance
- Twitter: twitter.com/Soles_On_Fire
Image Credit:
Tray Krisle, Ashley Thompson, Hall of Fame Dance Challenge, Alex Garansson
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
