We were lucky to catch up with Lisa Zahiya recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lisa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My journey as a life coach, dedicated to helping entrepreneurs make more money and create a significant impact, has roots deeply embedded in my diverse experiences as a dance studio owner and community educator.

My mission began with my passion for dance and my belief in its transformative power. Dance both changed my life and challenged me. I loved dancing as a young woman but was often criticized for my body type.

I created a studio where I strove to create an inclusive environment, and not just teach dance but cultivate a community.

I also recognized that many children, regardless of their socioeconomic status, could benefit from the joy and confidence that dance brought into their lives. However, I also saw the barriers that financial constraints imposed on some families.

This realization sparked my innovative idea of creating a system where those who could afford it paid for others’ classes. This pay-it-forward model ensured that all children, regardless of their background, had the opportunity to experience dance. It was a small step that made a significant impact on my local community, fostering inclusivity and equality.

My commitment to education and empowerment extended beyond the walls of my dance studio. I took my skills and passion to various underrepresented groups, teaching in the school system, public housing, foster care, and even the women’s prison.

In each of these settings, I used dance as a tool to connect with individuals, providing them with a sense of purpose, self-worth, and hope. My work in these environments highlighted the universal need for creative outlets and support systems, especially for those in challenging circumstances.

The profound impact I witnessed in these diverse settings inspired me to broaden my mission. I realized that the principles I applied in my dance studio—community support, empowerment through skill-building, and creating opportunities—could be extended to a wider audience. This led me to become a life coach, focusing on entrepreneurs who, like the children I taught, had the potential to thrive with the right guidance and support.

Today, I leverage my rich experiences to help entrepreneurs not only increase their financial success but also amplify their positive impact on the world. My journey from a dance studio owner to a life coach is a testament to my belief in the power of community, the importance of access to opportunities, and the potential for transformation in every individual. Through my coaching, I continue to inspire and empower others to make meaningful contributions, ensuring that my mission of inclusivity and impact lives on.

Lisa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

When I was 26, after getting my MBA, I quit my corporate job in marketing to pursue my dream of opening an inclusive, body-positive dance studio. I owned the studio for 16 years, and in that time I was fascinated at seeing how people’s confidence and lives improved the more they danced. Inspired by that, I went to school to be a life coach.

For the last 12 years, I have been a life coach and business coach. When I owned the dance studio, I was able to both make a difference in the community and make money. Having a successful business allowed me to take care of myself, and to teach dance in public housing and the community.

I now support other business owners in doing the same thing – making a difference and making money.

I do this in a variety of ways: 1:1 coaching, group coaching programs and I work as a speaker and facilitator.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

When I used to audition dancers for pieces I would always say to them “If you want me to see you, make sure you can be seen” Meaning, stand in the front, dance big, and present yourself in a way that makes you seen.

The same is true for business, especially one like coaching. If I want people to see me, I have to be visible.

To that end, the best source of new clients for me is showing my expertise and thought leadership consistently on social media, at networking events and through speaking. I generously give away information – via talks, webinars, posts,etc. This has allowed me to magnetize the right clients to me.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When the COVID lockdowns started, I owned a dance studio and was still responsible for the rent ($7000). It was terrifying. I saw the writing on the wall, that we wouldn’t just be shut down for two weeks, so I immediately spent my last money on the technology I would need to teach online.

I created an online dance business – one that very directly served the needs that people had then – to feel joy and to move. I changed the times, structure and content of the class to better work online. That business grew to be even larger than the dance studio, as I used my marketing background to attract new clients from all over.

I sold that business and started teaching other people to do what I did – to repackage their magic (the thing that everyone comes to you for) and to adapt it to the current market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lisazahiya.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisazahiya/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.zahiya
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazahiya/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/lisazahiya

Image Credits

I own them all