We recently connected with Shay Williamson and have shared our conversation below.

Shay, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

One of the biggest challenges in Circus business ownership is absolutely the profitability margin. it *looks* like a mostly empty building with a few pieces of equipment and some mats. When realistically- buying quality and SAFE equipment and mats is a huge and constant expense. Hiring professionally trained instructors comes with a wage that is comparable; and rent and insurance on a circus space is much higher than most would think. There are innumerable traditional fitness gyms around offering $10/month memberships is one of the largest hurdles to to jump. In general, people can’t understand why specialty fitness and dance should, and MUST cost more than $10/month.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My Name is Shay Williamson and I own multiple businesses in the circus and dance industry. My heart and soul lies in my circus Studio, Cirque du Kairos. We have 2 locations0 one in Ogden and one inn Centerville, Utah. Kairos is a circus for Every Body! Whether you want a strict training schedule and to be set on a track to perform, or if you just want to try something fun and new for exercise- we are the place for you! We are queer and femme owned and operated and are known to be radically inclusive. We offer introduction level classes for pole dance, aerial silks, hammock, lyra, and more. Plus classes in flexibility, group fitness, dance , yoga and more – all the way up to professional level training. Not only am i so proud of this inclusive, fun and safe space we have created together- I am really, very proud of my charity production- WORTHY, A circus with a cause. WORTHY is an annual circus production benefit for The American foundation for suicide prevention- Utah Chapter. This show just completed its 5th year and made a final donation amount of $35,550! Bringing our 5 year total to well over $100,000 donated to AFSP-Utah. I would love potential clients and students to know that RIGHT NOW is tthe perfect time to run away and join the circus. You do not need to have X number of pull ups, or be “a little stronger first”, no need to lose weight or change your body at all. Kairos is ready for you as you are- perfectly imperfect. If you have ever wanted to try, now is the time!
You can find u on facebook at Circque du Kairos Ogden & Cirque du Kairos Centerville; on instagram at @CirqueduKairos, or online at www,dancekairos.com. Text and email are available.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I think it is extremely important to do your best to keep your team happy and feeling respected ( because you are actually respecting them). Listening to your teams input is one of the most important things I have learned that I can do. There are 35 of them and only one of me. I cannot possibly see and hear al of the students feedback, nor am i in on the ground floor at all times. By listening to my team and doing my best I can ensure that they are set up for success in their classes and in the studio. This keeps them excited about the studio and talking about it. Word of mouth is, by a landslide, the most important advertising that exists in my industry. What people are saying is absolutely the advertisement. My team is clear on the studio mission statements and goals, we have an open door policy, a “say what you feel”- with respect, model and frequent check ins. All of these things help everyone to be clear on the studio goals. When the instructors have feedback for me, they know it will be received and if applicable and answer and explanation will be provided along with a resolution, if necessary.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Can anyone say COVID? Never have small business owners in the arts been more afraid. I am so proud, humbled and honored to have made it out of the pandemic years with a living business. As many people were, we were on a forward trajectory and the world suddenly shut down. With 2 building tat had to remain mostly empty, empty, and then mostly empty again- we had to pivot hard on how we were going to keep our revolving memberships active, the rent paid (no rent relief for us) and my own bills paid. We began offering online classes included with our memberships, online classes for sale to anyone in the world. Single person lessons in the studio when available. We had to invent fun things to keep people interested and active during these times.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dancekairos.com
• Instagram: @cirquedukairos
• Facebook: Cirque du Kairos- Ogden , Cirque du kairos Centerville.

Image Credits
Photo Credit; Dan Amezcua