We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kanisha Rounsaville. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kanisha below.
Kanisha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Coach Kanisha founded Balance Cheer and Gymnastics to provide an inspirational athletic experience to an underserved community: minority female youth.
To our knowledge, we are the only Black and Woman owned gymnastics, cheerleading, and tumbling facility in northeast, Ohio.
Our mission is to positively instruct and mentor athletes beyond the athletic experience. We hope that our athletes are inspired and driven by Coach Kanisha’s story that they can achieve ANY goal.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Balance Cheer and Gymnastics is a Black and Woman owned athletic facility located in Warrensville Heights, Ohio.
Due to the scarcity of Black gymnastics and cheer instructors, Balance Cheer and Gymnastics was founded.
Representation matters. We offer a safe, comfortable, and fun space for students to learn recreational gymnastics, tumbling, and cheerleading.
There continues to be a need for more Black coaches, our goal is to continue to expand and reach as many minority athletes as God will allow.
We are most proud of the positive impact we have on each and every student we coach and mentor.
It our pleasure to serve our community.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
As a previous gymnast in a predominantly white sport, I faced several challenges as I advanced through my gymnastics career.
Being the only (very few) Black gymnast of my career, I never felt fully comfortable. I never felt as if I belonged.
There were very few instances where I had a coach that “looked like me.” and thus I felt as if I was less than.
I was raised by a beautiful and bright single mother who struggled to pay fees and bills so I can succeed in the sport gymnastics.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Word of mouth! As much as I love promoting our business on social media outlets, there is truly nothing like word of mouth from parents.
We serve over 60 Black and Brown athletes in which none of this would be possible without the great feedback from our athletes, their parents, and our community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.balancecheergym.com
- Instagram: @balancecheergym
- Facebook: Balance Cheer and Gymnastics
Image Credits
McKinley Wiley (personal photo of coach Kanisha)